This kit was the old
Esci kit, a sadly departed company that often covered subjects off the
mainstream. Re-boxed first by Italeri, then Revell, the impressive beast just
reeks of ColdWar as soon as you lift the box lid.
I was aware that the kit
had many issues, but I just had to put it together Out-Of-Box so that I could
have one of these stunning and fearsome-looking creatures in my collection. The
parts fit was pretty chronic in places, and every modelroom disaster that
occurred over six months seemed to result in further damage to my Italeri-boxed
Blinder.
The actual machines had a
similarly difficult time, accidents being frequent, and downward-firing ejection
seats not exactly helping at low altitude. However, The Blinder saw active
service with The Soviet Union in Afghanistan, with Libya against Chad, Tanzania,
and Sudan, and with The Iraqi Air Force against Iran. The Blinder's relatively
short range (for a strategic bomber) was less of a disadvantage for Libya and
Iraq who were to fight wars very close to home rather than planning
intercontinental missions.
The Iraqi Air Force used
The Blinder to attack high value economic targets such as the vital oil conduit
on Khark Island, and they scored some noteable successes, but paid a heavy price
in return losing several machines to SAMs and Iranian fighters. By the time of
Operation 'Desert Storm' in 1991, less than ten Tu-22 were left and these were
soon dispatched by F-117 'Stealth' in precision raids on Al-Taqaddum
Airbase.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The Blinder had it's
moments, and, however it is remembered in aviation history, it was a fantastic
looking machine that took very brave and skillful men to fly.
I finished my
Blinder in as close to Iraqi colours as I can figure from available sources.
Some still debate the camo scheme and only B/W pics seem to exist of in-service
Iraqi machines, the only colour shots being of wrecked fire-damaged Blinders
that had being lying in the desert for twelve years. Even so, I think this
scheme is pretty close.
I loved building this kit, warts
and all. Just make sure you pre-plan where you will display it post-build,
unlike I did!
It's a biggie for
72nd.
Hope you enjoy
Cheers,
Ian
Click on
images below to see larger images
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