Calling this one complete. Built wholly OOB to represent a specially equipped ELINT variant designed to provide strike support through jamming and the anti-radiation variant of the Kh-22 (Kh-22P). This example was assigned to Soviet Long Range Aviation - specifically the 341st Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment (341 TBAP, military unit 27882) based at Ozernoye Air Base near Zhytomyr, Ukraine, during the 1980s (and one I most likely would have worked against operating off Med-deployed carriers then).
This is a limited edition kit and, as such, presented several challenges in terms of fit, but nothing significantly difficult. Some aspects were over-engineered, especially in the cockpit areas for a 1/72 a/c with very little glass and no means to display (e.g., each if the 3 ejection seats consisted of no less than 12 parts, yet none are visible once the fuselage is closed up. By far the most problematic areas were the engine pods wing roots and forward fuselage joint - the latter necessitating manufacturing tabs to align and strengthen the joint. A set of masks was enclosed for the clear parts including internal masking for the Blinder’s anti-flash covers. I also used NewWaree’s kabuki masks for the extensive anti-flash white areas around the a/c.
The kit was finished with no less than 12 metallic shades from AlClad - the most I’ve used to date. Kit decals were used as they were sourced from Begemot, my go-to decals when building Soviet era jets. Trying a different methodology, I did not use a gloss undercoat - the decals w/MicroSet/Sol worked exceptionally well and the minimal oil wash using Modeller’s Oils (first time for me) went very well. My chief reason forvthiscus I wanted the deliberately varied/worn sheens of the metallics to not be mitigated by a clear coat a sci have sometimes encountered in the past and more accurately represent those surfaces on the real Tu-22 Blinder.
Overall a decent build with some challenges but nothing a moderately skilled builder couldn’t handle and be proud of the result.
Wow - That metallic finish is fantastic!
I agree with Rob, what an incredible finish on this build. Unique plane also. Very well done.
Stunning work Will. Both the shape of this aircraft and your careful paintwork and marking make for a very striking display.
I understand Modelsvit can be a bit challenging. You did a great job on this build. The finish is really nice and I just love the subject (which I had never seen until your build). Great job!
That’s an excellent NMF job. I can’t say I am that familiar with the aircraft, looks a bit like a Backfire (Did a quick search, those are both Tu-22’s but the Blinder is a different variant).
The BACKFIRE is ostensibly a modification of the BLINDER (ergo the Tu-22M for the BACKFIRE). Reality is very little carried over from the BLINDER, which was designed as a supersonic replacement for the Tu-16 BADGER..