I think it would be better if you based it on the P-61E version, it had the more powerful engines of the "C" but with a cut down fuselage and bubble tandem canopy.
I think it would be better if you based it on the P-61E version, it had the more powerful engines of the "C" but with a cut down fuselage and bubble tandem canopy.
The question of kit availability and affordability is going to determine what kits and parts John is using for this project. Since it is in 1/48th scale there are limited choices and selection. Better to spend $20.00 on the Monogram kit and get it done under cost and under budget.
Looking in the PAK-20 book, Lone Star Models had announced a 1/48 F-15 Reporter was in the works although nothing shows up on the website.
Looking in the PAK-20 book, Lone Star Models had announced a 1/48 F-15 Reporter was in the works although nothing shows up on the website.
It is on this page: [url]http://www.lonestarmodels.com/conversions-1-48.html[/url] ([url]http://www.lonestarmodels.com/conversions-1-48.html[/url])
corn-cobbed ?
corn-cobbed ?
Yep.
Some inspiration from our members:
What about a variant with the fuselage modified to make a transport version - basically leave the pilot's cockpit but then fair over the rest and have a rear opening hate at the rear.Clamshell or beavertail aft hatch? The former makes for faster loading and unloading while the latter makes for easier para-dropping.
Kit bashing between an Italeri 1:72nd scale C-119 and a 1:48th scale P-61?What about a variant with the fuselage modified to make a transport version - basically leave the pilot's cockpit but then fair over the rest and have a rear opening hate at the rear.Clamshell or beavertail aft hatch? The former makes for faster loading and unloading while the latter makes for easier para-dropping.
What about a variant with the fuselage modified to make a transport version - basically leave the pilot's cockpit but then fair over the rest and have a rear opening hate at the rear.
Clamshell or beavertail aft hatch? The former makes for faster loading and unloading while the latter makes for easier para-dropping.
([url]http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/joncarrfarrelly/BTS/N15_02.png[/url])
I've thought about an updated version in SEA colors in place of the Invaders used in Vietnam.If sufficently intact hulks would have been available in the Boneyard (but weren't in OTL), that would have actually made more sense: P-61 already had a radar (which could have been upgraded to one that could track ground targets) so would be inherently more suited to the night role.
Any ideas how to convert a 1/48th P-61 to a turbo powered version?What is the time period and who might the operator have been? I'f you're thinking mid-50s to late 60s you options are rather limited, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You could pick from RR Darts as well as even the twin Mamba of the Gannet. The Dart is handy because the shape of the nacelle is cylindrical and easier to scratchbuild. If you want to have more power, the Armstrong Siddeley Python, from the Wyvern, comes in at about 3500 hp allowing an increase in capability in the Black Widow.
Unfortunately, Heritage Aviation Models is no more. I think one of the antipodean specialist firms (Kiwi Resins?) do a conversion, or did a conversion. I know Red Roo does/did a kit to model the Australian Dart-Mustang in 1/72 but I don't know if they do/did it in 1/48.
P-61 | RR Dart Conversion based upon Cavalier Mustang | S-2T based conversion | Conair Firecat based conversion | Convair CV-580 style conversion | Basler BT-67 style conversion |
P&W R2800 Radial Piston | RR Dart Mk.510 (RDa.6) Turboprop | Honeywell TPE-331-15AW Turboprop | PT6A-67AF Turboprop | Allison 501/T56 Turboprop | PT6A-67R Turboprop |
2000hp - 2800hp ea depending upon model fitted | 1535 - 1,670 shp ea | 1,645 shp ea | 1,220 shp ea | 3,750 shp ea | 1,281 shp ea |
I wonder how that nose would fit the A-6's avionics fit for night/all-weather action?
Or the Hamilton Sundstrand NP2000 propellers from the E-2 Hawkeye/C-2 Greyhound.
Now I'll have to look up the prop diameters but that will be easy.P-3 Orion propeller diameter: 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)
Maybe a story about the P-61 that found its way to Vietnam and sprouted two "lost" C-130 engines. Crazy things happen in a war zone. Hmmm, CIA, Air America needed an armed escort for its cargo planes.......?
And looks like RR Dart engines too.
How about the low light TV or IR systems from back in the day?
The Dart installation from the Cavalier Turbo Mustang III looks pretty good. Extra parts for carrying weapons too.PT-6s of the time period were relatively small, in the 450-750 hp range. 1700 hp engines, the larger PT-6 series, didn't come about until the early 70s through 80s and none of them hit the 2250 HP of the R-2800s. A late 60s PT-6 engined Black Widow will be a pig, from a performance p.o.v.
My one other thought was using regular Mustang Merlin noses and add a scoop to make it look like the PT6.
An engine which would fit in your time frame is a RR Tyne. They were initially designed for the 2500hp range but when tested was producing over 4000hp. And I've found that the Tynes on an Atlantique have nacelles about the right diameter for R-2800's. I've been looking at putting a set on a DC-6 but it looks like Aircraft in Miniature are going to be doing a DC-7 conversion so I think I'll put them on a DC-7 instead.
I like:
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