A U2-R From Italeri

[Epap]

Another interesting 1:100th scale model from Italeri is the U2-R. Mine just arrived and just for once, I don't have to weather it. Here are a couple of pictures:

[Epap]

Another angle:

[aferguson]

have you measured it Epap? Some of the planes in this line aren't 1/100, even though they are quoted as being 1/100. The TU-160 for example.

To my eye it looks smaller than 1/100, judging by the size of the base.

It has about a 100 foot wingspan, so it should be about 12 inches in span

While you're measuring, could you tell me how long the display base is?

[Epap]

have you measured it Epap? Some of the planes in this line aren't 1/100, even though they are quoted as being 1/100. The TU-160 for example.

To my eye it looks smaller than 1/100, judging by the size of the base.

It has about a 100 foot wingspan, so it should be about 12 inches in span

While you're measuring, could you tell me how long the display base is?

I agree about the scales on this series,AF. I asked one of the vendors about the size of the TU-160, but got no answer, however the other seller had it listed as 1:200th, which seemed remotely in the ballpark---so I bought it. The U2 measures about 8.75 inches in wing span. If this is really a late model U2, as is indicated, that means that it is a 1:140th scale model. If, however, they've screwed up and used the early U2 specs ( 80 ft wing span )---which wouldn't surprise me------it's about 1:100th scale, give or take 5-10%. The stand, is about 3.25 inches in length.

[aferguson]

thanks Epap.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. From my poking around, the Tu-160 is listed as 1/200. I was hoping it was close to 1/144 (eg 1/150) which is why i asked for the base length. Had the base been 4 inches long than the Tu-160 model would have been 1/150 but since it's just 3.25 inches long then i can confirm that the Tu-160 is indeed very close to 1/200 (dang it).

However, all is not lost (for me and other 1/144 folk) because as you just pointed out the ws of the U-2R is 8.75 inches. The real U-2R (and U-2S and TR-1) has a wingspan of 103 feet, so this model is happily (for me) very close to 1/144 and i shall be purchasing it forthwith. I think you nailed it when you said they must have used the wrong dimensions. This means i don't have to bother with the Dragon 1/144 one that's coming out.......i don't care for Dragon's models for some reason plus they're expensive.

The Italeri model is actually a TR-1 i think which is pretty much identical to a U-2R, except that R's usually don't carry the pods on the wings (which are for tactical, not strategic recon).

edit: where did you buy yours Epap? I can't find any at a reasonable price.

[Epap]

There are two outfits---both Italian----selling these on eBay. The one I used ( ale-80 ) has a lousy positive feedback score (97.6% ) but I've used him a number of times with no problems. Both sellers charge a lot, especially for the shipping, but ale-80 comes in about $5 cheaper on his pricing, which is $32.70 for the model and $19.50 for shipping. If the cost doesn't bother you, I'd give it a try. The item number is:380623317178.

[snake]

Thanks for the review, Ed.

Really hoping that Century Wings will do the U-2, and in 1/72. They did the SR-71, so why not the U-2.

[sbd]

Dragon's upcoming U-2 is 1/144 and Flyingmule says the wingspan is 8.5". The price is $34.99.



Link: http://www.flyingmule.com/products/DM-51017

[aferguson]

thanks, but i think i'm just going to buy the Dragon model kit. It's $15 and an easy build. I fear Dragon may make a mess of their prebuilt U-2 like they did with the F-117.