TSR.2 "What Ifs"
Parts 1, 2 and 3

Xtradecal, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Peter Mitchell

Our hobby, while focusing on subjects that existed and were for the most part documented, is thankfully not so exclusive to the extent that there is no room for subjects that either did not exist or are presented in the scheme of a nation or role in which it never served. The attraction of these imaginings of “what might have been” is evidenced by the popularity of Luftwaffe ’46 subjects.

The early 1960’s saw two examples of cutting edge aircraft design that, due to decisions of the governments of the day, never went beyond a flying prototype.

They are, of course, the CF 105 Avro Arrow and the British TSR.2.

Both designs were truly ahead of their time;  both have been the subject of theories of government conspiracies and both continue to pose the tantalising question, “What if?”.

Last year modellers were treated to the release of a modern kit of the TSR.2 in 1/72 from Airfix.

This year, Airfix are scheduled to release a newly tooled TSR. 2 in 1/48.

In anticipation of this release, Xtradecal has produced three decal sheets that will give the modeller the opportunity to apply their own answers to this “What if?” question to the TSR.2.

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Thumbnail panels:

Each sheet provides markings for 5-6 aircraft, arranged on a blue coloured backing sheet, a smaller separate sheet providing RAF roundels, wing walk and “rescue” stencils is also included. The carrier film is thin and the registration, resolution and colour density of these decals is excellent.

These sheets are complemented by a full colour camouflage and placement guide, which also includes a highly plausible “alternate” history for the TSR.2 production and service within the RAF and other nations.

Options provided are as follows:

TSR 2 “What If” Part 1

• TSR.2 GR.1, N802NA (ex-XR225). NASA Flight Research Centre Edwards AFB, 1969. Overall gloss white. Day-glo red panels.

• TSR.2 GR.1, XS954. 237 OCU RAF Coningsby, 1972. Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green over White.

• TSR.2 GR.62, JBG 33, Federal German Luftwaffe, Büchel, 1981. Basaltgrau/Gelbolive over Silbergrau.

• TSR.2 GR.3, XS975/BA. “Bad Attitude/Hello Saddam!” 2 Sqn RAF, Thumrait, Oman, Operation Granby, January 1991. Over all Desert Pink, Low-vis roundels and Grim reaper nose art.

• TSR.2 GR.1, XS954. 40 Sqn RAF Coningsby, 1968. Initial colour scheme, Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green over high demarcation line White. Blue and Yellow checked tail pennant.

• TSR.2 GR.73, A8-27. 1 Sqn RAAF Amberley, 1980. Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green over gloss Black. Roo roundels and Yellow lightning flash tail pennant.

TSR 2 “What If” Part 2

• TSR.2 GR.1, XS992. 45 Sqn RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, 1971. Light Stone/Dark Earth over gloss Black. Forward panels gloss White.

• TSR.2 GR.1, XS949. 45 Sqn RAF Little Snoring, 1970. Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green over White. Red and White checked tail pennant.

• FB-112B, 72-0493. 493rd TFS, 48th TFW RAF Lakenheath, Operation Eldorado Canyon, 15th April 1986. USAF South East Asia scheme.

• TSR.2 GR.2, XS990. 617 Sqn RAF Waddington, 1979. Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green over Light Aircraft Grey. Shield and lightning bolt tail pennant.

• TSR.2 GR.1, XR227. Empire Test Pilot School, RAF Boscombe Down, 1999. RAF “Raspberry Ripple” scheme Red/White over Blue.

• TSR.2 GR.2, XS981. 7 Sqn RAF Waddington, 1977. Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green over Black. Constellation pennant on tail and either side of roundel.

TSR 2 “What If” Part 3

• TSR.2J Kai, 37-8501. 501st Hikotai “Teisatsu Kokutai”, Hyakuri, Japan, 2008. Stone/Olive/Green over off White. Hinomaru, sharks mouth and “woody Woodpecker” Sqn symbol.

• Canadair CF-109A, 109023. 425 Alouettes Sqn, CAF Bogatville, Québec, 1983. Over all gloss Light Grey. Maple leaf roundels, Red and White lightning pennant.

• Saab B.55B, 55146. F.7 Wing, Uppsala, 1987. Swedish splinter camouflage, Stone/Olive/Light Green/Black over Light Blue-grey. Swedish triple crown roundels.

• TSR.2 No.17, “AX”.EB 1/91 “Gascogne”, BA Mont-de-Marsan, 2000. Dark Grey-Green/Dark Blue-Grey over Dark Blue-Grey. Thirty year anniversary celebration pennant.

• Saab B.55, 55146. F.7 Wing, Uppsala, 1972. Early Swedish scheme, Dark Olive/Dark Blue over Light Blue-grey. Swedish triple crown roundels.

Thanks to Hannants for the review sample

Xtradecals are available online from Hannants' website

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Peter Mitchell
This Page Created on 13 October, 2008
Last updated 13 October, 2008

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