1/72 Trumpeter Tupolev TU-16 K-10 Badger C

Gallery Article by Andy Davies on Sept 26 2011

 

This then is the the 1/72nd Trumpeter TU-16 Badger C missile carrying version of the ubitquitous Badger. It's one of Trumpeters earlier attempts and as such isn't that bad, though as per usual there are a few shape errors and areas that need updating. The model certainly represents good value for money with a wealth of weapons to chose from. This is my favorite version though being the earlier K-10-26 version with the AS-2 Kipper missile underslung the fuselage. You can also build the later Badger C mod version which had updated avionics, different aerials and blisters and generally carried the AS-6 Kingfish missiles on the wings, or more likely only one on the port side, rather than the obsolete Kipper, (though as usual with the Soviets it was quite often seen carrying all three!!). The most obvious error with the kit is the shape of the canopy which is way too slanted but very hard to rectify, (wish someone would do something about it as it just needs a new profile shape), but also there are issues with the intakes which can only be displayed with the FOD covers on unless like me you fit the excellent NeoMega resin replacements), the exhaust cans and shape of the rear engine area, (which again has been reshaped and the Neo mega set added), the port wingtip which houses the unique IFR gear, (again replaced with NeoMega one), and the undercarriage which I've replaced completely using Evergreen and aluminium rod plus bits from the spares box. This version of the kit also includes a nice PE set which is great for the missiles and aerials.

 

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The other big problem is fitting the AS-2 Kipper missile as Trumpeter has you simply cutting a slot in the bomb bays and gluing the thing on!!! which is completely wrong!! as it was actually carried semi recessed much like the V-Bombers Blue Steel and as such I cut and sanded the top side to shape, reinforced the inside and glued to the lower fuselage , (in the correct place as opposed to the instructions placement), so now it not only fits properly but now also hangs the right distance from the deck!.

Finished using Alclad Airframe aluminium, duralumin, jet exhaust, magnesium, dark aluminium, burnt metal, semi matt aluminium and dull aluminium the thing was Kleared before decal placement, then given a coat of Vallejo satin varnish before being finished off with Vallejos matt to seal everything in. The kits decals were promptly binned and replacements used from a superb generic Soviet set given to me at Telford by a very kind Russian gent (thanks Vesily), stars, codes, stencils, all the black dilectric and flush aerial ones cut from solid black decal using an ali template....

References came from Yefim Gordons excellent Aerofax book, Aircraft in Action number 108 and various articles that I've collected over the years...

Next in this series should be my all time favourite Soviet monster, the Blinder KPD.

Hope you like it, it was a quick fun build and adds nicely to my ever growing collection of Soviet monsters!!,

Andy Davies

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Photos and text © by Andy Davies