Has Anyone Backdated the Airfix HP Victor to a B1?

[JohnT]

I am sure that someone will have and I have just missed the thread but a couple of searches drew a blank.  I was wondering if anyone had done this conversion possibly using the Flightpath conversion set designed for the Matchbox/Revell kit?  I have the conversion set and a Matchbox boxing of the Victor but did think that the Airfix kit might make a better starting point.

 

Anyone?

 

 

[stever219]

As far as I know it’s not been attempted yet.  The Flightpath conversion was designed specifically for the Matchbox/Revell kit so adapting it to fit the Airfix Victor, or the Airfix Victor to accept it, is going to involve significant work around the wing roots and inner engine bays in addition to all of the work already involved.  Depending on the mod state of your chosen subject it could have the leading edge “nose flaps” or the later cambered leading edge, so potentially even more work.

 

Hopefully one of two things is going to happen: either one of the after-market firms (Aerocraft or Alley Cat being possible front runners here) will offer a multi-media conversion kit designed around the Airfix kit or Airfix themselves will offer a from-the-box conversion (the only complete Victor Mk. 1 in the world is presently in bits at Duxford, which is not a million miles from Hornby HQ, and therefore several of the “difference” elements (e. g. outer wing panels, fin) are potentially more accessible for LIDAR scanning.

[sloegin57]

I have the Air Graphics.co.uk AC-032 HP Victor B2 early mod fin conversion on order which converts the Airfix kit back to the original pre-Blue Steel fee fall aircraft.  As far as I can figure out ;looking at the web site, they have not included the outer mainplane leading edge nose flaps which means that only 5 aircraft (XM714 to XM718) can be built from the conversion (four for 100Sqdn and one for 139Sqdn), unless the modeller does his own thing with the outer leading edges.  Also the Red Steer radome in the tail is missing, as it is in the basic kit - but then - Airfix only had a K.2 to go by and that was different.

 

It cannot be long before someone brings out a conversion for a B.1/1A.  Air Graphics already do the decals.

 

I do not think that it is likely that Airfix would bring out a one-off conversion - limited interest = limited sales for a considerable expenditure.  I think that the same can be said for the after-market people.

 

Dennis  

[JohnT]

Steve and Dennis

 

many thanks for those two thoughtful and informative posts.  I think rather than mangle an Airfix kit my way forward to it first attempt the conversion on one of two Matchbox/Revell boxings that I have.  That kit is inexpensive and if I make a Cod of it (a racing certainty) then nothing much lost.

 

regards and thanks both

 

 

[neilfergylee]

John,

 

Please make sure you post your progress on here.  I'm keen to learn as I came within a gnat's whisker the other week from purchasing the Flightpath conversion.

 

Neil

Edited December 3, 2018 by neilfergylee

[JohnT]

50 minutes ago, neilfergylee said:

John,

 

Please make sure you post your progress on here.  I'm keen to learn as I came within a gnat's whisker the other week from purchasing the Flightpath conversion.

 

Neil

It may be a while as that part of the stash is in storage pending planning approval to go ahead with a 1/1 scale house build. I am keeping fingers crossed for Christmas 2019 in the new place with new man cave in the plans come to fruition.  Gives me plenty “planning time” though

[Retired Bob]

On 02/12/2018 at 16:58, sloegin57 said:

I have the Air Graphics.co.uk AC-032 HP Victor B2 early mod fin conversion on order which converts the Airfix kit back to the original pre-Blue Steel fee fall aircraft.  As far as I can figure out ;looking at the web site, they have not included the outer mainplane leading edge nose flaps which means that only 5 aircraft (XM714 to XM718) can be built from the conversion (four for 100Sqdn and one for 139Sqdn), unless the modeller does his own thing with the outer leading edges.  Also the Red Steer radome in the tail is missing, as it is in the basic kit - but then - Airfix only had a K.2 to go by and that was different.

  

Dennis  

Thanks Dennis for the info on the Air Graphics early B.2 fin conversion, I am presently doing this conversion (see Timmas thread - victor conversion, Yikes) I had hacked away at the Airfix Victor fin extension and was trying to get the shape right just using photos and the Arthur Bentley plans, a bit hit and miss! I have just ordered the conversion from Air Graphics so that should prevent that bit from going Pete Tong. You have mentioned the problem with the outer wing leading edges, also you have to leave off the oil coolers and only install two intake vanes. If you check the Timmas thread, General Melchett has linked an excellent colour photo of an early B.2 showing the intakes and lack of oil coolers.

 

Bob