The BAe Tern

[Rheged]

Ideal markings for it here 

http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MA7260

897 Sqdn FAA

Thanks! That's most helpful.   I intend to start modelling this evening.  Fascinating though this ornithology and word-play has been, I really must begin work on converting a poor innocent Airfix Strikemaster into a Tern.............Why don'y you have a go too?  A flock of Terns could possibly be displayed by the end of the summer (before they all migrate) and then we can all enthuse over each others imagination and manual dexterity. No prize, just the pride  of knowing that you are the acknowledged TERNMEISTER!!

[Weaver]

In partial apology for my previous dreadful pun, here's a semi-serious idea:

How about an observation/spotter/FAC version that has the entire front fuselage (everything forward of the intakes) replaced by the one from a helicopter, the result being effectively a jet-powered Edgely Optica? A Gazelle is the first thing that springs to mind, but IIRC, I actually offered the parts up some time ago and it's too narrow, so something like an early Dauphin or EC-something (I can't keep track of them.... ) might work better.

[pyro-manic]

Hmmm, a Tern in Extra Dark Sea Grey with "Bam-Bam" nose art could be good fun.

[Rheged]

In partial apology for my previous dreadful pun, here's a semi-serious idea:

How about an observation/spotter/FAC version that has the entire front fuselage (everything forward of the intakes) replaced by the one from a helicopter, the result being effectively a jet-powered Edgely Optica? A Gazelle is the first thing that springs to mind, but IIRC, I actually offered the parts up some time ago and it's too narrow, so something like an early Dauphin or EC-something (I can't keep track of them.... ) might work better.

Not for me, but it's an interesting idea.  Any takers out there?

"Curiouser and Curiouser"  said Alice!

[Rheged]

Right, I 've got the bits out of the box, taken the  obligatory photos, and  sprayed all of the appropriate sprues in Citadel Miniatures white  primer/undercoat.  I've diddled about with black and silver paints (Citadel again) and the cockpit panel looks as if it might  possibly have something to do with an aeroplane. Despite uncultured comments from Mrs  R  that  the pilot would look  fetching in a cerise or fuchsia tinted immersion suit, he's getting dark blue with the details piucked out in white or silver. Tomorrow (assuming that the paint is dry) we begin the entertainment......assembling the   fuselage with all of the appropriate internals and then blanking off half of the cockpit and thinking about the asymmetric single seater conversion.  It's filler and sanding time!!   I am going out and may be some time..........

[Go4fun]

I can't wait to see how this terns out.

[Weaver]

Typically I probably remembered this just too late, but there's a nice resin cockpit set for the Strikemaster......

[Rheged]

Typically I probably remembered this just too late, but there's a nice resin cockpit set for the Strikemaster......

Thanks very much for this.  Normally, I'd  say ", great, let's have one"  but as I'm between jobs just at the moment (made repugnant in late January)  I'm saving  the resources of the imperial exchequer for paying the mortgage  and the food bills.   This project is going to be a cut price job using only the bits in the box, or my spares box!

[Weaver]

Typically I probably remembered this just too late, but there's a nice resin cockpit set for the Strikemaster......

Twelve quid from Pavla, for anyone who's interested. They also sell the seats and the vacform canopy separately.

[PR19_Kit]

Typically I probably remembered this just too late, but there's a nice resin cockpit set for the Strikemaster......

Twelve quid from Pavla, for anyone who's interested. They also sell the seats and the vacform canopy separately.

And one from Obscureco too, sold in UK by Lonewulf. It's a bit fiddly to fit but it looks pretty good when you've got it all together.

[Rheged]

Yes, I know this is a very old thread, but I've actually finished the model!!  Photos whenever I can get my camera to talk to the laptop.  Tern finished in dark blue, as a Fleet Air Arm carrier capable basic trainer.

[Scotaidh]

Quote:        Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri       end-quote

I noticed that no-one else brought this up, so am I dropping a clanger if I suggest an Australian tern?

[I've heard they don't drink Foster's or take kindly to the stereotype ... ]

Perhaps the Sandwich Tern could be a Falklands based self-defense force?  Can a Strikemaster hoist a sea-skimming missile?

[Pellson]

Perhaps the Sandwich Tern could be a Falklands based self-defense force?  Can a Strikemaster hoist a sea-skimming missile?

Targeting would be an issue unless you rely on something that's either IR homing or controlled by the launching Tern, like a Maverick missile. But they're awfully short ranged..

[kitbasher]

I guess a version that dropped joke books not bombs would be a Funny Tern.

[NARSES2]

I'm definitely going to need another "Book" by the end of the year