Has anyone stumbled across a model of either a U-2 or TR-1? Scale is unimportant. Would like to build up one for a friend who worked on them. I believe Airfix made one back 20 years ago, but have been unable to locate one. Any assistance greatly appreciated.
Dick McC
Airfix did make a U-2 but I haven’t seen one in a while. Testors made the short-wing U-2C in 1/48 that you can find pretty easily. Special Hobby makes the U-2S/NASA ER-2 though it is kind of pricey. I am pretty sure someone makes or made a conversion for the Testors U-2C to make it one of the long wing version like the TR-1 or something.
The TR-1 is available from Italeri at 1/48 scale (or at least it was as I have one in my stash). The U2C from Testors while basic builds into a nice model, also 1/48 and comes with a good rendition of a dolly as well.
The Testors U-2C is nice. I have this built model in my hobby room. Many years ago Hawk made a plated model of this kit. It is kit #300-300. Italeri kit #580 is a TR-1A. Italeri/Testor made a model of the U-2R. It is kit #580. You should be able to find one of these kits from places which sell old model kits. One of the Italeri versions recently sold on an ebay store for about $22.
In 1/48, Testors made a U-2R/TR-1 (that’s the long-winged bird) in a couple of different boxings, and Italeri has also boxed the same kit a couple of times. Some have parts to make the TR-1B two-seater, and some have parts for the modified super pods and dorsal datalink antenna - the Senior Spear/Spur/Span mods. They are all out of production, but the Italeri boxings are easily available online and typically sell for $20-25. I have two newer Italeri U-2R and one late 1980’s Testors TR-1B kit. None have very good decals - you’ll probably want to track down a sheet from Xtradecal or Cutting Edge.
In 1/72, I believe your choices are Airfix and Special Hobby. I have no experience with either. I like my U-2s big, LOL. [:D]
The 1/48 Testors U-2C is based on the old Hawk kit.This is a totally different variant than the U-2R/TR-1 - much earlier, and with significantly shorter wings, among other differences. If your friend worked on the TR-1, this is not the kit you want.
Be aware that all U-2s are very large in 1/48 and will require some reinforcement to the wing roots in order to get the model to hold together.
Cutting Edge made a boatload of resin accessories for both short and long-winged U-2 kits in 1/48… you’ll have a hard time finding them, though, since they’re all out of production now. They command very high prices on sites like eBay.
Hope this helps, you’re in for quite a project anytime you build a U-2. If your friend has any insider info on the U-2 (that’s not classified, LOL) I hope you can share it with us. My girlfriend spent a tour at Beale AFB and it’s her favorite plane - she even has a flag that was flown aboard a U-2 on a mission, with a certificate to go with it. I’m planning to build her that particular aircraft sometime soon, along with one of Beale’s black T-38s.
Kevin [8D]
There is also a 1/ 72 U-2 under the MPC label. Maybe a rebox of a "Frog " kit as the sprues are made in France ? These can be found very cheap on ebay, I picked one up several weeks ago for under $5.00 with the MPC label.
I have both the Airfix 1/72 U-2 and the Italeri 1/48 U-2R/ TR-1 in the stash. the Airfix kit dates from the early 1980s, and is good by the Airfix standards of the day, and not bad in absolute terms. However, it does have fairly limited internal detail, raised panel lines, and Airfix decals. It was last in the Catalogue in 2006, and shouldn’t be too hard to find. I beleive at least one of my LHSs has one in stock.
The Italeri/Testors kit has not been re-released in Europe recently, though I recall seing the Testors boxing in a LHS a couple of years ago. but is the one to go for if you can find it. It has lots of options, good detail, recessed panel lines, and the decals for the boxing that I have (obtained in a LHS clearance sale in the early 2000s) has decals for a NASA bird.
Cheers,
Chris.
I certainly appreciate all the response. Believe I will see what I can do to obtain one of the Testor’s kits. Thanks again…
Dick McC
Academy also made a 1/72 U-2, think it was een early version.
U-2 Update
Last month I was able to obtain a copy of Testor’s U-2 in 1/48th, out of England of all places! Last week I completed the model and presented it my buddy who worked around them back in the day. It came out halfway decent and he was thrilled. I even uncovered a web site which listed tail numbers of aircraft he was familiar with and made up a pair of decals for the tail. That made it even more personal. I just wanted to extend a grateful “Thank you” to all who assisted me in obtaining this kit. Happy Memorial Day…
Dick McC