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Avro Shackleton AEW2; 1/72 04920
Topic Started: Mar 5 2016, 12:34 AM (1,652 Views)
peebeep
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Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
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Avro Shackleton AEW2

50,000 rivets flying in formation.

During WW2, the value of long range maritime reconnaissance and patrol became recognised, a role fulfilled by Coastal Command with their Sunderland flying boats and Liberator and Fortress land based aircraft. Post war, a British land based replacement was sought and the Shackleton was designed in accordance with Air Ministry Spec. R. 5/46. It was developed from the Lincoln III, a projected anti-submarine and reconnaissance version of the Lincoln. The Lincoln itself was developed from the famous Lancaster bomber. The prototype Shackleton MR1 first flew on 9th March, 1949 and the type was subsequently developed into the MR2 and MR3.

During the 1960's it was realised that Britain had a shortfall in terms of airborne early warning, a role previously carried out by the Royal Navy with various carrier borne aircraft. With the demise of the these aircraft and attendant carriers a new AEW platform would be required. The AEW Shackleton evolved in 1971 by fitting MR2's with the AN/APS-20 radar sets from the FAA's Gannet AEW. The AN/APS-20 itself was only a little more sophisticated than the H2S and ASV radars of WW2 vintage and it's quite remarkable to think that forties technology radar and airframes were used in such a vital role throughout the seventies and eighties, until the arrival of the Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS platform in the early nineties. Twelve airframes were converted into AEW2's, all to eventually be supplied to No. 8 Squadron, flying from Woodford on 30th September 1971. No. 8 Squadron, the last in the RAF to fly Shackleton's, was formed at Kinloss in January 1972. Characterised by the huge radome under the nose, 8 Squadron's Shackleton's would all carry the names of characters from the then popular children's TV programme, The Magic Roundabout. The aircraft were: PC Knapweed (WL741), Sage (WL745), Florence (WL747), Paul (WL754), Mr Rusty (WL756), Brian (WL757), Mr MacHenery (WL790), Ermintrude (WL793), Rosalie (WL795), Dougal (WR960), Parsley (WR963) and Dill (WR965). As the various airframes were retired, others may have been renamed and there is evidence for Ermintrude II (WR963), Rosalie II (WR965), Dylan (WR965), Zebedee (WL790) and Zebedee (WL795). The last operational airframes were retired in 1991

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The kit comes in a large box with the now standard black graphic style. I have to admit, this new box style has grown on me and in this case comes with some striking artwork. I've heard a few grumbles about AEW's not flying low of near submarines, but I’m quite happy for the artist to exercise a bit of licence. On to the contents, the main runners are as large as the box, here's frames A and B:

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Reverse side:

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Frame C:

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Reverse side:

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Frames D and E, two of each, both sides in view:

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Frames G and H:

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Reverse side:

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Transparency frames M and N:

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The instruction sheet and decals:

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Instructions are the new standard look graphics printed on good quality silky paper. They run to quite a few pages and include comprehensive paint call outs and where a mix is required, explicit instruction how to get the correct ratios:

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Two scheme options are provided, but seeing as this is a single type, operated by a single squadron, you can have any colour you like provided it is Extra Dark Sea Grey! The chosen airframes are WL756, Mr Rusty and WL795, Zebedee (time for bed, boing!) There are lots of decals to liven up the airframe and the placement instructions are extensive:

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Included here is a selection of closer views. You may have noticed from earlier images that surface detail consists of fine engraved lines and lots of rivets. The rivets do not stand proud, they are faintly engraved and in my opinion perfectly justifiable to add some texture to what is a large model of an aircraft well known for its profusion of rivets. Anyway, starting off with engine nacelles:

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The wings. I have read elsewhere that the wing rivet pattern depicted is incorrect for the AEW2. From my own personal point of view, I have insufficient expertise to notice the difference, so it doesn't particularly bother me:

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The forward fuselage and some of the cockpit fittings:

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The weapons bay doors and radome components, plus the weapons bay itself. There is a bit of flash on the bay door ends, this was the only really noticeable flash on any of the components:

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The nacelles, with undercarriage bays and landing gear, props and engine fronts. The wheels are creditably moulded with the block treaded style tyres, but there's no doubt some of the resin replacement parts that are available will look superior:

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Finally, a close up on the transparencies. These are thin, clear and well moulded, although some of the thicker pieces display a smidge of shrinkage:

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The decal sheet is large, very nicely printed with good colour and density that should avoid any tendency toward colour underneath showing through. The yellow walkways are printed as single lines rather than being on a unified carrier. This makes for a better appearance, but getting them on the model without wrinkling or splitting could be interesting:

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There is little I can find to criticise for this in-box appraisal - I have mentioned the wing surface detail, although I suspect that this will only bother a very small minority of modellers. It was brought to my attention that the upper fuselage contour may be a little round shouldered, but I have no sectional drawings to go on and the photo references I have are inconclusive. I have gone back to look at images of Revell's own display model and it is not something that stands out or spoils the overall look of the model - in my opinion. The riveting may be a personal thing, but in my view it is entirely appropriate in this instance and the appearance of the parts shout out 'Shackleton'. Detailing is what we have come to expect from Revell these days, i.e., very good. There is enough in the interior to make it look interesting without going overboard and those that must have every last fuselage rib and cockpit lever can look to the likes of Eduard for PE sets that are already beginning to appear. I have no quibble with the fact that interior components are only supplied where they are likely to be visible, although some may feel short changed by this. I have noticed that some of the components in my sample suffer with a bit of warp (wing, aileron, flap parts), nothing severe and hopefully this is not a widespread problem. Of course the real proof of the pudding is in the eating, so I will be looking to get to grips with this kit at an early opportunity, but as it stands in the box, I like the look of it, a lot. I would admit this feeling is influenced somewhat by the test shot build undertaken by Spencer Pollard, images of which I posted on RevellAtions previously. In fact, that particular build sets the bar very high!

As the saying goes, wait ages for a bus, then two arrive at once - the Airfix Shackleton arrived last year and now we have this offering from Revell in 2016. Both in their way are landmark models for the respective companies and if you're a fan of good old Brit four engines heavies, I would recommend you get one of these Revell AEW2's.

Review sample courtesy of Revell.

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Edited by Johni044, Oct 22 2017, 09:25 AM.
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Johni044
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John
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A good few minutes reading the review this morning Paul, great review of an equally great kit, hopefully I'll be able to pick one up at Cosford in April.
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jacksdad64
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Aikidoka
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:thumb: Excellent review Paul.
I was very lucky many years ago to be working in and around Lossiemouth when the Shackleton's were there. My favourite memory was of three of them in formation flying over the beach. :woo:

This kit really looks to have captured the look of the aircraft and I'm sure we will see many built examples soon.


Steve


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phantomdriver
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Mike at MJR just gave me mine....
I have to agree mostly with Paul's review , the Barracuda resin wheels are a good addition , and I grabbed a set of Xtradecals sheet to give a slightly different scheme..
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peebeep
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Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
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I have the Aeroclub decals. And the Aeroclub AEW2 conversion set. And a couple of Frog/Revell MR3's....

peebeep
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modelldoc
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Advanced Member
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It's concepted for the "Shackleton family" hope to more in few years

modelldoc
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DH764
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The Mighty Fin
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This is the Shak Ive been waiting for :yipee: :yipee:
Looks great .....on my shopping list B)

Andy
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James A
Newbie
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Peebeep -
As an ex-Shack man, I have to pick you up on your opening line. It should read '50000 loose rivets flying in close formation'.

Stay lucky
James
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peebeep
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Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
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I'm not going to argue with anybody that's got the T-shirt! Title edited. :)

peebeep
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Johni044
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John
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Succumbed and bit the bullet, ordered, paid for, awaiting delivery :thumb:
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arni
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Advanced Member
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Gotta get one,saw a Shack starting up nr Gatwick and it was dammed awesome..
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Johni044
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John
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Picture links restored
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