Beyond The Sprues
Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => Racing Theme GB => Topic started by: Acree on June 25, 2017, 01:34:31 PM
-
With the kind permission of Apophenia, I present my take on a couple of inline powered T-6 racers:
First, real life: These two entered into the 1947 National Air Races Halle Race for women. Number 61 was the actual XAT-6E prototype. It was to be flown in the race by Margaret "Mickey" McGrath. In the 1947 race, Mickey either did not start or pulled out after 1 lap when her gear would not retract (depending on which source you choose to believe). Number 49 was built as a production AT-6D but modified for racing with a Ranger V-770). It was flown in the 1947 Halle Race by Dori Marland (Hollywood actress and former WASP squadron commander). Dori definitely started, but dropped out with engine problems after 3 laps.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4286/35517128235_e3ca1634f9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyPV)Slide1 (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyPV) by cacree (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144515244@N05/), on Flickr
The second pic shows race number 61 as modified for the 1948 Halle Race - this is definitely NOT real world! Mickey McGrath had #61 modified with a single-seat cockpit, flying from the rear seat for better aerodynamics. The stock AT-6 windscreen was moved aft and fitted with a custom made blown plexiglass canopy. The only other modification was a fairing fitted to the tailwheel.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4279/35517128015_2d8e62a84e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyL8)Slide2 (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyL8) by cacree (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144515244@N05/), on Flickr
Finally, in 1948, the two Ranger powered rivals met again, but with much more radical modifications. Number 61 now had a much more streamlined custom canopy fitted, and the vertical fin and rudder were both shortened to reduce drag. A retractable tailwheel from a P-51 was also fitted. Meanwhile, #49 received the entire tail unit from a P-51 (but with AT-6 horizontal surfaces in order to abide by Halle Race rules). Both aircraft were some 20-25 knots faster than any other AT-6 in the field and came first and second in the 1949 race, after which they were both banned by the simple expedient of writing a requirement for an R-1340 engine into the rules.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4287/34675922064_f89f119926_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UQcaxf)Slide3 (https://flic.kr/p/UQcaxf) by cacree (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144515244@N05/), on Flickr
-
:-* Wow! Nice!
-
Brilliant!
-
:)
-
I especially like the 1949 versions,nice job man! :)
-
Those are all very tasty Chuck :) But your 1948 version with the swoopy canopy and Mustang tail is truly gorgeous :-*
-
Those are all very tasty Chuck :) But your 1948 version with the swoopy canopy and Mustang tail is truly gorgeous :-*
Must agree with the good apophenia here! The sleeker the better!
Brian da Basher