Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: kitnut617 on April 15, 2012, 01:30:54 AM

Title: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 15, 2012, 01:30:54 AM
I've finally got another idea sorted out, I'm going to convert an Airfix Short Sunderland into a turbo-prop powered amphibian water bomber, probably with some Canadian operater markings, like Air Spray or Buffalo Airlines.

I plan on removing all the turrets from the kit, bomb racks will be gone and I intend to straighten out the wings so that the engine nacelle centerline is back where it was, which is parallel with the fuselage centerline.  I'm going to use a couple of RR Dart engine conversions which Heritage Aviation sell for their Dart Dakota set but I won't use their propellers which come with it as they're a bit small in diameter.  Instead I'll use an Aeroclub set, P018.

Reading about the Sunderland I found that Short had originally designed the Sunderland to have a C.O.W. 37mm cannon in the nose and a hand operated Vickers 'K' machine gun in the tail.  The requirement was changed after the prototype had flown, the 37mm was deleted and a power operated four-gun turret to go in the tail position.  This changed the cg point quite a lot and to overcome this problem, Short rotated the whole wing backwards from the rear spar connecting pins, and added a spacer in between the front spar connection.  From what I can figure out, this change the rear spar angle from 4 degrees forward of perpendicular to the fuselage centerline, to 2 degrees backwards of the perpendicular line. In the top photo here you can see I've marked the various center lines (nacelles, spars etc), also you can see the turbo-prop nacelles I'm going to use which are practically the same diameter as the corresponding section on the wing.

For the undercarriage, I'm going to go with something that will look like what you find on a CL-215/415 water bomber, but modelled from what you find on a Catalina.  Nose u/c and wheel will be from a 1/72 B-24 and the main u/c gear will be a modified 1/48 Catalina set.  Main wheels I've not quite decided on at the moment, I've order a bunch of different wheels so until I get a visual on the things I will leave that for the moment.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 15, 2012, 03:44:06 AM
This is going to be great!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Litvyak on April 15, 2012, 06:25:40 AM
Can't wait to see this one come along! I love Sunderlands.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 15, 2012, 09:45:26 AM
I hope not to disappoint you guys ---

Doing some further reading about RR Darts, I find they are really quite a compact design, being a centrafuge compressor design, you can see the relationship with the RR Trent that was installed into a Meteor.  This will allow me to shorten the engine nacelle somewhat and looking at some cutaways and such, I think the exhaust will go over the top of the wing too. That'll keep it in line with how the exhaust was directed on a regular Sunderland.  I've seen some drawings of the exhaust and it has a rectangular shaped exhaust pipe, which look a little like the late Harrier forward nozzles so I'll use some of those I have.  I'm thinking that with all the turrets removed and the nose u/c and bay up front, straightening out the wing wouldn't be a problem cg wise if I shorten the nacelles.

I'm waiting for some u/c parts to arrive from Scale Aircraft Conversions, then I can plan the main u/c bays in the side of the fuselage.  One thing I noticed with the Sunderland kit is right where I think the u/c gear should go there's a large door hatch just under where the bomb racks are wheeled out.  This will work in with the backstory.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Scooterman on April 15, 2012, 09:44:45 PM
hehe this is going to be killer.  Can't wait!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 17, 2012, 04:00:21 AM
The u/c parts arrived in the mail today, the 1/48 Catalina gear look just right, now I can get a good idea where I want to go with this.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Eddie M. on April 18, 2012, 04:50:28 AM
I am really looking forward to this...... 8)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 18, 2012, 05:36:07 AM
Watching with great interest...

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 26, 2012, 02:27:43 AM
As some of you know I like my 'what-if's' to be somewhat plausable, so I've been doing some research on the RR Dart engine.  Basically I started by trying to find out what sort of power rating this Dakota conversion had (there were three RW Dart Dakotas flown by BEA BTW), and found out that they were a 1600 shp variant.  Quite a jump in power over the standard R-1830's the DC-3/C-47 used.  This actually was something in line of my thinking when I started to plan the Sunderland TP, I wanted more powerful engines so it could carry a better cargo load (water in this case).

I then found a chart on various turbo-prop engines ( http://www.jet-engine.net/civtsspec.html (http://www.jet-engine.net/civtsspec.html) ), manufacturer, power rating, what aircraft they were used on, so scrolling down to the RR Darts I saw that they came in a number of power ratings, from 900 shp (the first Viscount) to nearly 3000 shp (a Convair twin prop), although most of the variants were rated between 1800-2200 shp.  It got me thinking to what else could have been powered by the Dart and rumaging through some of the stash boxes, came up with some additional ideas.  The kit converion is made as a direct replacement for the Airfix/Italeri DC-3/C-47 kit, so I began looking at other aircraft powered by R-1830's. This led to other aircraft with engines about the same power, so how about a DC-4, sort of a counter to the Viscount, or later the DC-6. Then I found that the nacelle size is exactly the same diameter as the nacelle on a  ----------- Shackleton.  Now this does sound like a conversion that needs to be done, and I'm wondering why it was never even considered. The Griffons on the Shack' were rated at 1950 hp each, so  a 2000 + shp Dart would be very plausable. Lancaster and Lincolns also come to mind.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 26, 2012, 03:39:22 AM
Interesting idea.  A turbo-Shak sounds very, very interesting...
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 26, 2012, 05:23:54 AM
Interesting idea.  A turbo-Shak sounds very, very interesting...

Some time ago I bought a whole bunch of Frog-spawn Shackletons from the Big H, they were selling them for 8 quid each. They had no decals or instructions and were just bagged in very flimsy plastic bags.  The plan was to build one of each variant and then one of the proposed MR.4.  Well that has gone out the window so I might as well do a TP shack' using some of these Dart conversion sets but with different propellers, maybe with five blades each.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: apophenia on April 26, 2012, 08:30:15 AM
kit': Canadair considered a Dart North Star. Apparently the engine mounting points were the same. So the Lancaster and Lincolns make perfect sense. Another potential R-1830 replacement that comes to mind is the Liberator. Turboprop waterbombers?
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 26, 2012, 09:48:03 PM
I had thought about the B-24 apop', and the B-17.  I hadn't realized that the engine mounts were the same for a Merlin engine, it's almost as if it was planned as a substitute engine -----

That opens up a whole lot of other possibilities for it's use, Battle, Fulmar, Spitfire, Hurricane, maybe instead of the Griffon Tempests.  I know about the Cavalier TP Mustangs, got the Heritage Aviation converion of one of those and was only just looking at it last night to see if it would be a better fit on the Sunderland (it's not)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 26, 2012, 10:03:58 PM
Back to the Sunderland TP --

I've found a set of decals I will be using for this project, CanMilAir do a Buffalo Air operated Catalina Fire-Bomber sheet and I'll buy it in a different scale.  Doing some calc's I think it will need to be printed in 1/52 scale, although I could get away with either 1/48 or 1/60.  Length, height and span comparisson between a Sunderland and Catalina seem to work out at around 1.34 bigger for length, 1.6 bigger for height, while there's not much difference in wingspan, it being 1.1 bigger, all these favouring towards the Sunderland.

http://www.canmilair.com/products.asp?cat=46&pg=9 (http://www.canmilair.com/products.asp?cat=46&pg=9)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 27, 2012, 03:39:02 AM
I always learn something when I read your updates, kitnut! Never knew about those engine mounts before. Thank you.

I like your idea of going with 5 bladed props for this project. That should make your firebomber look even more powerful.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: apophenia on April 27, 2012, 06:09:47 AM
I had thought about the B-24 apop', and the B-17.  I hadn't realized that the engine mounts were the same for a Merlin engine, it's almost as if it was planned as a substitute engine -----

Posing the question: Why was the RB.53 tested in the nose of Lancaster NG465?   ???
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: raafif on April 27, 2012, 08:56:18 AM
because they needed the other 4 to keep flying if the RB53 went u/s.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 25, 2012, 04:50:45 AM
I haven't had much time for modelling lately, extremely busy workwise and doesn't seem to be letting up either.

I have played around with a bit of casting, I wanted a duplicate of the Dakota Dart nacelles so I could chop it around a bit for this project.  The replica turned out quite well and now I've managed to fit it into a wing, along with a prop and exhaust nozzle.

The exhaust nozzles that come with the Dart Dakota conversion are round and poke out the sides of the nacelle and point sort of downwards too but that's not what I wanted to do for this project.  I've seen some cutaway drawings of the Dart engines and some have a rectangular exhaust pipe which snakes itself up and over the top of the wing, it looks a lot like the front nozzle off a Harrier GR.5/AV-8B and as I have a number of those spare because I bought some aftermarket items to replace them, I decided to use them. 

First though I measured the original exhaust nozzles diameter from the conversion and came up with 7mm dia', which translates to 38 square mm's, I then measured a 1/72 Harrier nozzle and found it was way too small, but then a measured a 1/48 Harrier nozzle.  This was 8mm x 5mm which translates to 40 square mm's.  These nozzles come in two parts so I sanded the mating faces down a smidge until I could get 38 square mm's.

Top pic below shows the round exhaust nozzles, next down shows the Harrier front nozzle and the next one is a comparison between the two (keep in mind the Dart conversion is 1/72 scale), and the bottom pic is off the nacelles, the grey one is the original and the light coloured one is my replica.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 25, 2012, 04:58:03 AM
Here are a few pics of how I got the nacelles to fit into one of the engine positions on the wing, I had to do quite a bit of cutting & filing but eventually I got it to fit.  You can see here how the exhaust exits over the top of the wing --

I shortened the rear of the new nacelle about 5mm then I drilled out a hole for the exhaust nozzle to fit in (bottom pic), the nozzle is positioned so it would pass over the front spar in the wing.

You can also see where I've modified the wing root so the wing is now how it was originally design as, before Shorts had to move the wing to accommodate the new RAF requirements.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on May 25, 2012, 07:52:08 AM
Now that's some absolutely first-class craftsmanship!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: raafif on May 25, 2012, 08:59:37 AM
I don't belive it  :icon_twisted: -- looks so right !!

         Notify MOTAT in N.Z. of this conversion .... they have a Solent & a civil Sunderland just sitting there with the old engines on them ;D
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Sentinel Chicken on May 25, 2012, 10:49:59 AM
This will be awesome. Given that I'm working on a flying boat whiff of my own right now, too. Your solution to the exhausts is pretty creative. I'm already visualizing the engine soot across the top of the wing on the finished build.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: taiidantomcat on May 25, 2012, 10:27:47 PM
 :-* :-*
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 26, 2012, 01:58:51 AM
This just keeps getting better!!!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: RussC on May 26, 2012, 04:33:32 AM
Coming along nicely.  >:(
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 26, 2012, 04:56:57 AM
Thanks guys ---

Here's some pics of what I'm going to use for landing gear.  They are a set of very nicely cast 1/48 Catalina u/c from Scale Aircraft Conversions.  The wheels which I thought I got from Aeroclub, are actually something I got from Aircraft in Miniature. They're from their 1/72 Manchester kit which has been OOP for quite a while now and I got a set of four to put on my Vickers Windsor but they turned out to be a bit too big for that project.

All I need to do now is figure out how they're supposed to go together as they are a direct replacement for the Revell kit, Greg has said he could help out with a scan of the instructions (gentle reminder Greg -nudge, nudge )
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 27, 2012, 07:11:39 AM
Noted...as soon as I get back home mate.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Buzzbomb on May 27, 2012, 02:01:14 PM
That looks different, but certainly very nice
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 27, 2012, 10:40:04 PM
Here's a pic to show what happens when you swing the wing forward to it's originally designed position, the rear spar (black line about mid-chord) goes from about 2 degrees backwards to 2 degrees forward.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 27, 2012, 10:45:12 PM
I've also settled on what I want to do with the fin/rudder.  As the new engines are way more powerful (depending on which engines are being compared) I thought it would need more fin area.  My idea was to add a dorsal fillet to the fin, but then I remembered I had a complete fin & rudder left over from another conversion I did some time ago.  I wonder if anyone can figure out what kit it came from -- hint: it was another Airfix kit ---
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on May 28, 2012, 09:58:13 PM
That looks great, kitnut! I really like the new fin & rudder, but it's nagging that I can't place it. Kinda reminds me of a Viscount tail.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: taiidantomcat on May 28, 2012, 11:09:02 PM
Top notch work here!  8) No guess on the tail fin though  :-\
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 28, 2012, 11:35:34 PM
Thanks guys --

Well you're going to kick yourselves when you look at this pic, the tail came from this after I converted it from the Airfix Mk.32, back to a Mk.31 using the Magna Models conversion.  You get a number of direct replacement parts for the conversion so the whole original fin & rudder was spare.

Incidently, the Sunderland fin is practically the same height but a little broader at the top although it's not as broad at the bottom. And the Freighter's rudder is quite a bit broader at the bottom.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Litvyak on May 29, 2012, 01:54:18 AM
Ooh, that's great to see that Frighter - long term I want to build one (RCAF RW), too.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: RussC on May 29, 2012, 04:53:52 AM
Nice builds on both of these.  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on June 03, 2012, 10:07:40 PM
My initial plan to use B-24 landing gear has gone out the window --- they turned out either too small or too short for what I had in mind.  Previously I had shown what the main gear would be, now the nose gear has been solved.

I had decided to use the 1/48 Catalina u/c leg but what wheel to use with it caused some head scratching, I knew what look I wanted but couldn't find what to use.  Then while looking for something else in the stash, I found just the right wheel -- it comes from a 1/72 Blenheim (left over from my Bolingbroke Float Plane project).  It looks just about right when set next to one of the main wheels. 

Looks like most of the puzzle has about come together now, all I've got to do is figure out the tail (I'm going to remove the turret position altogether) and I'm also pondering moving the cockpit forward.  I'm going to put in a floor as the large cargo door I plan on will be displayed open, so you can see the water tanks in the cargo area.  I might go a bit berserk and detail some of the interior that would also be visible when looking in the cargo door.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on June 03, 2012, 10:28:30 PM
For the tail area I'm going to use this Shackleton fuselage end, doing some part match-up, it looks like it will blend in without too much messing around.  It will involve some careful razor sawing as the join line will have to go about 2/3rd's along the tailplane chord
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on June 10, 2012, 02:44:01 AM
This pic is of the colour scheme and decals I'm going to use, I ordered them in 1/60 scale so they should fit about right.  I've actually bought two sets of this sheet, one in 1/72 scale too, because I'm going to convert my Airfix Catalina into the RW fire-bomber. I'v got one of 'Scott's Custom Resin Products' nose conversions to do it.  Scott is of Invader Hobbies out of Calgary.  The decals I'm using are from CanMilAir and Bill will do some custom printing as long as it has a Canadian bent to it.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on June 10, 2012, 02:59:19 AM
I've been trying to figure out how the main u/c goes together and Greg was kind enough to scan the instructions he has of the kit which this set is a direct replacement for.

Well, I've found an error on the instruction sheet (top pic), it shows that the retraction cylinder is attached at the top of the main strut and to the bottom arm.  But it doesn't go together like that at all, the bottom of the retraction cylinder should go to the top arm.  The top arm even has the little tab included which the cylinder should attach too

I found a photo which confirms what it should be like.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on June 10, 2012, 03:05:15 AM
Here's some pics of how the u/c goes together, I've temporary mounted it on a piece of card as it was easier to hold things together.  From here I'll work out the new wheel bays for the Sunderland, I will have to change the angle of the main strut as the fuselage sides are almost vertical and the gear is made to fit the rounded curve of a Catalina
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on June 10, 2012, 03:14:20 AM
Another thing I've just noticed is that the top arm should be wider at the hinge/fuselage connection, than the lower arm if the photo of the real thing is to go by.  The kit parts seems to have it the other way around for some reason
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on July 08, 2012, 05:58:39 AM
I was giving my Aircraft of the Fighting Powers books another read and in volume VII there's an entry for a Short Seaford.  This was a completely upgraded Sunderland and would have been designated a Sunderland IV.  It was powered by Hercules engines of 1800 hp. This falls perfectly into my scenario of Dart turbo-props of around that power rating.  It even has the dorsal fin fillet .  The civil version was called the Solent
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: PR19_Kit on July 08, 2012, 07:40:05 AM
There's a Solent in the 'Solent Sky Museum' at Southampton in UK, and it's open to walk around too!

If you look friendly enough they'll let you into the cockpit as well, It's a LONG way down from there!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on August 24, 2012, 12:33:48 AM
Back a few posts I mentioned that I would ponder moving the cockpit forward so it wouldn't be inline with the propellers, the Short Seaford drawing shows me what I really should do.  That's move the whole forward fuselage  a scale 3'-6" (or there abouts).  There's a very important station which seems to be a production join line and it lines up with the front spar assembly where it goes through the fuselage. This station is also the one where the beaching gear is attached to as well.  What the Seaford drawing shows is there's a space between the the windows now which were equally spaced either side of this station on the Sunderland (between the third and forth window starting from the rear most window). So what I'm going to do is add a plug into this spot and do the same as what Short did.

The Seaford had an increased planing bottom too, 6'-0" longer apparently.  It had 3"-0 added in front of the step and 3'-0" behind it. The front extention would have been included with the forward fuselage stretch, but the rear extention is not so clear cut.  It looks like just the planing surface was moved back along the rear fuselage which is a bit more complicated to do.

I've just bought a book on the Martin Mars, it's a Coulson/Ginter collaboration, and in the text the company that originally got hold of the Mars flying boats had evaluated a number of different flying boats to use as fire bombers.  The Sunderland was one of them and what is really interesting to me, is what I calculated the Sunderland could carry as a water load, was pretty much what it was worked out to by this company, 2800 gals of water.  Of course, this being a half Seaford conversion now, with much more powerful engines (in real life and my alternative) I think we could stretch that to 4000 gal I think  ;D
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 22, 2013, 09:23:53 PM
Well, I'm in with this so I'll see where it goes from here -----

First thing to do is make up four new engine nacelles, new casting that is ---
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: father ennis on March 23, 2013, 05:06:21 PM
Very Kool !!!!!!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on March 24, 2013, 03:35:36 AM
I'm really glad to see this project resurrected and it sure seems a natural for this GB!

Go, kitnut, go!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: smeds on March 26, 2013, 10:50:02 PM
How cool is this.

But I notice that the inboard props will be in line with the cockpit, a bit un-nerving methinks !!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 27, 2013, 12:09:07 AM
Thanks guys, ---

Smeds, I'm going to move the cockpit forward but I have to decide which way I'll do it pretty quick.

One way is to do what Short's did when they did the Seaford, that was to add a plug into the fuselage at the point where the beaching gear is attached.  This is also where the "front" spar attaches and I'm fairly sure it's a major assemble joint during construction.

The other way is to just move the cockpit, I've figured out that if I cut around the cockpit opening and move it forward and downwards, there's a point on the fuselage that seems to be the same width about 3/4" forward and about 3/8" lower.

Whatever way I decide, I still have a major surgery job at the rear end, which I'll probably 'build up' instead of 'cut out'
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 27, 2013, 01:18:14 AM
I had done this to the wing a short while ago too, I found that the rear end of the alignment tab is also where the 'rear' spar is in real life so I cut out a 4 degree 'Vee' shaped slot forward of that, and then added a 'Vee' shape plug to the rear.  As the actual rear spar to fuselage connection point  is really much closer to the fuselage (under the wing root fairing), what I'll do is line up where the trailing edge contacts this fairing which in turn moves the wing leading edge slightly forward when in it's new position.  Then all I need is a couple of swipes with a spatular and putty to blend in the leading edge at the root. It seems to line up quite well if I do that.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on March 27, 2013, 03:19:30 AM
You have mad kit surgery skills! That last pic is truly the "money shot"!

Nice work, kitnut!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Cliffy B on March 27, 2013, 03:48:03 AM
You sir are a true plastic surgeon!  ;D  Can't wait to see more, I love flying boats!

Why are you making new engines?  Something happen to the old ones since those photos?
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 27, 2013, 04:35:24 AM
 :-[  :-[  :-[

Mike, the plan was to remodel the nacelles into something that didn't need to be as long.  I also didn't want to chop up the originals as they will still be used on a RW Dart Dakota.  As I have described in an earlier post, the original exhaust is just a round pipe sticking out the side, I've changed that to a rectangular one that goes up and over the wing which is how a lot of Darts were configured.  This new exhaust still exits the nacelle in the same place, just it's different.

I've been teaching myself how to make moulds and cast (with some friendly advise from various people), and the idea is to make a master and then cast a bunch of replicas.  I've a few other projects where this will come in handy and save a lot of time making multiples of everything individually (especially as we've only got five weeks here (possible 7 if we get an extension).

In these pics below you can see how much I've changed the nacelle from the original.  I've added a prop shaft and a tapered fairing to the intake, the fairing matches the props I'm going to use.  Then I had to slightly reprofile the rear end to match the Sunderland nacelle and of course carve out the hole for the exhaust pipe.  From here I'll make a new mould, then cast as many of these things as I need.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 27, 2013, 04:45:46 AM
I've also got a name for it now;  Short Salcombe  (thanks to Rheged on the What-If forum)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Cliffy B on March 27, 2013, 04:50:00 AM
Kit, the work you're putting into it is definitely showing, don't lose the faith!  Those new engines will be worth it man and don't worry, this is my GB, an extension will be coming and might even be longer than 2 weeks...shh... ;)

Think "Plastic Surgeon" needs to be added under your name  :)

Salcombe looks like a nice place too, good name  8)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 27, 2013, 06:10:50 AM
Kit, the work you're putting into it is definitely showing, don't lose the faith!  Those new engines will be worth it man and don't worry, this is my GB, an extension will be coming and might even be longer than 2 weeks...shh... ;)

Think "Plastic Surgeon" needs to be added under your name  :)

Salcombe looks like a nice place too, good name  8)

Cheers Mike,

Many a vacation was spent at Salcolme when I was young, it was the place of choice for my parents who had five kids to tow along.  Rheged had come up with it and said it was the closest town on the coast that is near the River Dart. 
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: father ennis on March 27, 2013, 09:05:34 AM
This is a great build you got going. I've been following this closely and really enjoying this ,not to mention what I've learned.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: finsrin on March 27, 2013, 09:49:25 AM
Got heck of a build/project going on.
Doing a cool conversion  8)
Please keep posting pictures  :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: jorel62 on March 29, 2013, 03:58:39 AM
Looking good..... :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: father ennis on March 29, 2013, 06:25:32 AM
From the looks of it, I'm sure it will be worth the wait !!!  I'm sure enjoying your build !!!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 29, 2013, 06:42:09 AM
Thanks guys, more updates later this weekend.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on March 29, 2013, 06:43:20 AM
Thanks guys, more updates later this weekend.

Tease!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on March 29, 2013, 07:00:14 AM
Well I'm hoping to get the engine nacelles all cast up.  Tomorrow (as long as SWMBO doesn't have other plans) I want to do the new moulds. By Sunday I should be able to start casting.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 01, 2013, 12:50:49 AM
The mould has been done, the plan didn't go as I wanted and made it yesterday but it looks like it will be ok.

Top pic, ready to be slip into the mould box (tube to be exact)
Middle pic, ready for the rubber,
bottom pic, made ---

I'll have a go with the casting later today.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 01, 2013, 01:02:55 AM
I also decided to just move the cockpit forward, it seemed the easiest and quickest modification considering I want to try and get this done.

Top pic is of the result,
Next pic shows that after cutting out the cockpit opening and top of nosing, I added a bulkhead from top to bottom.  I glued the original cockpit floor onto it.  The cockpit was moved in RW measurements, three feet forward and 6 inches down but the floor was just moved forward at the same level it always was.  Looking at interior photos of Sunderlands there seems to be a lot of headroom over the pilot seating area so if the canopy came down 6" is doesn't seemed to be a problem.

The two bottom pics show the cutout,
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 01, 2013, 01:05:48 AM
I've still got quite a bit to do to the interior, namely the wheel bays, and the water tanks and cargo floor. So I made the whole cockpit top decking in one and at the moment it's removable so I can keep taking the fuselage apart as I fit the various parts in.  I will finish the nose once I glue the whole fuselage together though.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 01, 2013, 01:19:00 AM
A couple of pics taken to show how the new nose looks from the front ---
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 01, 2013, 02:11:26 AM
Wow you've been busy, kitnut!

I really like the look of the new nose! I never thought a Sunderland could be sleek!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Cliffy B on April 01, 2013, 03:59:24 AM
She's shaping up nicely man!  Good luck with the casting  :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 01, 2013, 06:53:16 AM
Thanks guys,

Well I now have four new nacelles --- although the mould is now almost toast.  More to do with how I hoped I could have the mould than the mould just crapping out, but I'll have to give it a rethink because I won't do it this way next time.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Cliffy B on April 01, 2013, 07:09:46 AM
They look good to me man!  Time to detail and mount on the wings  :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 01, 2013, 07:36:21 AM
I'm quite pleased with them Mike, and now I've got something major out of the way, the wings should progress quite quickly I think.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: finsrin on April 01, 2013, 12:21:09 PM
"I really like the look of the new nose! I never thought a Sunderland could be sleek!"  Agree,,, must 2nd Brian on that.
Took on a complex build and you are doing fine on it.  Engines are perfect  :)
Am I turning green or what !
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: jorel62 on April 02, 2013, 04:18:50 AM
this is going to look great.....
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 02, 2013, 11:33:39 PM
Thanks, I've got the engines glued on one wing and I've started the modification to the other wing.  Doing a test fit-up with the props temporarily stuck on the one side, it's taking on a Short Maia sort of look to the front end --- pics in a day or so
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 03, 2013, 03:31:24 AM
Those engine nacelles really came out great, kitnut!

If you were able to cast more, I have no doubts you could start up your own aftermarket business.

And I'd be lining up to order some!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 03, 2013, 03:42:22 AM
Thanks BdB, I've learnt a couple of things that is best not to do, one is if you have a sharp edge when you start, you'll have a sharp edge after you have done the mould, and the sharp edges really did a number on the mould, especially when I was trying to get the new cast bit out of the mould.  Secondly, not to try and do everything in one mould, some things will have to be done in a two-part mould, which is something I'll have to practice with.

Robert
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: philp on April 03, 2013, 01:40:01 PM
What, no popcorn eating smilie?

Oh well, will just have to sit down and pay attention anyway.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 03, 2013, 02:22:35 PM
How's this?

(http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/10172/smiley-face-popcorn.gif)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 07, 2013, 03:15:07 AM
I've got both wing roots modified and the nacelles are now on, took a bit of time getting them all lined up though.  Here's a couple of pics with the props temporarily installed to see how it looked, I had to add 1/2 ounce of ballast to the extreme front end to get it to sit flat on the forward keel, it's stuck on under my new nose floor.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 07, 2013, 03:17:56 AM
The next step is to get the u/c bays done, these have to be before I get the cargo deck sorted out because the main gear bays will protrude a bit into the cargo area.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: apophenia on April 09, 2013, 07:13:01 AM
Damn that looks good!  :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: jorel62 on April 09, 2013, 11:54:28 PM
This build just keeps getting better.....
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 10, 2013, 11:02:16 PM
Thanks guys ---

Anyway I managed to get a bit done to the u/c bays starting with one side first to work out the bugs.

First though I had to assemble and glue the u/c gear together and there I made another discovery.  Back in Reply #40 I posted some pics of the u/c temporarily assembled and I had found that the instruction sheet has it wrong, the retraction cylinder should actually be attached to the top 'A' frame and not the bottom.  I had said there is even a little tab on the upper 'A' frame which the bottom end of the cylinder attaches too.  Well now I have found that little tab should actually be on the inside side of the arm it's on, not on the outside.  What this does is align the retraction cylinder parallel with the main strut. 

I stumbled on this when I was making my new wheel bay, I had made a scaled-up bay using the Academy 1/72 Catalina bay as an example. (top pic)

The next problem to sort out is where the bay would actually go on the Sunderland.  I have always been under the impression the main wheel on a tricycle u/c float plane was just behind the step (at least lots of photos would show that). But then I found that the Catalina's main gear is in front of the step, while the Canadair CL-215/415 has it right behind the step.  So I was in a quandry just where to place it.  In the end I decided to line up the main strut and oleo directly under the center of the bomb rack in the wing, my reasoning is there had to be something substantial structurally, built into the wing/fuselage to support the bomb weight.  This placed the u/c gear right in between the two examples above.

Bottom three pics are the result, I have a few adjustments to make then I'll get on with the other side and front bay.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 10, 2013, 11:09:26 PM
Because I wanted to use as much of the Catalina u/c gear as possible (it's 1/48 scale),  I had to modify the arrangement somewhat.  Although I didn't have to change it drastically.  Initially I thought I could just bend up the main strut like in the pic here, but in the end I had to cut the top 'A' frame and strut off and reposition it as in the pics in the last post.  The left strut/oleo is the original and the right one is where I thought the strut should go.  In the end I wasn't far off with my initial thoughts.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 11, 2013, 02:31:20 AM
That undercarriage work is outstanding!  :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Cliffy B on April 11, 2013, 02:33:31 AM
Man this thin is just getting better and better!!!!  Keep it up dude  :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 11, 2013, 04:07:44 AM
You continue to amaze me, kitnut! I really like the pics showing how it all comes together. I think you may have missed your true calling as an aircraft designer!

Your mods to the landing gear and adding the bays shows some real engineering prowess that's beyond impressive to me.

I can't wait for your next installment on this wonder!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Buzzbomb on April 11, 2013, 07:46:57 AM
Great job.. this is looking very, very practical

Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Dr. YoKai on April 13, 2013, 12:01:36 AM
Kudos on all the work on this project!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 13, 2013, 12:42:43 AM
Thanks everyone ---
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: philp on April 13, 2013, 10:21:42 AM
What scheme are you going to put this beauty in?
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 13, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
What scheme are you going to put this beauty in?

See reply #38 Philp, but here's the pic again to refresh everyone.  Notice I got the sheet printed in 1/60 scale as I figured that would be big enough.  I've also picked up my paints last week, Omaha Orange (which the sheet says is a 1:1 mix of Reefer Orange and Reefer Yellow) and Brunswick Green.  The '703' number has been changed to '706', I'm going to leave the registration the same.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: philp on April 13, 2013, 11:59:45 PM
Aw, the Peas and Carrots scheme, very nice.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Weaver on April 14, 2013, 12:28:52 AM
This is great - keep up the good work!  :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 14, 2013, 11:00:17 PM
Just some musings:

I've had to do some rethinking about what this would do, initially it was to be an ex-RCAF freighter converted to a water-bomber.  The idea was some of the freighters (something the RCAF had considered for Tiger Force) were converted into amphibians but my wheelbays have given the idea a bit of a dent.  There's not a lot of space in between the two bays, in RW measurments about 4'-6" (1.4m).  While that is enough room to move a regular size wooden shipping pallet, loading up large awkward freight which I was thinking the large internal volume of the Sunderland could be used for, poses a bit of a problem.  The only solution I can think of to solve that at the moment is to have a cargo door in front of the wing as well as behind.  The reason for all this rethinking is because the intended purpose is that primarily it will be a water-bomber, with a secondary job as a freighter when off-duty from fire fighting.

Which brings me to how the water carrying capabilities will be.  I've worked out that there could be a permanent tank under the cargo floor of 2800-3000 gals. I would then have some removable sections above the cargo floor which would bring the total water load to 4000 gals which is a little bit more tham 33,000 lbs in weight.  With the much more powerful engines I don't think this is to far fetched.  The idea is that the removable sections of tanks could be done very quickly (there would be four of them for ease of handling) but I needed a large cargo door.  But the restricted space between the two wheel bays makes removing the forward tanks a bit of a problem, hence the rethink to having two cargo doors.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 17, 2013, 10:21:32 PM
-----   I have a few adjustments to make then I'll get on with the other side and front bay.

I, erm!, cocked it up ----   :-X

While trying to refine the wheel bay I went a bit too far, so I've junked what I've done and started again (top pic shows the two trys so far).
I also found I had the hole in the fuselage for the wheel in the wrong place so I had to added some card in to rectify that (second pic)
While I was trying to get by from not having to change too much of the u/c gear, I now know I should have done it as I first thought I would have had to do it, I needed to change the length of the top strut.  I've now shortened it by nearly 5mm and changed the angle of it a bit more than what I had but this allows me to use the retraction cylinder without modifying it. (bottom two pics)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: father ennis on April 19, 2013, 06:23:08 AM
Looking good and coming along nicely !!!  Glad you showed you mistake,too. This is a very complex and radical conversion and it's great you shared "everything" with us.  Mistakes are made by us all and those who have never tried something like this can get confidence to push the envelope by seeing someone of your quality still makes mistakes and have to correct them,too. I can't wait to see it finished ...
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 20, 2013, 04:25:18 AM
Well Ennis, contrary to popular belief, things don't always go very well quite often.  Which is why I always do one side first to sort out the bugs.

I think the only conversion I've done recently which seemed to just "'flow"', was my Seafire Mk.45 Hybrid build.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 28, 2013, 12:53:35 AM
Building has slowed down this last week or so, the 'pay-the-bills' job is taking a lot of my time right now, 12-14 hour days being the norm' and I'm getting really tired and no energy for the rest of the time.

But I have made a bit of progress --

These pics show the third atempt at the main gear wheel bay, I finally got it sorted out but one of the things I had to keep in mind was how to get the assembled main gear u/c in after everything has been glued together and painted. They will be the last things to go in --- at least that's the plan
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 28, 2013, 12:58:07 AM
I'm starting to transfer what I came up with to the other fuselage half (top pic)  and then I got the nose gear bay done, this was a doodle compared to the main gear bays.  Bottom pic shows where it is compared to where the bulkhead I've put in is, I'm going to have a floor around the wheel bay and then a 'ship's ladder' up to the flight deck.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 28, 2013, 01:00:19 AM
I've also started work on the tail end, I've cut out the turret housing and all the bodywork that was made to streamline the rear end to the turret.  I'm modifying a left-over Shackleton tail end and I'll use the clear part too.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 28, 2013, 03:43:56 AM
And it's begining to look as I envisioned it ---
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 28, 2013, 04:32:49 AM
Without wings?   Yeah, I know...leaving now! ;)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 15, 2013, 08:09:54 PM
Well guys, I'm not much further ahead, I've got 'silly' busy with work at the moment and just haven't had time to do anything else.  And I wasn't going to rush the build --- 

On top of that I've been under pressure from my clients to start drawing in 3D, I've had to purchase a new drafting program to do this so it's back to school to learn how to use it as it's not like the AutoCad I've been used to for the last 20 years.  I'm not sure when I'll get back to building models for now----
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 16, 2013, 02:34:02 AM
I've had to purchase a new drafting program

which program?
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: father ennis on May 16, 2013, 05:12:24 AM
Sucks to be you somedays ... !!!  Sorry to.hear the RW is causing you trouble !!!  I'm still looking forward to seeing you finished this build.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: finsrin on May 16, 2013, 05:26:40 AM
Without wings and a few other changes it could be an amphibious bus.  What a revelation  :))
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 16, 2013, 06:38:18 AM
I've had to purchase a new drafting program

which program?

Inventor, which comes with an AutoCad upgrade to Version 2014 (I'm using Version 2008 at the moment). Although I can make AutoCad dwgs with Inventor, it's a differently written program so I'm told.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 16, 2013, 06:40:40 AM
Sucks to be you somedays ... !!!  Sorry to.hear the RW is causing you trouble !!!  I'm still looking forward to seeing you finished this build.

I will finish the build, it's just going to take me some time and whenever I can get to it.  I've been doing 12-16 hour days just lately, mentally wasted at the end of the day and I've still got to learn the new program when I'm not working.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 16, 2013, 03:50:57 PM
I've had to purchase a new drafting program

which program?

Inventor, which comes with an AutoCad upgrade to Version 2014 (I'm using Version 2008 at the moment). Although I can make AutoCad dwgs with Inventor, it's a differently written program so I'm told.

I know it well.  We use it at work.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on May 18, 2013, 05:57:44 AM
I'm sorry to hear this beauty is on the back-burner, but I completely understand.

That work thing has been no end of annoyance for me as well.

Please let us know when you get rolling with this incredible model again!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 20, 2013, 10:04:39 PM
This will all depend on the learning curve I will be on, if I pick up on Inventor quick then I can get back to models quicker.

Meanwhile, now this GB is over, could the Moderators please move my thread back to Current Builds.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 21, 2013, 03:08:40 AM
Thanks Greg   :)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: KiwiZac on October 01, 2015, 11:42:49 AM
I've just discovered this totally bonkers (yet all rather logical) beauty. Dare I bump?
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Brian da Basher on October 02, 2015, 07:05:01 AM
I've just discovered this totally bonkers (yet all rather logical) beauty. Dare I bump?

Definitely worth a bump, Old Bean!

Perhaps Mr Kitnut will have some news for us on this wonder soon...

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: trickyrich on October 05, 2015, 10:05:35 AM
Very Very NICE!!!

I love the undercarriage setup...and the work gone into it!! A really interesting concept and it just looks right! It's a wonder they didn't try to give he wheels!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on October 06, 2015, 09:52:39 AM
Well -- unfortunately life took a quick (but painful) kick at the family jewels  ---- the work that I did at home came to a sudden stop --- had to go get a regular job again (one I happen to like though, I work at Calgary International as a security escort, get to drive out around the aircraft and such) but the hours are very long each day (12-16 is the norm at the moment) so the hobby has had to take a backseat for a while -- again   :(   :icon_crap:
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 03, 2020, 04:04:04 AM
Well, resurrection time   ;)  I'll post some pre-get-on-with-it pics shortly.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: ericr on April 05, 2020, 03:24:22 PM

I didn't know this thread : it looks great ! keep on going !

long live seaplanes !
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Old Wombat on April 05, 2020, 06:06:23 PM
Talk about corpses rising from the dead! :o

Hope she gets up & running, this time, mate! :smiley:
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Kerick on April 06, 2020, 01:30:34 AM
Great to see this one back!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: apophenia on April 06, 2020, 02:19:18 AM
Well, resurrection time  ...

Very apropos for Easter  ;D

Quote
Shelf of Doom, thou shalt not hold him longer; Hiatus is strong, but Build is stronger; Stronger than the dark, the light; Stronger than the wrong, the right; Faith and Whif triumphant say Turbo Sunderland will rise on Easter Day.
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Buzzbomb on April 06, 2020, 02:19:25 PM
Forgot about where this was going.
Perfect group build for it
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 07, 2020, 03:19:32 AM
Thanks everyone for the encouragement ----

Here's a couple of pics just to show that it's as it was left years ago   :-[
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on April 07, 2020, 03:34:23 AM
So the plan was/is, to have the doors of the water tank open under the fuselage, these will be quite large so inside will be visible. It will have a cargo floor and most of the tank will be under it, but also four extra tanks above the floor which would be removable for when the aircraft wasn't being used as a water tanker and reverts to hauling cargo. I have a cabin floor I was planning to use and I had bought quite a few packet of styrene strip of various section, angles, I-Beams etc so I could detail by making structrural joists and beams under the floor in the tanks area. One of the reasons the project went quite was about the floor, I had two/three other projects in mind which also need floors so I was trying to figure out how I could replicate it. But recently Carl has helped me out with another cabin floor, which frees up the one I had planned to use here.

Then, just a few weeks ago while at the hobby shop getting supplies, I found they have expanded their range of styrene and ABS sections, they have another rack of Evergreen styrene and the Plastistrut items have almost tripled. I found some items which will greatly simplify the details.

Like these sections below, this is what I was going to do with the angles and beams (cut to make T-bar)
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on May 08, 2020, 11:46:43 PM
mojo just isn't getting fired up for this one ---   :-X
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on May 08, 2020, 11:53:47 PM
Sorry to hear your Muse has gone on vacation.  Seems to be a common experience for many of us. 
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Robomog on May 11, 2020, 06:54:29 AM
Go for it Kitnut the concept is fantastic, I'm really looking forward to the final model  :smiley: :smiley:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: Kerick on June 05, 2020, 10:36:35 AM
What if you simplify the build in the interest of completing it? I should talk, I haven’t finished anything in months. I’d love to see yoU finish this one. It’s awesome!
Title: Re: Sunderland TP Amphibian Fire-Bomber
Post by: kitnut617 on June 05, 2020, 09:30:58 PM
I had thought about simplifying it, but then as the plan is to have the side loading door open too, I dropped the thought. I'll get around to it some day but right now I've got too much to do around the property (spring/summer is here). I'll ask Greg or Jeff to move the thread back to Physical Models, Aerospace.