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Javelin GT - Airfix 1/48 Javelin Converted to FAW.7

neilfergylee
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neilfergylee Established Member

neilfergylee

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I still cannot quite believe that Airfix was sufficiently audacious to release a Gloster Javelin in 1/48 scale.  As a teenager in the 1970s it would have seemed an impossible prospect and when I returned to the hobby a couple of years ago, I was amazed to see what Airfix had done.

 

A few weeks ago I psyched myself into building the Javelin and just to add a little fun, I decided to convert it to a Mk.7 using Alleycat's conversion set.  I must confess that I was a little nervous converting such a beautiful model - in my opinion, Airfix have made a superlative model, easily of Tamiya quality, and to take a saw to it was a little daunting.

 

One piece of work I nearly 'bottled-out' from was replacing the kit vortex generators with Alleycat's photetch versions.  At first I considered it a bit beyond me but in a moment of madness I trimmed-off the kit parts and, using the etched brass template, drilled the holes and then attached them with cyanoacrylate.  It worked perfectly and was by no means as tricky as I feared.  I was glad I did the job.  Alleycat's resin tail section fitted very well and with a modicum of filler it is difficult to spot the join.  I did take the easy route and model a Firestreak-fitted aircraft but my next Javelin will be an earlier gun-only model.

 

The model was painted with Tamiya spray silver on the undersurfaces and Mr. Paint DSG and DG.  I used Montex masks for the canopies and a Czech Master pitot tube - only one as only the Mks. 8 & 9 carried two. 

 

Here are a few shots.  The full set can be seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/albums/72157717279401248

 

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The modified back end, courtesy of Alleycat.

 

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In addition to replacing the vortex generators, I replaced the stall sensors with a spare vortex generator and a pair of hoops made from brass rod.

 

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Next on the bench, a Canberra!

 

Kind regards,

 

Neil

 

Edited by neilfergylee
Fixing typos.
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  • neilfergylee changed the title to Javelin GT - Airfix 1/48 Javelin Converted to FAW.7
Col Walter E Kurtz Very Obsessed Member

Col Walter E Kurtz

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Wow. Some excellent detail. I really like the Javelin as a plane and you've done it real justice.Thank you for sharing this. I'm impressed by the quality of your work. 

I quite agree that Airfix have upped their game in recent years. I did a 1:72 Heinkel He111 at start of lockdown and was very impressed by the quality of the mouldings. Just wish Airfix would do a B24 Liberator in 1:48!  

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Lord Riot Very Obsessed Member

Lord Riot

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I love it! Outstanding Javelin and even better given you converted ot as well, that's a lot of work, and it certainly paid off. Brilliant, and the paintwork looks amazing.

 

I have just one of these in the stash, would love more including some to convert but I cannot accept them being about £60 each! Keeping my eye out for ebay bargains as always.

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Mikey-1980 Very Obsessed Member

Mikey-1980

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Gorgeous finish and what a build too!

 

I really want to build one as a representative of the gate guardian that was at RAF Stafford fo many years before it was scrapped and replaced with a Harrier.

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

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