1/72 Martin Montana O-48A and OSM-1 (ex-Matchbox Wellesley)

[The Big Gimper]

Here is my next installment on "How the Wright R-2600" took over the world.

Glenn. L. Martin in 1940 made a proposal to War Department for a very long range patrol, observation and navigation aircraft. Building the Vickers Wellesley under license as the Martin Montana (you know, big Sky, blue Sky etc), he changed the engine to a R-2600 and like most naval and observation aircraft, he changed the single cockpit to a big greenhouse.

Two models were ordered: O-48A for the USAAC and OSM-1 for the USN.

Here is my other Airfix B-25 Wright R-2600 mounted on a Wellesley. The engine just "slipped" on.  I also cut down the fuselage to install a TBF canopy. This was a real pain as the Wellesley has two engine option so I had to trim and align 4 separate pieces. I will improve the cockpit by adding a 2nd tandem pilot and F4F external tanks at later date, the rest will be an OOB build.

[father ennis]

Off to a great start there !!!   Which box are you going to build it out of    

[Tophe]

Big and good transformation, congratulations! :)

[FAAMAN]

Cool! Will this be the OSM-1? Please 

[elmayerle]

That's quite looking the part.  As what version you build, may we please have the most colorful one?

[Cliffy B]

Oooooo, me likey!!!  If the USN bird is to be an observation aircraft then will it have floats??!!  Please!!! 

[Empty Handed]

Hmmm that R-2600 really works. Great concept!

[Jeffry Fontaine]

With all of that additional horsepower up front would it not need a bit more tail at the back to control the beast ? The Wellesley certainly looks much better with an actual canopy and that R2600 up front. 

[The Big Gimper]

@ Jeff. Good point. Let me see what I can find in the parts bin. It now reminds me of the O-47.



@ Cliffy B. Mike, I do not have any floats but that is not to say my next Wellesley or 3 won't be on floats. Suggestions are welcome on a good donor for the floats.

@ Elmayerle: Evan, it will not be a yellow bird but that does bring a pause for thought. 

@ FAAMAN: Yes this will be the OSM-1. I'm looking at M-485 blue-gray on top and M-495 light gull gray on the lower surfaces. Depending on what I find in the decals spares box it may have the red white rudder and dots.

[Brian da Basher]

Ohh yes! This just looks right.

One suggestion for adding to the tail is to add a fillet in the front of the fin.

I'm in awe of your creativity, Mr Gimper.

Brian da Basher

[father ennis]

I got lots of spare floats,if you would be interested send me a pm.

[Buzzbomb]

interesting combination.. looking forward to more

[jcf]

With all of that additional horsepower up front would it not need a bit more tail at the back to control the beast ? The Wellesley certainly looks much better with an actual canopy and that R2600 up front.

The Wellesley had 'an actual canopy', a rather sleek semi-bubble for the pilot, and the
Hercules powered Type 292 LRDU variant didn't require an increased fuselage length
with an engine in the same class as the R-2600.
BTW the Hercules and the R-2600 both had a diameter of 55".

[The Big Gimper]

Time for an update.

Here is my Martin Maine OSM-1. The USAAF Wellesley will be the Montana.

I stripped out the cockpit and replaced it with a TBF cockpit. It has two pilots and a wireless operator / gunner. The 2nd pilot is also the navigator. The drop tanks are from a F-84. They have a nice 1940s look to them.

[CSMO]

I think Ju.52-3m floats would work just fine for a Wellesley. They flew single engine Junkers bush-planes on floats in Alaska and Canada. I have built two wellingtons on Ju.52 floats. I ,laid out the struts on the last one using the CANT Z.506 for a pattern. I would certainly like to see a three engine Wellesley/Wellington hybrid on floats. Great work on your martin build, so far. Adios, Larry.

[Brian da Basher]

That's one heck of an update! I like the new drop tanks. A lot.

Brian da Basher

[The Big Gimper]

I have been diagnosed with MADS (Modelers Attention Deficit Syndrome) aka the Start, Stop, Stare, Start, Stop, Sad, Sherry, Shelf-of-Doom, Sympathy, and Success.

The starting date on this post/build was 2 years and 1 day ago. But through the miracle of modern medicine and some nice Apple Cider, I finally finished the kit.  I finished it in US Marines vs USN as originally proposed. Painted with acrylic paint, many hairy sticks, primary decals from a J2F and other sources.









I wonder what the largest single engine aircraft (wing span) is?

[ysi_maniac]

Great idea and concept!! :) :) :)

[GTX_Admin]

I like!

[elmayerle]

Very nice!!  I like the way you finished this one up.

[KiwiZac]

I'm so glad you came back to this as it looks fantastic! I love the new canopy and engine, and the markings look quite nice on it. Bravo!

[Frank3k]

That is just awesome! And great paint work, too. It looks airbrushed.

[FAAMAN]

 :) :) :) :)

[Tophe]

and Success.

I confirm: finishing this marvel is a big success!

[Camthalion]

Nice one.