1:32 AGM-62 Walleye II missiles (2 pcs) with AN/AWG-16 data link pod (1 pcs)

The real subject

The AGM-62 Walleye is an American television-guided glide weapon without an engine of its own, listed under the AGM missile designation. The Navy developed it in the 1960s and it first saw combat over Vietnam. The seeker head in the nose carried a television camera: the crew picked a pronounced point of contrast on the target, the weapon locked onto it and after release glided to it on its own, without further help from the aircraft. The Walleye II is the larger and heavier of the two main versions and was intended against harder targets.

What the set contains

The box holds two Walleye II units and one AN/AWG-16 data link pod. The pod carries the equipment for the link between the aircraft and the weapon even after release, so the pair of weapons is hung together with it as a whole. For the model that means an arrangement which looks convincing on the pylons: two heavy weapons and the pod they would not appear without in period photographs.

Building and painting tips

• Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little way from the part and carefully sand the remainder down.
• Cement for polystyrene may not hold on these parts; super glue is more reliable.
• Wash and degrease the parts before painting.
• Check what the pylon will carry by dry-fitting; a heavier store calls for a firm joint and a level seat.
• Leave the lettering and the bands on the weapon body to decals; a hand-painted stripe at this scale gives an unsteady hand away.

Terms of supply

Two weapons and one pod are supplied according to the breakdown on the packaging. The aircraft kit, decals, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.