Hi all,
Here's my completed model of Avro Vulcan B.Mk.2, Serial No:XM573 of No.44 (Rhodesia) Squadron.
The squadron was reformed in 1960 at Royal Air Force Waddington in Lincolnshire, UK, initially operating the Vulcan B Mk.1 from August 1960 then converting in January 1961 to the Vulcan B Mk.1a.
The Vulcan's were operated as high-altitude bombers as part of the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent.
In 1964,and due to the use of Soviet Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs), the Vulcan became vulnerable and their role was changed to low level penetration bombing.
In 1968 the squadron was equipped with eight of the B Mk.2 versions, which carried the WE177 'laydown' bombs.
In 1969 the Royal Navy took over the UK's role for nuclear deterrent and the Vulcan force was assigned to SACEUR, for the support of land forces.
In this role conventional weapons would have been used with the option to convert to nuclear weapons should the situation on the ground escalate.
The squadron served in this role until 1982, when their Vulcans were involved flying combat missions during the Falklands War.
The squadron was eventually disbanded in December 1982.
The model is the new release in 1:72nd scale by Airfix.
The decal markings are partly from the 'Kits World' (KW172214) set.
Paints used were primarily 'Tamiya' acrylic:
Camouflage - RAF Medium Sea Grey (XF83) and RAF Dark Green (XF81).
Anti-flash white - White (XF2) with added Buff (XF57).
'Flory' Dark Dirt wash for panel line wash and 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC-311) used for final sealing.
Display base:
18mm thick MDF with routed profile edges and 8mm diameter holes for the model support rods. Sealed and painted matte-black with felt pads on the underside.
8mm diameter acrylic rod heat bent as support rods into the modified internal structure of the Vulcan model.
Top surface is 2mm thick black Perspex, bored through to accept the ten squadron badges, the two acrylic support rods and black edge screws.
Ten 25mm diameter lapel badges, representing the Vulcan squadrons, with the rear face clamping pins removed and filed flat.
A woven No.44 Squadron patch.
A clear acrylic cover fits over the display as protection against dust or damage.
Please excuse the quality of the photographs - not that great.
Mike