SNECMA Colibri (that's 'Hummingbird' in French....)

[kitnut617]

Interesting find Kit  and those missiles look like very early Sparrows

[PR19_Kit]

Interesting find Kit  and those missiles look like very early Sparrows

They're pretty big, aren't they?

Probably a French equivalent to a Sparrow, but there's no obvious radar set for the missiles to 'ride in' on as far as I can see. The only other French missile I know is the Matra 430, but that's a short, stubby thing. I did think of using a couple of them on the Colibri but they're far too wide.

[PR19_Kit]

As is almost normal for me at this time of year almost every non-sleeping hour is spent on or near my model bench! 

At LAST I bent and glued the last bit of wire for the steps on the erector/launcher and rapidly applied a coat of primer. Colour coat, only one of them, goes on later this morning. The aircraft bit has had it's last paint details added and a coat of Klear applied, and the very few decals will be applied in an hour or so.

And then I'll just have enough time to tidy the place up a bit before I head off north toward my youngest daughter's place before Telford tomorrow. (Did you know she was the RAF's Best Air...................................oh, you did. OK.)

[Weaver]

Just a few Magic missiles to arm the Colibri.............. 

Two of the Magics have a more pointed nose.  I think they are the two I sent Kit from the Academy Super Etendard.  Now that could be Academy representing a different type of Magic (radar as opposed to heat seeker - or vice versa) or it could just be Academy not getting it quite right.

I think the latter - as far as I know, there is no radar version of the R550 Magic.

[PR19_Kit]

Two of the Magics have a more pointed nose.  I think they are the two I sent Kit from the Academy Super Etendard.  Now that could be Academy representing a different type of Magic (radar as opposed to heat seeker - or vice versa) or it could just be Academy not getting it quite right.

I think the latter - as far as I know, there is no radar version of the R550 Magic.

But this is WhiffWorld................... 

[zenrat]

Maybe they truely are magic and there is an imp in the nose steering the thing and a small dragon at the back providing the thrust?

[PR19_Kit]

Maybe they truely are magic and there is an imp in the nose steering the thing and a small dragon at the back providing the thrust?

They're French so ANYthing is possible. 

[Tophe]

as far as I know, there is no radar version of the R550 Magic.

But this is WhiffWorld................... 

Congratulations Kit for this dreamy state of mind, I approve that, thanks!

[PR19_Kit]

And here's the airborne part of the model done and dusted.

The paint on the erector/launcher is still drying...............

[Tophe]

It is funny that, contrary to your siganture word "Any aircraft can be improved by fitting longer wings", this model has a tiny span...
But maybe this was the reason for its not being ordered into mass production.

[zenrat]

Could you fit some missiles inside the lower part of the wing?

[PR19_Kit]

Could you fit some missiles inside the lower part of the wing?

Believe me, if I could get in there I would have. 

It was difficult enough PAINTING the inside, let alone gluing bits in there.

[PR19_Kit]

And here's the whole shebang, with the varnish on the erector/launcher not exactly dry, but what the hell. 

[Old Wombat]

Nice one! She be loaded for Bear!

[Weaver]

Two of the Magics have a more pointed nose.  I think they are the two I sent Kit from the Academy Super Etendard.  Now that could be Academy representing a different type of Magic (radar as opposed to heat seeker - or vice versa) or it could just be Academy not getting it quite right.

I think the latter - as far as I know, there is no radar version of the R550 Magic.

But this is WhiffWorld................... 

Well indeed, and there was an SARH version of the Sidewinder (AIM-9C). It wasn't very good, but there's nothing that stops the French from copying a bad idea...

For the backstory, remember that, in the real world, the Magic didn't enter service until 1976.

It looks great Kit - begging for a diorama base (not before tomorrow though...).