F-105K.....A TSR2 alternative?

[Devilfish]

Having read Damien Burke's TSR2 book from cover to cover, I have a few more TSR related builds in the pipeline.

This is the first.

When The GOR for what became TSR2 was issued, the MOD (or whatever it was called then) looked around at suitable foreign built aircraft.  The B-58 Hustler was looked at but it's low level performance and endurance was suspect and this was proved to be a valid reason later on in the aircraft's life.

The other plane looked at, a few times in fact, was the F-105D.  It was rejected, but no reason was given in the book.  The only reasons I can assume would be lack of appropriate range and maybe pilot workload.

With the introduction of the F-105F model workload would be halved.  Now, as the -F didn't come out till TSR manufacturing was under way, it was out of the running.

But....what-if Republic came up with the idea earlier to suit the GOR?

The F-105K would have had no internal gun as it was not required and the space was filled with electronics and a strike camera.

Payload of 1 Red Beard "Target marker" weapon would be semi recessed as it was too wide to fit internally and allow the bomb bay doors to open.  this would necessitate a new streamlined nose

Operated by several squadrons, but seen here in 41 Sqn colours.

Kit is the 1/48 Monogram F-105F with rescribed panel lines and white metal undercarriage.  Bomb is from the Airfix TSR2.
Finished in DSG/DG and high-speed silver.

[Cobra]

Very Cool & Well Done the 105K just seems like something the RAF Would NOT Ignore,IMHO! the Paint and Decal Work makes it look like someone would be Confused to see it in RAF livery! Keep up the superb Work Dan

[Thorvic]

Well it does look the part, and come the WE177, it may have fitted into the Thunderchiefs bomb bay

[Captain Canada]

That's gorgeous ! Looks a natural in that scheme and roundel combo. I love the semi-recessed bomb as well. Excellent work on the panels lines and cockpit ! Looks like the ape on the mug approves as well.

[sandiego89]

Excellent!  Love the instant sunshine store. Great idea.   

[Logan Hartke]

I've got to agree, that really does look natural. Well done.

Cheers,

Logan

[Dizzyfugu]

I've got to agree, that really does look natural. Well done.

Cheers,

Logan

Second that! 

[NARSES2]

I go along with the "it looks right" comments. Nice model as well 

[PR19_Kit]

Brilliant job there, really looks the part. 

[McColm]

Wow!!

[KiwiZac]

That's superb! The scheme and marks (they look painted-on!!) work well.

Darn, now I have to add a Thud to my list of future purchases...at least I'll have a use for the nuclear shape left over from my TSR.2!

Bravo!

[Weaver]

That's excellent! It's almost exactly something I've been scheming for a 1/72nd build, the only difference being that mine would be licence-built in the UK with (probably) a Conway engine.

[Devilfish]

That's excellent! It's almost exactly something I've been scheming for a 1/72nd build, the only difference being that mine would be licence-built in the UK with (probably) a Conway engine.

Decided not to mess around too much with the powerplant etc as details in the book are sketchy. Mainly because it was looked at at least twice, but rejected.  So I decided that, had the decision been made, for expediency, it was bought more or less off the shelf, save a few modifications.

[GeorgeC]

That's excellent! It's almost exactly something I've been scheming for a 1/72nd build, the only difference being that mine would be licence-built in the UK with (probably) a Conway engine.

Olympus Mk301 was mooted, apparently.

[zenrat]

Good job.