FB-57F Canberra, High Altitude Interceptor, Air Defense Command *finished*

[sandiego89]

By 1965 it was apparent that the funding for the Mach 3 YF-12 interceptor was going to be problematic, so the US Air Force investigated if the very promising Hughes AN/ASG-18 Fire Control Radar and the AIM-47 Missiles (precursor to the AIM-54 Phoenix) from the YF-12 could be mated with a less expensive high altitude platform.  Several bids were submitted, but the Martin entry with a revised long wing RB-47F armed with the AIM-47 and the unguided nuclear Genie was selected for Air Defense Command service as the FB-57F. 

Main Kit: 1:72 Mach2 RB-57F

by: Sandiego89

Do I get extra credit for using a Mach2 kit? 



   

[loupgarou]

Main Kit: 1:72 Mach2 RB-57H

by: Sandiego89

Do I get extra credit for using a Mach2 kit? 

   

No, but you have our blessing. 

[PR19_Kit]

MY sort of aeroplane, oh yes! 

Actually that Mach 2 TB-57F is one of their better ones, and you can even see THROUGH the canopy! The canopy doesn't fit all that well though...............

[NARSES2]

Terrific idea   

Do I get extra credit for using a Mach2 kit? 
   

No, but you have our blessing. 

  

[zenrat]

...Do I get extra credit for using a Mach2 kit? 

No, but we'll get you a referral to a good shrink.

[Pellson]

MY sort of aeroplane, oh yes! 

Actually that Mach 2 TB-57F is one of their better ones, and you can even see THROUGH the canopy! The canopy doesn't fit all that well though...............

The easy way around the canopy issue is to cut the fuselage ahead if the wing, replacing it with a fuselage from another Canberra. Any other Canberra. 

[Wardukw]

Love it Dave ..love it love it love ❤️ 😍     

I've got the Airfix B-57 in the stash and this is one version I want to turn it into 
Now your variant..excellent bud 👍

[sandiego89]

The easy way around the canopy issue is to cut the fuselage ahead if the wing, replacing it with a fuselage from another Canberra. Any other Canberra. 

The Testors B-57G shown in the first photo may play a bit here.  On quick glance, everything about the Testors kits looks better than the Mach2.....

[jcf]

A USAF Missileer. 

Some Bendix Eagles wouldn't go amiss. 


Eagle

[kerick]

Will it be ADC grey? Or black?

[McColm]

You could use the Testors model and add the parts from the Mach2 kit to create your build which will be a lot easier.

[sandiego89]

Will it be ADC grey? Or black?

Thinking glossy ADC gray, it is a good looking scheme

[sandiego89]

You could use the Testors model and add the parts from the Mach2 kit to create your build which will be a lot easier.

That is the plan, but need to see how things line up.  lots of cutting

[sandiego89]

Finally got to work. 

The Mach2 "instructions" are rather basic, yes that is the entirety of the instructions. 

lots of flash and soft plastic, careful sanding required! 

[sandiego89]

Major decision time, the plan was to use the fuselage of Testors B-57G (green) and the wings and tail of the Mach2 RB-57F (gray) kit. 

The Testors kit is superior in every way, with better details, harder plastic, better cockpit, and a very tasty weapons bay. 

Not only is the wing of the RB longer, it also had a increased chord, so some work would be required.  The Testors kit has a nice notch for the wing to seat into.  The Mach2 wing is flush with the fuselage. 

Finally the Testors kit has finely raised panel lines, the Mach2 has poorly defined recessed lines. 

hmmmm, not sure the work of the bash is worth it. 



better detail on the Testors





The larger vertical stabilizer of the RB is very evident