"Xian JHU-6"
Trumpeter model in 1/72 scale made by Meindert de Vreeze
The Tupolev type Tu-16 NATO Codename "Badger" has been issued in 1/72 scale by Trumpeter from China.
These new Chinese kit manufacturer succeeds in improving it's kits all the time. This kit is very good indeed.
The kit has been issued in several versions; this kit being the Chinese Badger H-6 Kit No. 01614 refuelling tanker version, including the refuelling pods. This one is subject of this page; other releases are Soviet Badger, including USSR decals and markings for an Iraqi aircraft.
You will get not only the very large plastic parts required but also included in this box are etched metal detail parts and a photo negative to represent the main instrument panel! Nice touches!
I choose to make a Soviet "Badger" model.
The Trumpeter kit is impressive; fit is generally good and the panellines are engraved and accurate.
The recommendations when
assembling this kit are:
- use the intake covers; otherwise
you will need to add the complete engine intake tunnels...
- start with assembling the rear
parts; leave cockpit for later on. Start with step 4
- I left the bombbay for what it
is; Doors will be assembled in close position
- I engraved the flying surface areas
with the special Olfa P-cutter; the flaps need to be emphasized especially,
both on the upper wings and lower wings. I also cut in the gaps on the
flying surfaces.
- On wing part D4: remove the strange
remaining plastic edge on the tip (mould error)
- I added some detail at the rear
cabin at the tail; the blisters show the details.
Specifications of H-6 :
Wing Span 112 ft 2 in (34.189 m);
Length 114 ft 2 in (34.80 m);
Height 33 ft 11.75 in (10.355 m);
Tailplane span 38 ft 6.5 in (11.75 m);
Wheel track 32 ft 0 in (9.755 m);
Wheel base 35 ft 9.75 in (10.913 m)
The kit seems to be quite accuracy
both in dimensions and looking at the general shape. This is not so surprising
as it seems that Trumpeter from China got access to a real airplane to
take measurements.
The Badger front section has been added and sanded flush. Long but small gaps between wings, fuselage etc have been "filled' with white glue. The model is now ready to receive its first overall coat of paint.
note masking
However, it turned up that the removal
of small scratches was not done well. Although polishing the model, they
still were visible. Well, that means: polishing it again. A coat of Johnson
clear was applied and I am going to try to polish that hoping that it will
help to get a smooth finish....
I polished to applied clear coat and added a new coat of aluminium paint. It worked! I got a nice scratch free finish. New, I masked of some areas and added a different colour of Metal, this time Testor Aluminium metalizer paint. After 15 minutes drying, I buffed up this paint with a piece of cloth. The Badger now has some different shades, adding realism to this model. I also added with a large brush a final Johnson clear coat once dry to seal the paints.
note used Revell masking foil ( similar to Badger foil)
Next step will be further completion
with the undercarriage, hatches etc and obviously the decals.
The model was finished as a Soviet Tu-16K, Badger G ; Soviet "red stars" came from the spare box with single number on the tail. Additional colouring was applied with red intake covers and painted aluminium metal decals in places at several panels.
a very nice
model in the Soviet plane collection..
. 
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Created September 30, 2001