I’m starting to think that LUGPol either doesn’t have any sub-standard builders within its ranks, or they kill them off before they can embarrass the group publicly. Either way I’m delighted to present Polish Air Marshall mrutek’s latest effort, a fabulous single-engine biplane called the Antonov An-2. The An-2 was a large, slow flying utility transport used as both a crop-duster and for the deployment of paratroopers. The Guinness Book of World Records states that the 45-year production run for the An-2 was for a time the longest ever, for any aircraft, but it was recently exceeded by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

There’s something about the Sixties. In the Western world the standard of living was rapidly increasing and there was a sense of optimism about the future that shows in the design of the cars and jets from this era. Technology seemed to promise a better a life for everyone. Anything seemed possible. Aeronautical technology, in particular, moved forward at an amazing pace. A manned aircraft first flew faster than the speed of sound just after WW-2, but by the Sixties operational jets were routinely flying at speeds more than twice as fast. Even higher speeds didn’t just seem likely; they seemed inevitable. In many ways the Convair F-106 Delta Dart is typical for jets from this era, with a highly swept-back wing, a sleek area-ruled fuselage and a sharp nose.

However, something sinister lurks underneath. The Sixties were also a time when it looked as though the Cold War could turn very hot. A high speed meant the ability to intercept enemy bombers from a larger distance. Intercepting bombers was what the F-106 was all about, with an unguided nuclear-tipped air-to-air missile tucked in its internal weapons bay. This makes a long stand-off distance a very desirable feature!

I hope I can be forgiven for blogging one of my own models, especially an older one. It was built for an article in Brickjournal Issue 22. It has been out for a while now and this prompted me to finally post multiple pictures.