Soviet VG Prowler

[McGreig]

I'd always liked Wyrmshadow's CGI profile of a Sovietised VG Prowler, using Backfire wings and an Su-24 tail, and I started turning it into plastic back in February. However, after a good start, the project has been stalled since February 29 and this GB seemed like an ideal opportunity to revive it.

A brief summary of where we've got to:

I started this build because I liked Wyrmshadow's CGI and I want to follow it as closely as possible. However, compromises and changes have been inevitable because of the differences between CGI and plastic and I've had to make three changes to my original ideas.

1) I prefer the shape of the Prowler nose and I didn't really want to change it but, the more I looked at it, the less convincing it seemed to have a blunt nose on an arrow shaped VG bomber. So I've added a pointed nose (and the profile's nose is extended, if not actually pointed)

2) In 1/72 Backfire wings are far too large and 1/144 Backfire wings are too small, so I used Hobbycraft Su-17 wings.  As these still looked a shade small I added an extension to increase the wingspan.

3) The final change is to the tail where I've gone with Wyrmshadow's Su-24 parts, but the Su-24 tailplanes are too large and have had to be cut down.

As you can see from the photos, the basic airframe is almost complete, but the fairings ahead of the undercarriage bays and the weapon pylons have still to be added. The location of the pylons was a major reason that this ground to a halt, but I think that I've solved this - it'll be more difficult than it looks, but I'm planning to turn the inner wing fence into another pylon. Undercarriage, cockpit interior, weapon load and the various intakes and aerials that characterise Soviet aircraft have also still to be fitted.

When I eventually reach the painting stage the final colour scheme will be pretty much as per Wyrmshadow's original.

[Scooterman]

Good choice on the wings!  If its Russian, it has to have fences!

[GTX]

Any progress on this?

Regards,

Greg