Author Topic: Hawker Havoc (Read 5123 times)

Kerick · « **on:** August 06, 2022, 08:24:21 AM »

From ysi-maniac’s cyber drawing of a straight wing Hunter I have commenced to build something similar. A salvaged Matchbox Hunter fuselage, some wings from an F-86 donated by Ron from IPMS Duneland, an old 1/32nd scale F-16 centerline drop tank, (where would we be without drop tanks!) a Jaguars tail and junk box parts should be able to do it. Further inspiration was found in the Boeing Skyfox aircraft proposed back in the 80’s. I’ve mentioned this in a couple other threads but I figured it was time to start a real thread.
My stumbling block right now is what should the two engines look like? Is there 5000+lb thrust dry British engines from the 80’s or earlier that would work mounted A-10 style? I’ve been looking around and haven’t found anything that would look right except for some 1/100th scale A-10 engines.
The concept here is Hunter airframes with previously undiscovered wing cracks are recalled from everybody that ever bought them and rebuilt with straight wings to reinforce the Harriers in their ground attack missions. This is from a build up of events leading to the war in 1985. See the novel ww3 1985.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1375759.The_Third_World_War
So if anyone has suggestions about engines I’d love to hear them while I sand putty for awhile.

First is the starting pile of junk.

Not all of this will be used, just different options.
Here's some parts glued up after paint stripping with Easy Off oven cleaner in the yellow can.

I've added the old F-16 fuel tank cut close to the original Hunter fuselage length. Also the tapered end of a gas bag for a Harrier style laser nose.
This is an overall shot of the future configuration.

I don't know if I should square off the F-86 wings or leave then the way they are. They will receive winglets pretty soon. I replaced the first Jaguar tail with a different one that had the ECM gear already on. The engines are from the old box scale Hustler from God knows when. Very brittle plastic. I cut off much of the front and rear of each pod and glued extra plastic on to have something to shape into an inlet and exhaust. I'll have to do something with the canopy as a very small portion of the rear edge was short shot. Probably fill it and paint something over it. With the laser nose I'll add some GBU laser guided bombs and/or a couple of Mavericks. Landing gear is going to be a problem. The original main gear wouldn't work with the F-86 wings and I don't have the wheel well covers anyway. The nose Gear I can work around as the gear doors are pretty simple but for the main gear I'm thinking something that retracts forward like the A-10. I'll have to see what else I have in the junk box.

Here's a couple of pics of the Skyfox so you can see some of my inspiration.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Skyfox

raafif · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2022, 11:56:19 AM »

T-tail please.

Kerick · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2022, 12:31:30 PM »

That will probably happen! Glued the wings on and tail strakes.

Kerick · « **Reply #3 on:** August 09, 2022, 03:19:12 PM »

Spent most of the evening making wing pylons and landing gear. The nose gear will be as standard Hunter as I can make it while the main gear will not be. The F-86 wing is nearly solid and would not line up with the Hunter gear wells anyway so I’m trying to make it something A-10 style with the legs retracting forwards into wells made from an old pair of missiles. I’ll see how this goes and if it will be acceptable. At least it will fit between the pylons and allow more whizz bang stuff under the wings. I don’t recall ever seeing a Hunter with a center line pylon. Much too close to the ground I’m sure. Maybe Sidewinder rails offset left and right of center like some Starfighters.

Kerick · « **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2022, 01:52:42 PM »

A little more progress on the Havoc. I've epoxie puttied over the old intakes. Some JB Weld stuff that's been laying around too long. It hardened up ok after 24 hours. Really too old to use any more. Anyway, I tried to follow the Skyfox example and make space that in a real aircraft could be used for fuel or other gizmos.

I also added eight pylons under the wings. The outer ones will hold Sidewinders.

The slipper tank looking add ons will be the A-10 style wheel wells. I painted on some acrylic white for a primer over the epoxie putty just to seal it a little. I'm working on a new speed brake, either similar to the original one or "flipper" style like an F-16 on the notch behind the green wing roots. Still not quite happy with the engines. I wish I could find some biz jet stuff without ordering a kit for $30. I'll think of something.

finsrin · « **Reply #5 on:** August 12, 2022, 07:32:14 AM »

Nice - look forward to more pics

Kerick · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2022, 05:19:55 AM »

I tried an experiment last night. I haven’t been happy with my attempt at engines for this project. A friend from my model club donated several small scale airliner engines to the cause. Unfortunately he only had singles instead of pairs. I disassembled one that looked the closest to what I was thinking of and cleaned it up by sanding all the paint off. The exhaust cone I was able to duplicate by cutting off a (guess what!) drop tank. The halves of the engine I coated in WD40 and covered with JB Weld epoxy to make a pair of molds. Fortunately the WD40 worked as a mold release agent and everything came apart as planned. Now I just have to wait for a sunny day to fill them with UV resin. Too cloudy today no UV to speak of so maybe tomorrow.

Kerick · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2022, 01:00:31 PM »

Here's the pics I promised. I filled in the areas around the new main gear wells and tacked together the engine and horizontal stabilizers in a semi T tail arraignment. Some adjustment may be required.

Here's a low horizontal stabilizer arraignment. I'm leaning to the T tail at the moment.

Here's how the air brakes will look. I'll add the spreader and piston tomorrow.

These are the UV resin cast engine parts I copied from the plastic engine. Lots of clean up required. The WD40 worked for releasing the plastic parts from the JB Weld molds but not as well on releasing the UV casting from the molds. I'll have to remember to use a heavier oil next time.

Once I get them cleaned up by course sanding I can glue them together with CA glue. A little PSR on the outside to clean them up too. I might have to pin them to the fuselage for extra strength.

finsrin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 16, 2022, 04:27:17 PM »

Quite a project. Like conversion of old intakes into classy wing strakes. Everything looking right !

Old Wombat · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2022, 10:30:07 PM »

T-tail definitely looks the way to go!

I'd be interested to see an engineer's report on the effects of those air-brakes on the air-flow into the engine intakes.

Kerick · « **Reply #10 on:** August 17, 2022, 12:05:55 AM »

The lip of the intake is ahead of the air brakes so should work ok. If this was RW a problem would be airflow into the engine at high angle of attack. But thankfully this is whiff world so no worries.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #11 on:** August 17, 2022, 01:29:07 AM »

Looking good

Old Wombat · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2022, 10:15:00 AM »

Quote from: Kerick on August 17, 2022, 12:05:55 AM

The lip of the intake is ahead of the air brakes so should work ok. If this was RW a problem would be airflow into the engine at high angle of attack. But thankfully this is whiff world so no worries.

This is just me being an incomplete uni physics student, so don't concern yourself too much with it, but the JPN (Joyless Physics Numpty) in me tells me that you're going to get a high pressure zone between the engine & the wing forward of the air-brake which will, quite quickly become a funnel channelling pressurised air directly over the wing into the engine intake; therefore, the top plate of the air-brake will become less effective whilst the engine will begin providing more thrust, leading to a rather sudden pitch-down of the nose (unless the pilot throttles back on opening the air-brakes & pulls back on the stick to keep the nose up - which will then lead to your high angle of attack issues).

You will notice that the A-10's air-brakes are in the outer wings (split ailerons / decelerons).

I still think it's a great build, by the way, it's just this annoying, nagging little part of my brain that won't shut up.

Kerick · « **Reply #13 on:** August 17, 2022, 11:16:12 AM »

You are probably right but I had to put some air brakes somewhere but it’s whiff world so no sweat. I appreciate the input. I could just put speed brakes that fold downward in the current position and under the fuselage. Hmmmmm……

finsrin · « **Reply #14 on:** August 17, 2022, 11:25:25 AM »

BTW -- Liking them speed brakes.

Old Wombat · « **Reply #15 on:** August 17, 2022, 11:26:44 AM »

Don't sweat it, mate! As I said, it's just the JPN in me being annoying.

Kerick · « **Reply #16 on:** August 17, 2022, 11:50:32 AM »

I might put some under the fuselage anyway. Or there is the four petal system around the butt end of the fuselage like the F-105. As I recall it worked well and had no effect on the control of the aircraft. Something to think about. A little like the Buccaneer but with four petals. Or maybe three?

Frank3k · « **Reply #17 on:** August 18, 2022, 12:10:27 AM »

Looks good! You can also try wingtip air brakes like the Su-25:

Kerick · « **Reply #18 on:** August 18, 2022, 02:10:53 AM »

So many options! I’ll have to think about this. I thought about engraving some spoilers on top of the wing.

Kerick · « **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2022, 11:19:37 AM »

She's got legs!! (cue ZZ Top)

And a new seat, and some almost done engines! The landing gear is made up of all kinds of parts from the junk box.
And completed engines are installed with a T tail.

The Areo club metal seat just barely keeps it from being a tail sitter.

I might have to flatten some weights to put under the cockpit floor. I'm also thinking of the extended Sabrinas with the chaff/flare dispensers.

I do have one issue. I have these weapons in the spares box and I don't know if they are useful or not. The rocket pods might be Russian for all I know. I think the bomb with the rectangular fins might be legit. I only have one Hunter gas bag so I robbed a Mitsubushi F-1 kit for larger ones.

What do you guys think?

finsrin · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2022, 12:54:15 PM »

Rocket pods do scream Russian to me. The others seem to work. Whole configuration flows together nicely.

Great photos.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2022, 02:44:41 AM »

The rocket pods look like SNEBs and the bomb a British 1000 lb (see below for examples) so absolutely perfect for this build IMHO:

CFBV

Kerick · « **Reply #22 on:** August 21, 2022, 06:04:40 AM »

Just the ticket! Thanks!

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #23 on:** August 22, 2022, 05:06:39 PM »

Super good work

Kerick · « **Reply #24 on:** August 22, 2022, 10:47:54 PM »

I might put some Mavericks on instead of the pods so we’ll see what happens. I’m looking forward to getting some primer on to get rid of the multi color look. Plus I’m going to rebuild the cockpit to add weight and give a little justice to the Aero club seat. I’m on vacation on a lake in Arkansas so nothing will get done until Monday or so.

Old Wombat · « **Reply #25 on:** August 22, 2022, 11:09:04 PM »

Quote from: Kerick on August 22, 2022, 10:47:54 PM

I’m on vacation on a lake in Arkansas so nothing will get done until Monday or so.

Oh, how terrible for you!

Enjoy your vacation, mate!

Kerick · « **Reply #26 on:** August 23, 2022, 12:47:58 AM »

Trying to make the best of the situation. You know, friends, food, boats. Things like that seem to help.

apophenia · « **Reply #27 on:** August 23, 2022, 07:46:59 AM »

Quote from: Kerick on August 22, 2022, 10:47:54 PM

I’m on vacation on a lake in Arkansas so nothing will get done until Monday or so.

"The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners."

Someone had to do it! Thanks for taking one for the team Ken

Kerick · « **Reply #28 on:** August 23, 2022, 08:15:23 AM »

Putt putt golf tomorrow!

finsrin · « **Reply #29 on:** August 23, 2022, 09:56:12 AM »

Ya lernt me them rocket pods aint necessarily Russian !

Kerick · « **Reply #30 on:** August 30, 2022, 01:34:21 PM »

Drilled out the cannon ports last night. Looks much better. I extended the Sabrinas and installed chaff/flare dispensers. I needed more weight in the front end so while I had them off I filled in the hollow parts with bits of lead sliced off a fishing weight. Added some more lead just behind the cockpit so now it sits properly when I add the metal Aeroclub seat. It’s supposed to be sunny tomorrow so I will try filling in the short shot part of the canopy with UV resin. I hope it works. I used the clear PVA glue before so that’s an option.

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #31 on:** August 30, 2022, 02:15:33 PM »

Progress

Kerick · « **Reply #32 on:** September 02, 2022, 11:23:18 PM »

Well, I filled the short shot part of the canopy with the UV resin. It hardened in the full sunlight as planned. When I sanded it down and was ready to polish it it suddenly just popped off. So it’s onto the clear pva glue. At least I can shape that with water instead of sanding and polishing. I’m rebuilding the cockpit as the Matchbox kit had an imaginary seat and a big hole.

Kerick · « **Reply #33 on:** September 05, 2022, 12:39:26 PM »

Here's the Aeroclub seat compared to the Matchbox seat.

I've boxed in the cockpit so it at least looks like a cockpit. Plus the metal seat helps keep it from being a tail sitter.
I'm going to have to bite the bullet soon and paint this contraption. I've bought Tamiya acrylic paints, thinner and cleaner so I'm hoping this all works together properly!

Kerick · « **Reply #34 on:** September 25, 2022, 12:00:33 PM »

Painted some weapons today. Is there a good generic thinner for enamels? Some of mine are getting thick in the jar and go on a little goopy. It’s either that or I need new paints all the time. I’ve tried lacquer thinner but the paint seems to go bad soon after. Maybe mineral spirits?

Old Wombat · « **Reply #35 on:** September 25, 2022, 10:19:13 PM »

The best option is the thinner manufactured by the brand you use, until you can work out the active ingredients in that & find cheaper alternatives.

However, some brands' thinners are quite a concoction of chemicals & are either very difficult or impossible to replicate, & you will, therefore, be stuck using them.

Mineral turps is OK for Humbrol, but I wouldn't use it in the tin. Even their brand thinners isn't great for that.

Keeping the lid & rim of the tin/jar smooth & undamaged, & clean of paint is your best starting point to prevent the paint drying out; &, when you use it, mix it in the tin/jar & transfer some to a pallet, then seal the tin/jar again while you use the paint on the pallet.

Kerick · « **Reply #36 on:** September 26, 2022, 12:38:42 PM »

Good advice! Thanks. I’ve sent keeping the jar and lid clean and that does help. I tried some lacquer thinner in some modelmaster white enamel so we’ll see what happens to that. That white was definitely going “off white” anyway. As bad as the old Testors white that you had to add light blue to it to keep it from turning yellow.

Kerick · « **Reply #37 on:** September 30, 2022, 10:32:53 AM »

Got the weapons looking good and added some decals.

Kerick · « **Reply #38 on:** October 07, 2022, 12:19:47 PM »

A care package just arrived from our man Gondor! A vacuform canopy, a new Revell canopy (really nice) and two fuel tanks. Just what I need to finish this devil. I ended up using the vacuform canopy as I could get that sanded to the proper shape. It’s glued in place all ready and the fuel tanks are ready to paint. This is going to look so much better than the short shot Matchbox one. Thanks again Gondor you saved the day! That Revell canopy will be kept safe for future use.

Kerick · « **Reply #39 on:** October 27, 2022, 01:49:46 PM »

I’ve been working on the Havoc and the Mako chopper at the same time as the paint scheme is basically the same. The Mako just got the light grey underside but the Havoc is wrap around. The Havoc has the weapons loaded but not on the Mako yet. Next for both is some clear and then decals. No pics to show as Flickr has pulled a fast one on me. They say I’ve uploaded my limit of pics and now I have to pay the “pro” rate to load any more pics. What they don’t make very clear is it’s the number of uploads they are counting, not the actual number of pics. So if I delete some pics it doesn’t matter. My wife had an account she never used so I should hack into that and use it.

Kerick · « **Reply #40 on:** November 06, 2022, 09:57:52 AM »

Here's the long awaited photo dump.
Gray was applied first.

IMG_5508

Then green and weapons.

IMG_5559

IMG_5560

IMG_5561

IMG_5564

I used Tamiya acrylics in my new airbrush and thinned it with Tamiya thinner. The grey went on great but the green gave me a fit. I used the same paints at the same time on the Mako and everything was fine. I used silly putty for masking as recommended by club members on both at the same time and only the Havoc had the pigment appear to separate. Me and paint just don't get along these days.

raafif · « **Reply #41 on:** November 06, 2022, 01:39:39 PM »

very nice design

Old Wombat · « **Reply #42 on:** November 06, 2022, 05:39:27 PM »

Cool!

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #43 on:** November 07, 2022, 01:06:25 AM »

Frank3k · « **Reply #44 on:** November 07, 2022, 02:43:22 AM »

Looks good - nice loadout.

Kerick · « **Reply #45 on:** November 07, 2022, 05:24:14 AM »

Thanks everyone!
I going to add a jamming pod on the last pylon. Target better be a mile off the end of the runway with all that stuff hanging on there!

finsrin · « **Reply #46 on:** November 07, 2022, 06:48:25 AM »

Such a compilation of parts becoming Hawker Havoc. F-86 wings gone straight work so well (surprise). Leaving wing tips as is was right call. Nice job on landing gear and loadout too. Wing strakes add lot of character. Would say is 1980s origin and useful years beyond.

Kerick · « **Reply #47 on:** November 07, 2022, 09:13:24 PM »

Gotta blame ysi maniac. He drew the picture…..
See what you guys make me do…….

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #48 on:** November 08, 2022, 04:15:33 PM »

Really looking the goods

Kerick · « **Reply #49 on:** November 16, 2022, 05:36:18 AM »

Here's some pics with decals on. Still shiney but working on some flat clear.

IMG_5595

Markings are completely fictitious and are from the leftovers box.

Kerick · « **Reply #50 on:** November 23, 2022, 01:15:39 PM »

I'm calling this one done too along with the chopper. First time I used a vacuformed canopy and it looks pretty good. Thanks again Gondor. As previously stated, the green color gave me fits but after gloss coat and now flat coats its much more difficult to see. All in all I think it turned out pretty good. Now for the pics.

Now I'm going to try and finish something else. Either the Seahog or the RF-23 Black Widow spy plane.

apophenia · « **Reply #51 on:** November 24, 2022, 02:25:39 AM »

Nice!

I'm usually a sucker for alliteration but Hawker Havoc seems too tame. This beast just radiates Vampire/Predator/Very-Bad-Day vibes

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #52 on:** November 24, 2022, 02:26:20 AM »

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #53 on:** November 24, 2022, 05:33:33 AM »

Have to be happy with that, all around very nice work

finsrin · « **Reply #54 on:** November 24, 2022, 05:49:29 AM »

Even trying to be picky have nothing to pick. Fine imagineering concept and build and finish.

Kerick · « **Reply #55 on:** November 25, 2022, 12:23:56 PM »

Thanks all!

Dr. YoKai · « **Reply #56 on:** November 26, 2022, 05:40:50 AM »

It did come out nicely! I'd hate to be on the receiving end!

Old Wombat · « **Reply #57 on:** November 26, 2022, 02:26:11 PM »

Awesome 1950's (maybe 1960's) Anglo-Hog!


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Author Topic: Hawker Havoc (Read 5123 times)