Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Brian da Basher on September 19, 2015, 08:54:52 AM

Title: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 19, 2015, 08:54:52 AM
Reacting to utterly baseless and totally delusional threats, the Paranoid Republic of Outtogettus put all their efforts towards defense-iveness.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Outtogettus%20map.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Outtogettus%20map.jpg.html)

The first step in this program was developing a jet-powered night fighter to protect the country from (perceived) enemy attack.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_001.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_001.jpg.html)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_002.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_002.jpg.html)

The new night fighter was heavily armed with four 18 mm cannon in the nose and two 39 mm cannon in the tail. This aircraft also featured the revolutionary Multi-Phobic Night Radar which allowed the fighter to find and lock on any target, real or imaginary.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_003.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_003.jpg.html)

The single Schizoid jet engine was large and powerful, enabling the aircraft to carry a crew of four (pilot, radar operator, tail gunner & analyst) at high speed. Unfortunately, the Outtogettus Air Force crews were overly-sensitive and could not bear the pressure of a pressurized fuselage which limited altitude performance.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_004.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_004.jpg.html)

When the prototype was rolled out in a very intimidating, overall black scheme, a bystander remarked that it looked like a black swan and the name stuck.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_005.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_005.jpg.html)

The Black Swan would go on to equip four night-figter squadrons and the famous Voices in Our Heads pathfinder unit. While never seeing actual combat, the Black Swan still provided valuable service as an aggression-disorder platform.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_006.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_006.jpg.html)

The fuselage-mounted engine and V tail made the Black Swan instantly recognizible. Many a misbehaving airman did his punishment tour in the "hot seat" as the tail-gun station was called due to its proximity to the jet exhaust.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_009.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_009.jpg.html)

With the introduction of U.N. mandated Thorazine, perceived threats to the Paranoid Republic of Outtogettus ceased and the Black Swan was gradually withdrawn from service. All that remains of the valiant night fighter today is this child's "snap-tite" model (ages 5 and up only!) and the increasingly hazy memories of those who flew her.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_008.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_008.jpg.html)

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 19, 2015, 09:14:36 AM
As some of you older folks might remember, this started a while back when I corralled a bunch of 1/144 B-25s. (http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=5600.0)

The possibilities for this little gem of a kit are indeed endless. Since I had some T-33 upper wing panels and 1/100 E.E. Lightning tail feathers going spare, they were thrown into the mix along with a cast-off Amerika bomber engine (which I apparently put on backwards - oops!). Here's how it all looked before it headed off to the paint shop:

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_001.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_001.jpg.html)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_002.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_002.jpg.html)

The T-33 wings were minus the lower panels which were easily (if not quite asthetically) replaced with some sheet stock.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_004.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_004.jpg.html)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_005.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_005.jpg.html)

The "Multi-Phobic" radar array was made of odd spare parts attached to a bit of sprue which fit nicely in the space for the 75 mm cannon.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_003.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_003.jpg.html)

It didn't take me long to get to this point, but oh my goodness would it seem to be forever until I got 'er done!

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_006.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_006.jpg.html)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_007.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_prog_007.jpg.html)

I sanded back the front (supposed to be rear) of the engine and painted it black, hoping it would pass.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_007.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_007.jpg.html)

The decals are a mix from spares, the center of the national markings being Airfix AVG P-40 wheel hub stickers.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_10.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_10.jpg.html)

The shark's mouth was also swiped from an AVG P-40 sheet, this one of the Academy variety.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_011.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_011.jpg.html)

I lost track of how long it took me. Real life has been intruding on my modeling time terribly these days.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_012.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/B-25%20Projects/Black%20Swan/Black%20Swan_012.jpg.html)

I hope you enjoyed my Black Swan night fighter and reading about another esoteric aircraft.

Brian da Basher



Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: apophenia on September 19, 2015, 09:35:36 AM
Love it!  :-*

One concern about the backstory, though. On the map, Outtogettus occupies the same space one might assume to find a 'West Aphasia'.

Maybe the people of Outtogettus are truly paranoid. On the other hand, the inherently poor recall of the East Aphasian hordes may be the only saving poor Outtogettus from calamity!  :o
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: finsrin on September 19, 2015, 10:02:58 AM
AAH,,, so thatz the Black Swan story :icon_surprised:
Your exclusive set of reference books is truly astounding.
That revolutionary Multi-Phobic Night Radar was its own kinda breakthrough.
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Kerick on September 19, 2015, 10:55:24 AM

That revolutionary Multi-Phobic Night Radar was its own kinda breakthrough.

Here I thought that was a harpoon! The old fashioned kind, not the AGM kind.
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Camthalion on September 19, 2015, 11:35:58 AM
That looks really cool.  Nice one
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Acree on September 19, 2015, 02:32:44 PM
Nice job, Brian.  It reminds me of a 1930s' idea of a futuristic aeroplane. 
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 19, 2015, 07:22:28 PM
I always like your stories Brain.  The backwards engine could help when a strategic advance to the rear is required.
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: FAAMAN on September 20, 2015, 07:07:26 AM
Gasp! Ho! Ho! Gasp!  ;D ;D ;D Brilliantly crafted Whiffery Mr da Basher, thoroughly enjoyable!!  :) :) :)
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: elmayerle on September 20, 2015, 09:06:35 AM
I always like your stories Brain.  The backwards engine could help when a strategic advance to the rear is required.
I believe the proper military term is "retrograde advance".  Tactics and strategy to the side, that's a truly beautiful piece of work, Brian, and I love the backstory.  I presume the double kngdoms of Schizo and Phrenia are just off the map?
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Tophe on September 21, 2015, 01:32:04 AM
Very nice! :-*
And I am glad there is a paranoid republic. As I am paranoid myself, I may require there the political asylum. ;) With lovely aircraft like that to protect me, this looks like Heaven. Is it down here or up above with the Lord (probably paranoid also)?
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Kerick on September 21, 2015, 02:13:33 AM
Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean people still aren't watching you.
Paranoid Republic of Outtogettus could lead to an infinite number of whiffs!
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 21, 2015, 02:19:22 AM
 :)
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Dr. YoKai on September 22, 2015, 08:58:55 AM
That may be the single best back story you've ever created, Brian - Bravo, sir, Bravo!
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Frank3k on September 22, 2015, 10:17:56 AM
The engine is making me crazy! It's backwards! But it isn't! But it is! All they would have to do is fly over the enemy territory and drive them nuts! (or nuttier)
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Weaver on September 22, 2015, 11:01:42 AM
Nice job Brian - entertaining as always!  ;D
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Dr. YoKai on September 24, 2015, 08:19:52 AM
The engine is making me crazy! It's backwards! But it isn't! But it is! All they would have to do is fly over the enemy territory and drive them nuts! (or nuttier)

Ah, but you see, Frank, that's what they want you to think!
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: jcf on September 24, 2015, 12:57:00 PM
Lovely.

The only problem I see is that the map is based on the false information promoted by the Outtogettus Department of State.
Here is an image of the actual country outline:
(http://www.clker.com/cliparts/8/0/c/2/13079035091395300139texas-hi.png)

 :icon_fsm:
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: Dr. YoKai on September 25, 2015, 12:03:06 AM
(Narrows eyes) You know too much. Waaaaaaay too much. ;D
Title: Re: 1/144 Black Swan night fighter
Post by: wagnersm on September 27, 2015, 01:41:24 AM
Brian,

Nicely done model and backstory. 

Steve