Record-Holding Russian- Almost There.....

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Even though I have, like, five projects going on right now, all of them are in want of something- resin, vac parts, spare parts, etc. Well, to sorta break the rut and kill the time until I get some of the needed supplies, I’ve decided to start something new that I can finish. And it’s a goodie… [}:)]

The Plane

The subject for this build is the Tupolev ANT-25, a plane built in 1935 to break distance records. The most unique feature externally was it’s immense wingspan- longer than a B-17’s. However, UNlike the B-17, the ANT-25 only had one engine. The high-aspect ratio wing was used becasue of it’s higher efficiency in flight and because there was room for more fuel. Several long distance flights were undertaken over the North Pole, the longest starting in Russia and ending in southern California. This was a new dstance record for a non-stop flight at 6,306 miles. As impressive at that was, what’s more is that there was still 1,500 kgs of fuel left in the tanks! It didn’t have the authority to continue on to Mexico, and the pilots were not eager to strike out east over the Rockies.

The Kit

I’ve wanted a kit of the ANT-25 for a while, but I had no idea how to get one. Well, one day someone on these forums (a one jeaton01) showed off a built-up model of one and mentioned that he had another kit from a Russian company known as UKAR that he probably would never build. Long story short- his kit is now mine. Thanks, Jeaton! [:D]

That being said, this kit is rather rough. There are some nasty short shots on the upper wings, flash as thick as the kit parts on EVERYTHING, opaque clear parts, and the plastic itself may be suspect. In fact, it looks like there’s dirt or something actually imbedded in the plastic of the upper wings… Not a problem- just interesting.

I would have gotten some sprue shots, but the mosquitos were eating me alive, so this was really a “snap and run” situation. [;)]

I think tonight is just going to be a clean-up session- removing flash, MASSIVE ejector pin marks, and cleaning out windows and intakes.

Check back for updates! [8-]

2

Mike-

I am so surprised that you would choose such an unusual subject to build…

NOT! [:D]

What a cool kit… can’t wait to see that one.

Looks kinda like a U-2 with those long wings.

3

Mike -

I s this the same aircraft that Lt. Chaklov flew when he circumpolared to Vancouver, WA? I am reasonably sure that his plane was an Antonov, just not sure of the model…looks like it will be quite a cool project, at any rate!

Brian [C):-)]

4

It’s one and the same. However, it’s not an Antonov- it’s a Tupolev. Before they started using the Tu- designation, they used ANT. It stood for ANdrei Tupolev, and was used up until around the start of WWII. In fact, the alternate name for the Petlyakov Pe-8 was the TB-7 (Tupolev Bomber), but more importantly was the ANT-42. It was designed by Tupolev and built by Petlyakov.

It’s sort of like how the Fw 190 became the Ta 152, in honor of Curtiss Tank, the designer.

I think that the Vancouver flight was one of the earlier ones. Two paint schemes are provided becasue I’m pretty sure the Vancouver and California flights were by different aircraft. I plan on doing the box art example, but I’m not sure which flight that one flew.

5

That’s exactly what I was thinking!

6

Hey Lucien, hows the triplane? that is a nice project.

7

just a little nitpick, the correct name is Kurt Tank.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Tank

Good luck with your build, it looks like a tricky one.

8

D’OH! Yup, you are indeed correct. Kurt, not Curtiss. I don’t know what the heck I was thinking… [%-)] Sort of ironic, too, when you read the rest of my post…

Bondoman- Belive it or not, a triplane is actually one of my stalled projects! The only thing is that it’s actually a scratchbuild… Remember that OTHER Russian plane? [;)]

Thanks for the comments. I got all the windows cleaned out, and I think tomorrow or this weekend I’ll start on detailing the interior. Nothing much because the canopy is small, but enough to get the idea across.

9

Okay, the interior is pretty much finished. I put as much work into it as I plan on putting into it. Now, these pics may look pretty rough, and they are. But remember that 99% of this will be hidden as soon as I slap the canopy on. That being said, here’s what I got-

I’m not using the kit pieces for the smaller windows, so the fuselage is pretty much ready to be glued together. Until then!

10

Now, I’m one of those guys who likes to get as much assembled as he can before he begins the drudgery of cleanup work, and this kit is no exception. Therefore, in relatively short order, I present the airframe, I’d say 82% completed.

Now remember- seam work hasn’t been started at ALL. I did my best to fill in any gigantic gaps in assembly, but (as always) a few remain. The hardest part will probably be the trailing edges. I probably should have thinned them out beforehand, but I didn’t, so I’ll deal with it. I’ll have to see what I can build up with putty. No biggie.

Here’s a little sample of the kind of seams I’m dealing with.

(Notice the small chip up by the radiator intake- one of the many short shots. Ah, well)

Next update? Probably some boring shots after cleanup, with putty and stuff slathered all over it. Until then!

11

Well, you’ve jumped right on it, haven’t you Mike. Looks like good progress. I’d feel guilty about the gaps, but like I told you, the one I built was molded even worse! It had a tunnel in one wing from a short shot, like a termite had bored through. But it all worked out OK in the end.

12

A termite, eh?.. wow. That’s pretty bad! And yeah, I couldn’t resist. It’s just so COOL looking!

I’m actually slightly suprised. Once you get past the thick parts and gigantic amouts of flash, there’s actually a suprisingly nice kit in there! Stuff like the landing gear could have been real bad (basic and thick), but they aren’t. The antenna loop is nice and fine (and molded nicely, thankfully), and when the parts are molded nice like this, it’s pretty good quality!

I compared it to a walkaround set of photos from (I’m pretty sure) the real thing, and there’s honestly not much I have to add. I’ll give it another look, but I haven’t found anything yet.

My only dread right now? The decals. Dare I ask how yours cooperated (or didn’t)? I’m REAL wary of painting on my own markings, especally that text… iiee.

Ah, we’ll burn that bridge when we get there.

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Well, whaddyaknow… I DO still know how to finish a model or two! At least, I’m getting a lot closer than I have been lately…

In any case, I have finally been able to lay down (arguably) one of the prettiest aviation paint schemes ever.

The cowl color is a bit of a mystery. The instructions call for a medum blue, but from the ONE color photo I could find of the real thing, the cowl looks black. Well, I decided to split the difference and paint it gunmetal- basically a really dark blue. A little TOO dark, as it turns out, but I’m still happy with the results.

I still need to touch up a bit around the edges, but nothing major.

Decals soon to follow!

14

Looks real nice LH. You will definatley take the “Not Often Modeled Subject” award when you are done.

15

Its so strange seeing you build an odd russian subject…weird…[:-^]anyway it looks good. I really like the paint.

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It’s good to see it built, Mike. I used a pretty dark blue on the nose too, none of the pictures I found looked at all like a medium or light blue on the nose. We’ll have to photoshop a formation shot, eh?

17

That’s looking great- very interesting build!

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Well, sorta an update. I’ve got the decals on and am currently working on the landing gear (and reminding myself that I can’t paint tires to save my life), and got to thinking. Sure, I could put up a photo update now, but it would look pretty much finished. Therefore, you’ll all have to hold off until I actually this this thing finished to see any more photos.

Don’t worry, though. It shouldn’t take me too long to finish up. (Let me tell you, though- she’s looking pretty snappy!)

Thanks for the comments!

19

The Vancouver flight was by an ANT-25. They intended to fly to California, but had to set down in Vancouver, Washington due to several problems that had burned up all their fuel. [link]http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=7208[/link]

I was at the Pearson Field Museum a couple of weeks ago and bought an ANT-25 mug. Vancouver has a street named after the pilot.

Bill

20

Yeah, the whole story is pretty amazing. And, believe it or not, that link contains the ONLY color photograph of the ANT-25 that I could find.

I find it even more interesting that there was a SECOND flight that made it all the way to California, and they had to land because (A) they didn’t have the clearance to continue on into Mexico, and (B) they didn’t feel safe trying to make it over the Rockies. There was still quite a bit of fuel left in the tanks upon landing. In fact, no ANT-25 ever demostrated its full range potential.