Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => Racing Theme GB => Topic started by: Acree on June 25, 2017, 01:34:31 PM

Title: T-6 Racers!
Post by: Acree on June 25, 2017, 01:34:31 PM

With the kind permission of Apophenia, I present my take on a couple of inline powered T-6 racers: 
First, real life:  These two entered into the 1947 National Air Races Halle Race for women.  Number 61 was the actual XAT-6E prototype.  It was to be flown in the race by Margaret "Mickey" McGrath.  In the 1947 race, Mickey either did not start or pulled out after 1 lap when her gear would not retract (depending on which source you choose to believe).  Number 49 was built as a production AT-6D but modified for racing with a Ranger V-770).  It was flown in the 1947 Halle Race by Dori Marland (Hollywood actress and former WASP squadron commander).  Dori definitely started, but dropped out with engine problems after 3 laps. 
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4286/35517128235_e3ca1634f9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyPV)Slide1 (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyPV) by cacree (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144515244@N05/), on Flickr
The second pic shows race number 61 as modified for the 1948 Halle Race - this is definitely NOT real world!  Mickey McGrath had #61 modified with a single-seat cockpit, flying from the rear seat for better aerodynamics.  The stock AT-6 windscreen was moved aft and fitted with a custom made blown plexiglass canopy.  The only other modification was a fairing fitted to the tailwheel. 
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4279/35517128015_2d8e62a84e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyL8)Slide2 (https://flic.kr/p/W7wyL8) by cacree (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144515244@N05/), on Flickr
Finally, in 1948, the two Ranger powered rivals met again, but with much more radical modifications.  Number 61 now had a much more streamlined custom canopy fitted, and the vertical fin and rudder were both shortened to reduce drag.  A retractable tailwheel from a P-51 was also fitted.  Meanwhile, #49 received the entire tail unit from a P-51 (but with AT-6 horizontal surfaces in order to abide by Halle Race rules).  Both aircraft were some 20-25 knots faster than any other AT-6 in the field and came first and second in the 1949 race, after which they were both banned by the simple expedient of writing a requirement for an R-1340 engine into the rules. 
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4287/34675922064_f89f119926_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UQcaxf)Slide3 (https://flic.kr/p/UQcaxf) by cacree (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144515244@N05/), on Flickr

Title: Re: T-6 Racers!
Post by: Tophe on June 25, 2017, 02:13:15 PM

 :-* Wow! Nice!

Title: Re: T-6 Racers!
Post by: jcf on June 25, 2017, 03:23:46 PM

Brilliant!

Title: Re: T-6 Racers!
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 25, 2017, 05:23:30 PM

 :)

Title: Re: T-6 Racers!
Post by: AXOR on June 25, 2017, 06:52:35 PM

I especially like the 1949 versions,nice job man! :)

Title: Re: T-6 Racers!
Post by: apophenia on June 27, 2017, 05:18:42 AM

Those are all very tasty Chuck  :) But your 1948 version with the swoopy canopy and Mustang tail is truly gorgeous  :-*

Title: Re: T-6 Racers!
Post by: Brian da Basher on June 27, 2017, 05:46:32 AM

Quote from: apophenia on June 27, 2017, 05:18:42 AM

Those are all very tasty Chuck  :) But your 1948 version with the swoopy canopy and Mustang tail is truly gorgeous  :-*

Must agree with the good apophenia here! The sleeker the better!

Brian da Basher