The Scimitar FB-2, the RAF's heavy hitter

[PR19_Kit]

Ah, I thought it ended midnight TONIGHT after the week extension, but it's midnight TOMORROW night!

There's still hope, not a lot, but a little.....................

[Wardukw]

Can only but try mate 👍

[PR19_Kit]

I FOUND THE DECAL PAPER!              

Naturally it's panic time now to try and finish the FB2 off before midnight. 

[Wardukw]

I FOUND THE DECAL PAPER!              

Naturally it's panic time now to try and finish the FB2 off before midnight. 

Best of speed and luck matey 👍 

[PR19_Kit]

The decals are printed now, and had two coats of varnish applied, and they should be ready to apply in an hour or so.

I've scratched up a new IFR probe from some ali tube and glued it in place, with a teeny weeny touch of PSR as well, plus I've cut some styrene main gear doors which will fit the 'revised gear orientation required by the RAF'. 

[Kit's 2nd Law applies of course.]

And I've found a couple of 'winders and their launch rails, courtesy of an Italeri Harrier GR5 kit, and they've been assembled and primed by now too.

It's all happening here at Kit's Hangar!

[Gondor]

No hanging around at Kits Hanger then 

Gondor

[PR19_Kit]

Hell no!

Decals are all on now, and varnished, new IFR probe is PSR'd and painted, some more trim painting has been carried out, and the 'winders are painted and awaiting assembly to the pylons.

But a couple of the decals have wrinkled and will need replacing, and the drop tank has done what it's designed for, dropped............. :-(

So that'll be glued back on the same time as the 'winders.

I may satin varnish it, but it could be left till after the pics I guess.

[kerick]

Carry on!! Its to good to stop now!

[PR19_Kit]

It's DONE, with just under 2 hrs to go, phew!

Here's the Supermarine FB2 XK225 coded L with 16 Sqdn RAF Germany in 1969, based at Laarbruch in the tactical nuclear strike role, carrying a single US Mk7 nuke and a couple of AIM-9Es for self defence.



Wearing standard RAF grey & green camo scheme with Type D roundels, 16 Sqdn's FB2s had a single code letter on their fins, repeated on the nosewheel door, and the squadron crest on the fin top.

In its later years the Scimitar FB2 was fitted with the RWR system in the box-type fairing on top of the fin, and still carried the FAA's arrestor hook under the tail.





While not having the 'single manned' authority allowed to the FAA's Scimitars to use their Red Beard nukes against enemy shipping, the FB2s had an extended nose and a two seater tandem cockpit, thus allowing the 'dual key' authorisation required by the US supplied Mk 7 nukes. The FB2s carried 16's yellow & black side bars either side of the nose roundel, and the traditional sharksmouth marking too.



The underside view shows the complete weapons load, plus the single drop tank on the starboard side to balance out the big Mk 7.  Two 30 mm ADEN cannon could be fitted, but were often removed leaving just the blast tubes in place.



The raison d'etre of the FBA2, the big Mk 7 nuke, intended to prevent  any T-55s and their ilk getting through the Fulda Gap.



While missing the flap blowing system of their naval counterparts, the RAF Scimitars had longer spanned, non-folding wings. In addition the FAA's side mounted air brakes did not find favour with the RAF and the FB2s were fitted with a belly mounted, barn door airbrake, very similar to that fitted to Hunters.



The FB2s provided a strong force placed tactically to prevent any Soviet incursions into West Germany for much of the 60s and 70s, their blazing speed at low level and their heavy fighting ability proved their point to those east of the Intra-German border during that period.

[Captain Canada]

Very nice ! Looks a natural like that.

[The Rat]

Beauty!   

[Rick Lowe]

Nice job!

[kerick]

Glad you got it done! In custom car building I believe they call the night before the show the "thrash".

[PR19_Kit]

With only 1.25 hrs to go in the UK before I posted the pics, and even less before I posted them in the 'Finished Entries' thread, that was cutting it just a BIT fine for me. 

I've taken steps to avoid losing the decal paper again by putting them under the scanner lid of my printer, but with the edges sticking out, all at the suggestion of my lady friend, a very practical woman. 

[kitbasher]

   Top stuff, Kit.  Must admit I do find the Scimitar a rather attractive machine.