Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => Allies '46 GB => Topic started by: The Big Gimper on February 06, 2018, 08:36:19 PM

Title: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: The Big Gimper on February 06, 2018, 08:36:19 PM
This is the 1/72 Heller FB.5 kit. I decided to give the Vampire a much needed set of fangs. These are Airfix U-2 fuel tanks. Will also add an APS-4 radar pod.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4709/28334639919_59376a79a2_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KaQrht)
Vampire-01 (https://flic.kr/p/KaQrht) by Big Gimper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/21812089@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4613/40082651442_22f76892f2_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/244Y4Ph)
Vampire-02 (https://flic.kr/p/244Y4Ph) by Big Gimper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/21812089@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: kitnut617 on February 06, 2018, 09:42:58 PM
Hmm! nice idea. In my MB6 project, the APS-4 (or equivalent) is in the front of one of the wing tip pods/tanks.  Could you go the same route ?
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: The Big Gimper on February 06, 2018, 10:03:41 PM
Hmm! nice idea. In my MB6 project, the APS-4 (or equivalent) is in the front of one of the wing tip pods/tanks.  Could you go the same route ?

I will go with under-wing pod design as I have several in the aftermarket stash I want to use up the F6F leading edge wing mount. There is not enough ground clearance for the under-wing pod and pylon.

Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Tophe on February 07, 2018, 01:50:35 AM
Good :-*
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 07, 2018, 02:27:53 AM
Interesting
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Dr. YoKai on February 08, 2018, 09:09:40 AM
Gives it a nice bit of 'something extra'.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: The Big Gimper on February 14, 2018, 01:57:44 AM
Most of the bits are glued on. Paint shop is next.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4622/39344486815_ab76241e8d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22WJMbX)
Vampire-06 (https://flic.kr/p/22WJMbX) by Big Gimper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/21812089@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4628/40208984542_bb984c7635_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24g8yfb)Vampire-04 (https://flic.kr/p/24g8yfb) by Big Gimper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/21812089@N02/), on Flickr

Original nose gear was broken so borrowed one from Fuji T-1B.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Tophe on February 14, 2018, 02:01:16 AM
The already painted landing gear makes it look real, but you are right: this will be even better when booms and extensions will have the same color. :-*
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: finsrin on February 14, 2018, 11:02:10 AM
Familiar APS-4 pod (gives me F6F flashes) combined with fangs adds bunch of character. :smiley:
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: elmayerle on February 14, 2018, 11:11:40 AM
How about a spotlight in a matching position on the other wing.  It would also allow for final identification of potential targets at night.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: The Big Gimper on February 14, 2018, 11:39:42 AM
How about a spotlight in a matching position on the other wing.  It would also allow for final identification of potential targets at night.

Did Jeff put you up to this?  ;)

I will build this configuration but I think I will use a Meteor platform. Two engines to offset the drag these large pods would create.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: elmayerle on February 14, 2018, 12:41:11 PM
Did Jeff put you up to this?  ;)
No, but I'm contemplating something similar on a radar-equipped two-seat P-51B with the APS-4 either on the wing or on a hardpoint under the wing.  TP-51B conversions make a nice starting point for such an aircraft.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on February 14, 2018, 12:53:14 PM
Another possible purpose for those slipper tanks on the wings for you to consider would be to turn the things in to rocket pods (like on the Lockheed F-94 Starfire).  A little extra firepower to impress the locals or the media.  :)
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Brian da Basher on February 16, 2018, 05:01:42 AM
Wicked seems like the perfect word for this amazing wonder, Mr Gimper!

It looks intimidating in an earl-jet way just sitting there!

That's some magnificent modifying!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 17, 2018, 03:18:48 AM
Another possible purpose for those slipper tanks on the wings for you to consider would be to turn the things in to rocket pods (like on the Lockheed F-94 Starfire).  A little extra firepower to impress the locals or the media.  :)


I love that idea - maybe replace the nose of each tank with something similar to the Matra JL-100 combined fuel tank/rocket pod (see below):

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p44/hairoldcut/jl100.jpg)

Mind you, I wouldn't want to use such a system in a night situation.  Poor pilot would never recover.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: kill me now, put me out of pain on February 18, 2018, 08:03:27 AM
x
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: The Big Gimper on February 23, 2018, 08:47:33 PM
Getting there ....

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4756/38616703110_64058f480e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21QqGs3)
Vampire-NF5-11 (https://flic.kr/p/21QqGs3) by Big Gimper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/21812089@N02/), on Flickr

Needs two coats.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Brian da Basher on February 23, 2018, 09:36:46 PM
Appears very intimidating in that all black scheme!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Tophe on February 24, 2018, 02:10:12 PM
Wonderful! :-*
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: Robomog on February 24, 2018, 06:05:11 PM
Looking good in black !

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: finsrin on February 24, 2018, 06:28:20 PM
Liking concept you came up with. :smiley:    The potential been lurking in Vampire kits.  You saw it and brought it forth.
Figure fuel in those tanks is for more time night fighter prowling about looking for bad guys.
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: pigflyer on March 31, 2018, 12:12:15 AM
Superb build, shame the decals gave you grief, I bet you would have enjoyed the result so much more. Still, I think it looks just great and have often thought
the sea vixen style tanks would suit it.
Are you thinking of a similar mod for a navy sea venom? That would have been a big help surely.

Very nice, love it.
 8)
Ian
Title: Re: DH Vampire NF.5
Post by: John Howling Mouse on April 05, 2018, 09:27:04 AM
Those fangs look awesome---really suits the Vampire.