Avro Albatross

[PlasticMasticator]

This one should be a lot of fun. A temporary departure from Japanese a/c and a journey into Coastal Command, with the venerable Tamiya Lancaster (eeek!) taking centre-stage.

NO Monty Python quotes/jokes please

The concept will simply be a low-flying airborne destroyer. I'll post some photos once construction begins...

[GTX_Admin]

NO Monty Python quotes/jokes please

Is that a challenge?

[Jeffry Fontaine]

A belly full of .303" machine guns? 

[Robomog]

What flavour is it ?

Mog
>^-.-^<

[FAAMAN]

Seabird flavour ?

[PlasticMasticator]

There's a clear invitation to the dance going on...I'll rename it Vickers Spanish Inquisition in a minute

Seriously though, I'd read the reviews and build reports but I had no idea this kit was such a pig...the wings and nacelles particularly are suffering from major mold shrinkage. Several build reports do state that buying as early a release is the best option, which is reflected in prices on Ebay. I've almost finished one wing and feel exhausted by the experience. I do recall having a similar experience with a recent release of Tamiya's Buffalo...worked out for me as it pushed me onto Special Hobby kits which are very nice.

Vegetable lasagne tonight...yum,yum!!!

[Robomog]

From the description you are giving here, I reckon you would have been better off with the second generation Airfix Lancaster, had some problems with the build but nothing like  what you are describing.

You could call it the Avro Gumby..............

I'll get me hat..........

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Robomog]

Just had another thought, if it's going to be a flying destroyer it would quite happily carry a Molins cannon a la Mosquito. That would give it some punch !

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Buzzbomb]

Tamiya and Lancaster appears to indicate 1/48

[Robomog]

Ah !  ! stand corrected 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[PlasticMasticator]

Sorry...yes...1/48. BIG model.

Molins!....a mere toothpick (mad laughter ensues). If a Ju88, Ki67 and Hs129 can tote a 75mm then the Lancaster can (with suitable reinforcing) wield the mighty 88mm. Well, in this whiffy world anyway:



Corncob 3200Hp Bristol Atlas engines and lovely wide wingspan (Albatross) :



Start work on the starboard wing now 

[Modelling_Mushi]

Hmmm, looks like the fuselage comes with aluminium wafers too ....

[Robomog]

75 mm This gets better and better ! 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Buzzbomb]

Possibly a Brit 3.7inch AA gun ?

 Easier to get ammo and practically equivalent to the 88mm in most ways.
It was the basis for few WWII British weapons one being the 32 Pounder Anti Tank gun and they put that sucker on the Tortoise Assault Tank


But I do like you way your thinking 

[PlasticMasticator]

I have noticed that the 75mm guns on the Ki67 (Ki109) and B-25G/H do not have muzzle-brakes but others do. Would this be necessary on an long-barrelled airborne gun such as the 88?

[GTX_Admin]

Looking good so far.

I have noticed that the 75mm guns on the Ki67 (Ki109) and B-25G/H do not have muzzle-brakes but others do. Would this be necessary on an long-barrelled airborne gun such as the 88?

Given a muzzle brake is intended in part to reduce recoil effects, it really depends upon what other ways you have for dealing with this.

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Having a muzzle brake or not having a muzzle brake would depend on how severe the recoil forces and stress that would be produced by your weapon.  The 75mm cannon installation in the B-25 did not require any kind of muzzle brake.  That may have been to the design of the gun mount or reduced propellant charges, or a combination of both. 

[Camthalion]

looking good.

[elmayerle]

Looking good and interesting!  A question, the Bristol Atlas is to the Centaurus as the P&W R4360 is to the R2800?

[PlasticMasticator]

I'd say the Atlas is more a four-row Hercules...I was aiming at a radial version of the He-177 but in this case power is required to get the a/c off the ground with a heavy weapon and fuel load, not for speed. Once airborne and on-station the power can be cut back reducing cooling problems etc. The single power-egg cuts drag.

Probably talking out of my arse but hey-ho, its a whiff and I'm having fun

[GTX_Admin]

.I was aiming at a radial version of the He-177 but in this case power is required to get the a/c off the ground with a heavy weapon and fuel load, not for speed. Once airborne and on-station the power can be cut back reducing cooling problems etc.

There's another whiff:  a radial engined version of the He177 but not the He277 route with 4 separate engines but maybe using BMW802s or even 803s instead.

[GTX_Admin]

I'd say the Atlas is more a four-row Hercules...

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a twinned Bristol Hercules.

[Buzzbomb]

concept worked with the Twin Mamba in the Gannet.

[PlasticMasticator]

.I was aiming at a radial version of the He-177 but in this case power is required to get the a/c off the ground with a heavy weapon and fuel load, not for speed. Once airborne and on-station the power can be cut back reducing cooling problems etc.

There's another whiff:  a radial engined version of the He177 but not the He277 route with 4 separate engines but maybe using BMW802s or even 803s instead.

Funny you should suggest that...I did cobble together two cowlings from a Ju88G but the result was a bit odd. A bit 'lumpy' on the sides.

Anyhoo, another model currently on hold as I've reached an empasse until my order is delivered.

[JayBee]

I'll rename it Vickers Spanish Inquisition in a minute

No one would expect that! 

[PlasticMasticator]

Well, Mr Stupid here didn't follow advice and decided to blitz the garden and garden shed and yes!!!...I've just spent three miserable days at the hospital after relapsing. The pneumonia came back with a vengeance and has almost knocked me out for good. Anyway, my hands are a bit weak and shaky so modelling has been put on hold for the time being.

Reading Stout's "Air Apaches" at the moment. Very well written but a touch too much rabid goodies versus baddies etc.

Wish I'd called it Avro Greater Manchester

I was thinking that if invented today Superman and Superfortress would probably be called Awesomeman and Awesomefortress...been watching the drekk that passes for documentaries these days and it seems every second word is "Awesome"...not just Trump with a limited vocabulary.

[apophenia]

Ouch! Rest up and get well. Besides, shaky hands won't do justice to the Albatross/Greater Manchester. We shall just have to wait.

[Antonio Sobral]

Getting well is what really matters right now. I wish you quick recovery!

We will diligently wait for the unveiling of the magestic Albatross!