Change Of Plan

[Spey_Phantom]

im changing my entry for the USAF Group build. instead of building a USAF L-39, ive decided to build something a little more challenging. i must note that its a whiff but it has been build before, by the fabulous Gery Anderson, this time its gonna be a captured USAF version.

the choise is:..........the Zombite Fighter (from thunderbirds episode "the uninvited")



the model will be a academy 1/72 F-104G (from the scrapyard) modified with ringtail, centerline engine, small canards,.....

i got all the details from TVcentury21 and the DVD's i have at home.
i will post it when its finished  B) , backstory to follow soon.

[ysi_maniac]

a little more challenging

You bet!  

[Spey_Phantom]

sorry that ive been waiting a bit long to start, but ive just wanted to show you some of the progress this build has made  B)
but first:

Back History:

in 1967, the USAF was looking at the development of a new hypersonic mach-3 interceptor to replace the F-104C. after an extensive analysis it became apparent that none of the aircraft companies in the states had the recources or the technology to develop such an aircraft, meanwhile the soviets had some succes in the development of there own mach-3 interceptor, the MIG-25.

Lockheed wanted to to offer an upgraded version of the F-104, but that was rejected as the F-104 wasnt fast enough anymore. therefor, lockheed sent a letter to non other then the greatest aircraft developer in the UK, Gerry Anderson.
Anderson made similar agreements with SAAB in sweden, by presenting hypersonic addaptions of the J-35 Drakken. now he had the chance to develop a similar machine for the USAF. what he came up with was a rebuild version of the starfighter with 2 J79 engines (1 internaly and 1 in a centerline possition), added a ringtail and canards for increased stability at high speeds. the prototype was given the designation ZF-1, but the operational name for the aircraft became the F-200 Zombite.

in 1970, the USAF recieved the first of a total of 300 F-200's, devided under 4 fighter wings. these stayed in service until they were replaced with the SRF-71F Super Blackbird in 2000.

here's the progress on the model, its an academy 1/72 F-104G, the centerline engine was made out of a droptank from a 1/72 C-130J. the ringtail is scratchbuild from cardboard. canards are still to come, aswell as the decals  B)

(PS: most CGI pictures show a 6-cornered tail, when in fact the tail is round)

[nev]

Wow, quick work!  B)  

[Spey_Phantom]

after some time and setbacks (1 week GB came first, so USAFGB was put in hold)
i finnally managed to continue on my Zombite Fighter. she is now fully painted, and the decals are now slapped on, but yet i have the feeling im missing something,...........color (im gonna add some color to the model this week, should be ready by friday  B) )

anyway, the long awaited pics  





just for the ones who never seen the real aircraft, here's Mr. Gerry Anderson's models  B)

[Brian da Basher]

Yowsa Nils that's one incredibly innovative and creative concept and you've really executed it well!

Brian da Basher

[Rafael]

And you used Cardboard (Cardboard, Yum!!!)!!!

That alone qualifies your beautiful model for evrlasting glory!!!

Rafa

[B777LR]

And you used Cardboard (Cardboard, Yum!!!)!!!

That alone qualifies your beautiful model for evrlasting glory!!!

Rafa

What are u waiting for? The master of cardboard should award certificates saying that he has passed the cardboard test  :ar:  

[Spey_Phantom]

as expected, it took a little longer then i thought, but she's Done  B)