It’s amazing what a hold the fabled BAC TSR-2 still has for aviation fans and modellers. Conceived at a time when British governments seemed obsessed with destroying much of British industry with ill-judged mergers and cancellations, TSR-2 sums up how even the finest project can die through official incompetence. Suffice to say that the powers that be waited until the aircraft was proving itself in the air – THEN they killed it. May they rot.
Which brings us 45 years up to date with the "Limited Edition" Airfix 1:48 TSR-2. The box is impressively large, though kinda empty looking... the art is OK, but there’s not a lot going on with the typography!
Still, a look inside reveals that at least the box has lots inside, as you can see from the pix. The instruction book is a rather plain-Jane multi-language affair, and I’ll put in a plea here for Tamiya-style presentation, where the appearance of these supporting elements is considered an important part of the whole package.
As for accuracy and build quality, you can view a very detailed review at the Unofficial Airfix Modellers' Forum here.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Big bomber: Airfix TSR-2 unboxed
1:08 PM
By Mr J
you are the man!Thanks for your tips now I can get more information before I start!Thanks Mr J.
ReplyDeletejust been read a book by james hamilton paterson called empire of the louds .when britians aircraft ruled the world .must say this what a realation and truth of the cost cutting money wasting stupid idots in power back then and to day .for any one who wants a good insider book then read this ,as for the lady T,S,R 2,TACTIAL STRIKE AND RECON JET.THIS JET WOULD HAVE BEEN STILL FLYING TO DAY COULD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN USED FOR THE OTHER LADIES TESTS IE CONCORED OR TO ME THE SWAN english eletric buildt to bloody wonderful aircraft LIGHTNING JET FIGHTER AND T,S,R 2 but yea typiucal of the goverments of britian .
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't Government incompetence that killed TSR2 but political kowtowing. It was cancelled by Wilsons Government of 1964-1966 in direct response to the demands of his paymasters - the Kremlin. The aircraft had the ability to fly low and that is low as in less than 50 feet hands free, it had innovative terrain following radar, sideways looking radar and rear looking radar. It could be flown hands free to its target evading radar, climb to a safe altitude, release a load of sunshine and be back down in the clutter before the "sun rose" over the target. That is why the Kremlin ordered Wilson to cancel the project. He hid it by ordering F111's and F4 Phantom's from the yanks, cancelled the P1154 - supersonic version of the Harrier, was on the verge of pulling the plug on Concord until the Frogs said they would seek massive compensation.
ReplyDeleteTSR" was also known by the workers at Warton near Preston where it was being built, as "Mosquito" in recognition of that early wonder aircraft's abilitity to scare the the pants off GREFAS - aka Hitler. Sadly even if had gone into service it would have followed that other wonderful example of British aviation - the Vulcan into retirement during the 1990's as low flying exerts a lot of stress on the airframe. I saw XR219 fly at Warton and that was a sight to behold.