1:72 Tu-16K-26 Badger G/Chinese H-6

Tupolev Tu-16K-26 Badger G / Chinese H-6 (1:72, Trumpeter)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet twin-engine jet bomber Tupolev Tu-16 in the K-26 version (NATO code Badger G) in 1:72 scale from Trumpeter. This variant was adapted to carry large underwing guided missiles and in its Chinese licensed form is known as the Xian H-6. Despite the 1:72 scale it is a large model with a long fuselage and a wide wingspan. The box holds clear parts for the extensive cockpit and nose station glazing and a choice of underwing missiles and bombs. Check the exact contents of the package and the number of marking schemes against the manufacturer's part number for this item.

The real subject

The Tu-16 was one of the first Soviet production heavy jet bombers, taken into service in the mid-1950s. It was powered by two potent engines set in the wing roots beside the fuselage and carried a crew of several members in pressurized stations. The K series versions served as carriers of anti-ship and strike guided missiles, turning a conventional bomber into a long-range missile carrier. In China the type was built under license as the H-6 and in modernized forms it still serves today.

Building and painting tips

Cut the parts from the sprues and bond them with liquid modeling cement for plastic. Paint the extensive glazed stations and bring them out before you close the fuselage, and mask the clear parts when spraying. On a large model, take care that the fuselage halves join firmly and straight and that the wings are set properly. Apply a primer and the colors with an airbrush, apply the decals after a gloss coat and bring out the panel lines with a wash. Assemble and fine-tune the underwing missiles and bombs at the end.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Soviet and Chinese Cold War bomber equipment
• Those interested in missile carriers and large twin-engine bombers
• Modelers with experience of building large aircraft in 1:72

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.