Gloster Rampage GR.7.
Pleased with the results of flight test of the Trent (Turboprop) Meteor, the RAF decided to put the turboprop version into production as well as the jet version. The obvious advantages of the turboprop (better low speed throttle response, better fuel economy, better take off performance) over the jet version made the turboprop a winner for an attack variant.
Renamed the "Rampage" to differentiate it from the jet version, the new fighter proved to be an immediate success. Versions of the Rampage remained in production into the mid 1950's. With engine development, more power was available and contra-rotating props were incorporated to allow more efficient use of the power. Other changes included a new tail for better control during low speed or single engine flight, a lengthened fuselage, new longer wings with with tip tanks and more weapons stations and greater weapons carrying capability.
The Rampage was a commercial success and numerous countries had them in their inventory. They proved popular for CAS and COIN in many small wars of the 50's and 60's.
One user was the RAAF. During the Vietnam conflict, two squadrons of Rampages were sent to Phan Rang to fly close support and trails interdiction missions. In their famous "Jungle Lizard" camouflage they were a common sight in the sky over S. Vietnam.
Sorry, it's been a while since my last update. I finished this one today and here are some photos.
You'll notice that in some of the photos, there is a small wooden clamp (clothespin) holding up the tail. This model turned out to be tail heavy, even with weight in the nose. So I made a quick base and glued it down. You can see the base in some of the photos.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc250/esveum/IMG_0352.jpg[/img]]http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc250/esveum/IMG_0323.jpg[/img]]http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc250/esveum/IMG_0320.jpg[/img]]http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc250/esveum/IMG_0330.jpg[/img]]I built this one as part of the "Aussie Rama Theme" over on "What If" forum. The build thread is at
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,34698.0.htmlEd