Bomber SIG 2018 sign up here!!!!!!!

[Stokesy44]

I love her too Chief
The Canadians flew them when we came over to rescue you Brits

Aah, colonials. Gotta love 'em.

[Tomcat64]

Think it's time for a Mossie...

This is a Mosquito B. Mk. 35 built in Britain in 1946 and later converted for towing targets and is similar to the PR Mk. XVIs used by the USAAF.


This Mosquito (serial number RS709 for the buffs) has been restored to a Mk. XVI configuration and painted as NS519, a weather reconnaissance aircraft of the 653rd Bombardment Squadron based in England in 1944-45 (thanks to the museum plate for the info).


These were taken at the USAF Museum in Dayton a couple of years ago. It's a great museum with a wealth of different types from all eras and well worth the visit if you're in the area.

[Stokesy44]

Think it's time for a Mossie...

What a beauty. I think I just fainted from sheer admiration

[Stokesy44]

I love her too Chief
The Canadians flew them when we came over to rescue you Brits

I always remember a quote from Lt Gen Brian Horrocks from WW2 when asked about the Canadians, he said 'Their real strength was as close in fighters, they went at it like hockey players!'

Also, am I right in thinking Canada didn't have conscription in WW2, all who served were volunteers? If so, even more kudos to our transatlantic brothers.

I was only joking about 'colonials' by the way.

[Stokesy44]

Think it's time for a Mossie...

This is a Mosquito B. Mk. 35 built in Britain in 1946 and later converted for towing targets and is similar to the PR Mk. XVIs used by the USAAF.

Looks like it was equipped with the bigger 2 stage supercharged Merlin, I dread to think how fast that thing was capable of going, especially as a recon bird with all the ironmongery stripped out

[Fridgy]

Think it's time for a Mossie...

This is a Mosquito B. Mk. 35 built in Britain in 1946 and later converted for towing targets and is similar to the PR Mk. XVIs used by the USAAF.


This Mosquito (serial number RS709 for the buffs) has been restored to a Mk. XVI configuration and painted as NS519, a weather reconnaissance aircraft of the 653rd Bombardment Squadron based in England in 1944-45 (thanks to the museum plate for the info).


These were taken at the USAF Museum in Dayton a couple of years ago. It's a great museum with a wealth of different types from all eras and well worth the visit if you're in the area.

She is a sexy piece of machinery, that's for sure

[Tomcat64]

Think it's time for a Mossie...

What a beauty. I think I just fainted from sheer admiration
...
Looks like it was equipped with the bigger 2 stage supercharged Merlin, I dread to think how fast that thing was capable of going, especially as a recon bird with all the ironmongery stripped out

I think I've got a couple more tucked away in the collection but didn't want to post them all at once in case it was too much!

I remember a quote from a B-17 pilot saying they were clearing a drop zone at full chat on all four engines and a Mosquito went past them like they were standing still with just the one prop turning.

She is a sexy piece of machinery, that's for sure

Not arf!

[Tomcat64]

And taking advantage of the prevailing conditions here's one of our domestic tigers "enjoying" the weather this weekend - being a luminous orange does help us find him in the snow!

[DrSprue]

Think it's time for a Mossie...

What a beauty. I think I just fainted from sheer admiration
...
Looks like it was equipped with the bigger 2 stage supercharged Merlin, I dread to think how fast that thing was capable of going, especially as a recon bird with all the ironmongery stripped out

I think I've got a couple more tucked away in the collection but didn't want to post them all at once in case it was too much!

I remember a quote from a B-17 pilot saying they were clearing a drop zone at full chat on all four engines and a Mosquito went past them like they were standing still with just the one prop turning.

She is a sexy piece of machinery, that's for sure

Not arf!

Wow awesome pics guys!! Speaking of B-17's!
Aluminum Overcast, B-17G-105-VE, s/n 44-85740, still touring the United States and Canada offering flight experiences.
[youtube]Y771VqCpreo[/youtube]

One of the very few still flying!

[Mylightweight]

I’m having a bit of a dilemma here guys, I’m building a Monogram B-17g Chowhound, I don’t know whether or not to throw a load of after market at it.

I’m thinking Eduard cockpit and bombardier station, Quickboost engines and gun barrels, Squadron vac form canopies sets 1 & 2 and some resin bulged wheels, all in about £70 worth on a kit that retails around half that.

Decisions, decisions...........

[Stokesy44]

I’m having a bit of a dilemma here guys, I’m building a Monogram B-17g Chowhound, I don’t know whether or not to throw a load of after market at it.

I’m thinking Eduard cockpit and bombardier station, Quickboost engines and gun barrels, Squadron vac form canopies sets 1 & 2 and some resin bulged wheels, all in about £70 worth on a kit that retails around half that.

Decisions, decisions...........

Sounds very cool. Only word of caution would be with regard to the interior stuff, just how much will you be able to see? As for the rest of it, guns, wheels and engines, they will look fab.

[Kevthemodeller]

I’m having a bit of a dilemma here guys, I’m building a Monogram B-17g Chowhound, I don’t know whether or not to throw a load of after market at it.

I’m thinking Eduard cockpit and bombardier station, Quickboost engines and gun barrels, Squadron vac form canopies sets 1 & 2 and some resin bulged wheels, all in about £70 worth on a kit that retails around half that.

Decisions, decisions...........

Done just that for my Revell B17, but I thought what the heck it will expand my skills and be a challenge. It's just the price as you say the AM is for mine was more than double the cost of the kit

[Stokesy44]

Here's a bit more encouragement for those of us with a B17 in mind for May 1st.

[Kevthemodeller]

Here's a bit more encouragement for those of us with a B17 in mind for May 1st.

Oh yes

matey

[Mylightweight]

Damn you Stokesy44, I’m gonna have to get the A/M stuff because of that lovely photo!

In for a penny and all that......

[Stokesy44]

Damn you Stokesy44, I’m gonna have to get the A/M stuff because of that lovely photo!

In for a penny and all that......

[DBMiller]

Bombers! My contribution to inspiration!

Bombers by Donald Miller, on Flickr

A scan of a film print from years ago.

[Kevthemodeller]

Damn you Stokesy44, I’m gonna have to get the A/M stuff because of that lovely photo!

In for a penny and all that......

You can't blame Stokesy, you just want to keep up with the Nine O Nine

[demarcation]

Here's a bit more encouragement for those of us with a B17 in mind for May 1st.

[demarcation]

Here's Yankee Lady

[DBMiller]

Damn you Stokesy44, I’m gonna have to get the A/M stuff because of that lovely photo!

In for a penny and all that......

You can't blame Stokesy, you just want to keep up with the Nine O Nine

Speaking of Nine O' Nine...

The top turret.



The bomb bay.



Bomber's work station.

[DrSprue]

Docs Bomber of the day! (I love this bomber's name, )

The B-29 Superfortress "Doc"




General B-29 characteristics
Crew: 11 (Pilot, Co-pilot, Bombardier, Flight Engineer, Navigator, Radio Operator, Radar Observer, Right Gunner, Left Gunner, Central Fire Control, Tail Gunner)
Length: 99 ft 0 in (30.18 m)
Wingspan: 141 ft 3 in (43.06 m)
Height: 27 ft 9 in (8.45 m)
Wing area: 1,736 sq ft (161.3 m²)
Aspect ratio: 11.50:1
Empty weight: 74,500 lb (33,800 kg)
Loaded weight: 120,000 lb (54,000 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 133,500 lb (60,560 kg) ; 135,000 lb plus combat load
Zero-lift drag coefficient: 0.0241
Drag area: 41.16 sq ft (3.824 m2)
Powerplant: 4 × Wright R-3350-23 Duplex-Cyclone turbosupercharged radial engines, 2,200 hp (1,640 kW) each

Performance
Maximum speed: 357 mph (310 knots (570 km/h))
Cruise speed: 290 mph (252 knots (467 km/h))
Stall speed: 105 mph (91 knots (169 km/h))
Range: 3,250 mi (2,820 nmi (5,220 km))
Ferry range: 5,600 mi (4,900 nmi (9,100 km),)
Service ceiling: 31850 ft [26] (9,710 m)
Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)
Wing loading: 69.12 lb/sqft (337 kg/m²)
Power/mass: 0.073 hp/lb (121 W/kg)
Lift-to-drag ratio: 16.8

Armament
Guns:
8 or 10× .50 in (12.7 mm) Browning M2/ANs in remote-controlled turrets. (omitted from Silverplate B-29s)
2× .50 BMG and 1× 20 mm M2 cannon in tail position (the cannon was later removed)
Bombs:
5,000 lb (2,300 kg) over 1,600 mi (2,600 km; 1,400 nmi) radius at high altitude
12,000 lb (5,400 kg) over 1,600 mi (2,600 km; 1,400 nmi) radius at medium altitude
20,000 lb (9,100 kg) maximum over short distances at low altitude
Could be modified to carry two 22,000 lb (10.0 t) Grand Slam bombs externally.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Lovely photos, doc

[DrSprue]

Lovely photos, doc

Yea, I wish I took them though. Googling this stuff can be fun after a while!

Check out this site to see how Doc was restored.. cool stuff!
http://www.roadkill.com/doc-flies-story ... storation/

[Tomcat64]

I missed yesterday's B-17-fest but here's Sally-B


Making Smoke




And at rest...

[DrSprue]

What an awesome plane Neil!

[Stokesy44]

Stunning pics guys. I got chills.

[Tomcat64]

There's been a couple of B1s posted already but for today here's one of mine from RIAT last year with a wide angle lens

[Twokidsnosleep]

Wow Neil

[Stokesy44]

There's been a couple of B1s posted already but for today here's one of mine from RIAT last year with a wide angle lens

And the Oscar for sexiest photo goes to......

[Tomcat64]

Wow Neil

And the Oscar for sexiest photo goes to......

Thanks guys!

Slightly less sexy photos today as I've dredged the archives again and these are scan-from-print shots from the Farnborough Air Show in 1992 - I think I was still using my trusty old Praktika manual-everything camera back then so apologies for the rough quality but I thought I'd share these for their rarity value (for me anyway!)

This is the Tupelov SU-22M3 "Backfire" supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber






A bit of blurb courtesy of Wiki
Tu-22M3
The Tu-22 first flew in 1969 and entered service in 1972.

The later Tu-22M3 (NATO: Backfire-C), which first flew in 1977, introduced into operations in 1983 and officially entered service in 1989, had new NK-25 engines with substantially more power, wedge-shaped intake ramps similar to the MiG-25, wings with greater maximum sweep and a recontoured nose housing a new Leninets PN-AD radar and NK-45 nav/attack system, which provides much-improved low-altitude flight. The aerodynamic changes increased its top speed to Mach 2.05 and its range by one third compared to the Tu-22M2. It has a revised tail turret with a single cannon, and provision for an internal rotary launcher for the Raduga Kh-15 missile, similar to the American AGM-69 SRAM. It was nicknamed Troika ('Trio' or third) in Russian service. 268 were built until 1993.

As built, the Tu-22M included the provision for a retractable probe in the upper part of the nose for aerial refueling. The probe was reportedly removed as a result of the SALT negotiations, because with refueling it was considered an intercontinental range strategic bomber. The probe can be reinstated if needed.

Specifications (Tu-22M3)

General characteristics
Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, weapon systems officer)
Length: 42.4 m (139 ft 4 in)
Wingspan:
Spread (20° sweep): 34.28 m (112 ft 6 in)
Swept (65° sweep): 23.30 m (76 ft 6 in)
Height: 11.05 m (36 ft 3 in)
Wing area:
Spread: 183.6 m² (1,976 ft²)
Swept: 175.8 m² (1,892 ft²)
Empty weight: 58,000 kg (128,000 lb)
Loaded weight: 112,000 kg (246,000 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 124,000 kg (273,000 lb) ; 126,400 kg (278,700 lb) for rocket assisted TO
Fuel capacity: 54,000 kg (118,800 lb) internally
Powerplant: 2 × Kuznetsov NK-25 turbofans, 247.9 kN (55,100 lbf) each

Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.88 (2,050 km/h; 1,110 kn; 1,280 mph) at altitude (9,140 m (30,000 ft))
Range: 6,800 km (4,200 mi; 3,700 nmi)
Combat radius: 2,410 km (1,500 mi; 1,300 nmi) with typical weapons load
Service ceiling: 13,300 m (43,600 ft)
Rate of climb: 15 m/s (2,950 ft/min)
Wing loading: 688 kg/m² (147 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 0.45

Armament
Guns: 1 × 23-mm GSh-23 cannon in remotely controlled tail turret
Hardpoints: wing and fuselage pylons and internal weapons bay with a capacity of 24,000 kg (53,000 lb) of
Up to 3 × Kh-22/Kh-32 missiles in weapons bay and on wing pylons or
Up to 6 × Kh-15 missiles on a MKU-6-1 rotary launcher in its bomb bay, plus 4 × Raduga Kh-15 missiles on two underwing pylons for a total of 10 missiles per aircraft.
Various sea mines and freefall bombs – 69 × FAB-250 or 8 × FAB-1500 might be typical.
The Kh-55 (AS-15 Kent) long-range cruise missile was tested on the Tu-22M but apparently not used in service.

[Stokesy44]

Fantastic pics.

Ever read 'Red Storm Rising' by Tom Clancy? Its about a conventional war in Europe between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in the 80's. Its a stunning read, covering the land battles in Germany and how the Russians try to interdict the resupply of the NATO forces from the US across the Atlantic. There's tons of stuff about the Reds flying Backfire raids against the convoys. Seeing those pics brought it all back.

Its a stand alone story, not part of the Jack Ryan series, well worth looking up.

[DrSprue]

Wow you take just awesome pictures Neil. Man that bird looks so sleek!

[bfrd]

Meant to post this yesterday, but forgot.

[youtube]jUezimNe4lE[/youtube]

[Stokesy44]

Ok, I'm sensing there's a bit of a B1-B love in going on here

You guys are suckers for a hot girl

[DrSprue]

Yup she looks pretty hot to me!


Wow!

[Twokidsnosleep]

Looks like we have topped out at 45 builders so far....have not had many more for a week or so
Thanks to all of you who have signed up and those who are keeping this thread on top by posting such great photos

[Tomcat64]

Ever read 'Red Storm Rising' by Tom Clancy? Its about a conventional war in Europe between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in the 80's. Its a stunning read, covering the land battles in Germany and how the Russians try to interdict the resupply of the NATO forces from the US across the Atlantic. There's tons of stuff about the Reds flying Backfire raids against the convoys. Seeing those pics brought it all back.

Thanks for the tip mate - I know the title but I'm pretty sure I've never read it.

Great video & photos from bfrd & Doc too! The video made me go and do a little hunting and I found this from the Boscombe Down display I attended in 1990; Bone and Buff are both in here! It doesn't cover the whole B-1B display unfortunately as this was before supersonic passes were banned at UK shows and I can still clearly remember the B-1 high speed pass to this day. Seeing a plane that big ghosting past silently was amazing, the boom that chased it was indescribable!

Not great quality but glad I found it - hope you enjoy!
[youtube]HyrCHUbHjbc[/youtube]

Looks like we have topped out at 45 builders so far....

45 is a brilliant number Scott - great job for drumming up that much support

If anyone's reading this who hasn't signed up yet then let's see if we can make it to the half-century!

[Willem]

Looks like we have topped out at 45 builders so far....have not had many more for a week or so
Thanks to all of you who have signed up and those who are keeping this thread on top by posting such great photos

That's a great showing and credit to you, Scott.

Looking forward to May.

[chops1sc]

Looks like we have topped out at 45 builders so far....have not had many more for a week or so
Thanks to all of you who have signed up and those who are keeping this thread on top by posting such great photos

Awesome indeed!

I am trying hard to finish all of my other started kits so I can focus on my bombers in May!

[Kevthemodeller]

Kit and aftermarket all sorted starting my research next week really looking forward to it

[Tomcat64]

Two for the price of one today as I don't have a complete shot of either aircraft. These are both from the USAF museum at Dayton; it's great to be able to wander around the collection, but tricky to get full shots of the aircraft so here are some part shots...

First up a B-18 - not something I was aware of prior to the visit


And secondly here are a couple of B-29 "Bockscar" along with a replica of "Fat Man" - the nose art was applied after the Nagasaki mission

[DrSprue]

Ahh just beautiful birds!

[Lee]

If you are in for a bomber ‘sig build’, special interest group build, you need to post your interest in this thread and get a number from me.
All bomber captains need a number so I can get you into the two random draws.

It can be any unstarted bomber kit, any scale, scratch build is ok ...so we can be as inclusive as possible.
Basically, if it has bomb bay doors, it qualifies.
Post up a reply so we can gauge the interest and qualify for a sig and get your all important number.
Timeline: May1 start and running three or four months depending on demand from the members.


prize developments: Wing Nut Wings kit choice of either a 1/32 Sopwith Pup or Snipe, 1/32 Fly Hurricaine, 1/48 Eduard F109
Hmmm what else how about two random draw prizes as well, ya that sweetens the pot a bit



Participants so far: 45 Brave Souls volunteering for bomber duty

Here is my pledge to you guys:
In all seriousness, I am committed to doing a really well run sig. It will be timely, efficient, organized and a heck of a lot of fun.
I have some great guys to help along the way
I will bust my butt to get prizes shipped out quickly and final results done and reveal video up ASAP.
All in all, it is something I want to leave for the ISM Forum members as a personal thank you from me for getting me back into this hobby and the good times I have had here.
My hope is all participants should leave with a lasting memory of a heck of a lot of fun

Have you an idea on dates for this yet mate?

If so I'll advertise it on the next monthly update

[Twokidsnosleep]

[=200]Participants so far: 45 Brave Souls volunteering for bomber duty[/size]





Have you an idea on dates for this yet mate?

If so I'll advertise it on the next monthly update

Hi Lee, that would be great to get a promo.
REALLY happy to see you do the monthly updates, just so we can hear from you again and know what is what with ISM....know you have been busy.

So dates for the bomber build are May1st to August 31

I didnt think we would get such a great response so quickly and was trying to give ample warning and time for kit organization
for the plug

[Tomcat64]

I think this is the last different bomber type I have in my collection - the mighty BUFF










I've got more shots primarily of the Lancaster & Vulcan so happy to post them up if people are interested.

Thanks for looking!

[Kevthemodeller]

The B52 is an amazing aircraft, I think it's now the longest serving bomber with over 60yrs!

[Tomcat64]

The B52 is an amazing aircraft, I think it's now the longest serving bomber with over 60yrs!

Yep - just did a quick lookup on Wiki - it entered service in 1955 and they're expecting to still be using it into the 2050s so some of them could be 100 years old before they retire

I hadn't realised that production had ended as long ago as 1962!

[bfrd]

I find it somewhat amazing how long some of these aircraft have been around.

[sheppsea]

Yep - just did a quick lookup on Wiki - it entered service in 1955 and they're expecting to still be using it into the 2050s so some of them could be 100 years old before they retire

I hadn't realised that production had ended as long ago as 1962!

Even the youngest ones will be 90 years old, that's completely mad!

Does anyone know which is the longest serving aircraft? Is there a Sopwith Camel knocking around in some minor air force?