u/Altruistic_Elk3384

> XAJ-1 conversion of 1/72 Mach2 AJ-2: Buildout of the cockpit continues. Using Ginter’s classic on the AJ Savage, additional images provided by Tommy Thomason, instructions from Roden’s AJ-1 Savage, and Eduard’s PE to design, build, and detail the XAJ-1’s cockpit to scale. All this is required because the flight deck is entirely visible due to the prototype's use of a clear bubble canopy versus the heavily-framed production’s version.

> XAJ-1 conversion of 1/72 Mach2 AJ-2: Buildout of the cockpit continues. Using Ginter’s classic on the AJ Savage, additional images provided by Tommy Thomason, instructions from Roden’s AJ-1 Savage, and Eduard’s PE to design, build, and detail the XAJ-1’s cockpit to scale. All this is required because the flight deck is entirely visible due to the prototype's use of a clear bubble canopy versus the heavily-framed production’s version.

> 1/72 Mach2 AJ-2 conversion to XAJ-1: trial fit of major components and surprise (not) - there are issues. Significant gap at the top spine, with what appears to be warpage out of the mold. Not sure to what extent, if any, it will have on the rear wing misalignment - if it doesn’t, this just might have been one of those 🤷‍♂️ moments. Looks like I’ll be able to get the dihedral on the horizontal stabs with some shims. Can't wait to see the felony mess the engine nacelles are going to be.

> 1/72 Mach2 AJ-2 conversion to XAJ-1: trial fit of major components and surprise (not) - there are issues. Significant gap at the top spine, with what appears to be warpage out of the mold. Not sure to what extent, if any, it will have on the rear wing misalignment - if it doesn’t, this just might have been one of those 🤷‍♂️ moments. Looks like I’ll be able to get the dihedral on the horizontal stabs with some shims. Can't wait to see the felony mess the engine nacelles are going to be.

Calling this one complete. Built wholly OOB to represent a specially equipped ELINT variant designed to provide strike support through jamming and the anti-radiation variant of the Kh-22 (Kh-22P). This example was assigned to Soviet Long Range Aviation - specifically the 341st Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment (341 TBAP, military unit 27882) based at Ozernoye Air Base near Zhytomyr, Ukraine, during the 1980s (and one I most likely would have worked against operating off Med-deployed carriers then).
This is a limited edition kit and, as such, presented several challenges in terms of fit, but nothing significantly difficult. Some aspects were over-engineered, especially in the cockpit areas for a 1/72 a/c with very little glass and no means to display (e.g., each if the 3 ejection seats consisted of no less than 12 parts, yet none are visible once the fuselage is closed up. By far the most problematic areas were the engine pods wing roots and forward fuselage joint - the latter necessitating manufacturing tabs to align and strengthen the joint. A set of masks was enclosed for the clear parts including internal masking for the Blinder’s anti-flash covers. I also used NewWaree’s kabuki masks for the extensive anti-flash white areas around the a/c.
The kit was finished with no less than 12 metallic shades from AlClad - the most I’ve used to date. Kit decals were used as they were sourced from Begemot, my go-to decals when building Soviet era jets. Trying a different methodology, I did not use a gloss undercoat - the decals w/MicroSet/Sol worked exceptionally well and the minimal oil wash using Modeller’s Oils (first time for me) went very well. My chief reason forvthiscus I wanted the deliberately varied/worn sheens of the metallics to not be mitigated by a clear coat a sci have sometimes encountered in the past and more accurately represent those surfaces on the real Tu-22 Blinder.
Overall a decent build with some challenges but nothing a moderately skilled builder couldn't handle and be proud of the result.

Finish line in sight. Panel wash/lining completed. Detail parts being added (e.g., RATO boosters) and all clear parts unmasked. Unlike in the past, I did not put on a coat of gloss before decals or weathering. I wanted to keep the raw metal sheen, which varies by panel, and accentuate it as I went through with the oil-based panel lining. Really pleased with both these new oils and the results. I will go back over the decals with a thinned wash of Galleria matte for protection—the Begemot decals laid down nicely and have a smooth, flat finish—last of the tiny bits and any touch-ups to wrap, then off for the glamour shots.

Decals done, light weathering and attaching all the fiddly (read: ‘easily broken off’) pieces. AS-4 decaled, weathered and complete. RATO bottles finished and awaiting attachment.

WIP on the Workbench:
1/72 Modelsvit Tu-22kdp Blinder - and now the decal slog begins. At least they are the usually very good Begemot decals. Starting with the AS-4 Kitchen to get that out of the way.