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Tu-22M/Tu-26 Backfire-B


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Hello, i just got an old ESCI-ERTL Tu-26 Backfire, the Cold War B-model with nose refueling probe. I found out that the decal has gotten damaged as it's wet or damp, probably by improper storage. Since ESCI no longer exist, does anyone know where to find replacement decal? Thanks for the help

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:D, Havge you thought of Begemot Decals. I think they make decals for the Tu-22/26.

:cheers:,

Ross.

Not Begemot - but Authentic Decals..... available from Hannants

But - they are designed for the much more accurate Trumpeter Tu-22M2/3 - dunno if they will 'fit' the grossly inaccurate Esci kit.

Although the national markings etc should be OK.

Ken

Ooops... Just realised that was what Dave was pointing to :doh:

Edited by Flankerman
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thanks for the responses, i got a book "Military Aircraft" in 1984 that describes the Backfire-B of AV-MF still has the refueling probe. Later models' probe is removed due START treaty.

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thanks for the responses, i got a book "Military Aircraft" in 1984 that describes the Backfire-B of AV-MF still has the refueling probe. Later models' probe is removed due START treaty.

It's a moot point, really - the probes could be retrofitted in a matter of hours, with a minimum of effort.

Cheers,

Andre

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that's correct Andre, but i wonder if the new Aardvark-style nose of the M3 Backfire-C can be attached with one? :thumbsup:

From Yefim Gordon's Aerofax book on the Tu-22 & Tu-22M....

"To comply with the treaty, Tu-22M2s and early Tu-22M3s had their refuelling probes removed and late production Tu-22M3s were delivered probeless."

From 'Soviet Strategic Aviation in the Cold War'......

"After long and difficult negotiations it was decided to remove the IFR system from all Tu-22Ms so that they no longer qualified as 'intercontinental' " (my emphasis btw)

I was about to write "What kind of START/SALT treaty was it that agreed that the probeless Tu-22M3s were no longer an intercontinental bomber - when they could be 'converted' into one at the drop of a hat?? - it just doesn't make sense"

Then I found this in 'Russian Air Power'.....

"The Tu-22M2s were soon stripped of IFR capability in accordance with SALT II requirements, although the IFR probe and associated equipment could, nevertheless, be re-installed in the course of a single day" :woot.gif:

I just don't get it - why have a treaty that says you can't use the Backfire as a strategic weapon - but you can convert it into one in a matter of days???

All the current in-service Tu-22M3s are probeless & fairingless - I photographed this one with the fairing at the traing base at Monino....

day02_12.jpg

Ken

Edited by Flankerman
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