Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Brian da Basher on September 12, 2012, 05:15:58 AM
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I just love Airfix kits. Ok so they're mostly kind of simple and can take a little work. And maybe they don't compare or scale perfectly to the blueprints. I'm fine with that. I find that not only is building an Airfix kit like spending time with a boyhood chum but that the simplicity of these models makes them ripe for whiffing.
Recently, I picked up an Airfix D.H. Mosquito for $10.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/AirfixDHMosquitoboxtop.jpg)
I also picked up an Airfix Spitfire for $1 and the plan was to graft the Spitfire engine on to the nose of the Mosquito. Well, my idea had to be shelved when I noticed how huge the Mosquito props and spinners are. My memory for detail can fade with time. I had to come up with something else.
I remembered reading about how Mosquitos were used as fast, express transports during W.W. II flying diplomats into Sweden and ball bearings out. I had an idea and some decals that'd be perfect...
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHproj_01.jpg)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHproj_02.jpg)
This concept would entail (hahaha) making a new fin and rudder from card stock to work with the decals.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHproj_03.jpg)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHproj_04.jpg)
I found some nice un-cowled radial engines and props (from a Ford Trimotor & P-26) that were a good fit and before I knew it, I was ready for paint & decals.
More to follow...
Brian da Basher
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In the spring of 1931, a Boeing Model 221B from the Long & Way Express Co. made an emergency landing at DeHavilland's test field in Norwich. The DeHavilland staff were thrilled to get such a close-up view of the latest state-of-the-art in civil aviation.
After huddling with the test pilots, the DeHavilland engineers realized adding two more engines on the Boeing monoplane might give it the power and speed necessary for the design to meet its full potential.
The British Overseas Airline Corporation (BOAC), a new entity formed from the merger of Imperial Airlines, British South American Airlines and Fred's Fortnightly Flights (a charter-tour service out of the Firth of Fourth), was anxious to make a splash and ordered the DeHavilland tri-motor straight off the drawing board.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_001.jpg)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_002.jpg)
Boasting a top speed of over 230 mph and able to carry 3 passengers and cargo over 1,000 mile range, the new aircraft was a hit.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_003.jpg)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_004.jpg)
More to follow...
Brian da Basher
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That is decidedly neat looking! :)
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Wicked! From what you described in our telephone conversation over the weekend I had a rough idea of what to expect but seeing it finished with the windows and door added certainly makes it unique. Hopefully Msr. De Havilland will approve of this variation on his wooden wonder theme.
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The new aircraft was the star of the Farnborough Airshow and was quickly dubbed the "Trike" due to its tri-motor configuration.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_005.jpg)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_0011.jpg)
BOAC wasted no time and put the Trike in service for fast, executive transport and express cargo duties where speed was critical.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_0012.jpg)
The Trike was seen often in British skies even after it was passed from regular service and used for route-timing. Today little remains of the once revolutionary aircraft except this desktop model.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_008.jpg)
However, the design was to be re-worked during W.W. II and eventually became the famous Mosquito.
Brian da Basher
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Oddly enough, sometimes even the daffiest of ideas can work. Here's an over-head shot showing off the graceful lines:
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_006.jpg)
And here's another I like better because there's no glare:
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_007.jpg)
Ok so maybe I need to give most of the credit there to Sir Geoffrey...
This detail shot shows how I turned the cannon mount into an oil cooler with spare tank:
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_0010.jpg)
You know, put three props on something and suddenly it looks Italian:
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_0013.jpg)
And yes, I saved the Mosquito tail. I'm not sure what I'll do with it. Maybe graft it onto a Boeing.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_0014.jpg)
Brian da Basher
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Thanks for the nice comments, gents.
I had a blast building this and here's a bonus shot with "mood" lighting:
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/DH%20Trike/DHTrike_0016.jpg)
Mr Fontaine, I'm afraid this one would have poor old Sir Geoffrey positively spinning but I'm really chuffed that you like it.
Brian da Basher
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Now that Sir really is lovely! I must admit, I was a bit worried from the first photos, but then it just turned all nice!
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WOW What have you done to a Mosquito? That's different. It does change the look a lot. Another brilliant kit bash. Well done.
Ed
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Well that's certainly different; nice job 8)
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You, my friend, are a genius. That looks so natural and I'd never have believed it.
Cheers,
Logan
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That sir, just plain ROCKS!
SALUTE!! :icon_beer:
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The only thing that would make this better is a set of floats :)
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Gotta tell you: your models always have me wanting to take a break from everything and just hit the modeling bench again!
Great stuff!
With this tri-motor 'bash, I kept picturing it with SKIS for some reason (I know: BLASPHEMY without spats!).
Super job on the build, Brian.
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Now that Sir really is lovely! I must admit, I was a bit worried from the first photos, but then it just turned all nice!
I had the same concern, but Brian always turns out a fantastic build!
I'm surprised that it doesn't have spats, though.
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Funny! ;)
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You been sniffing that glue again Brian? :)
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Dang it Brian --- Ya done did it again. Like it much :)
Later in Fall when I'm back to kit-bashing, wanna sniff same brand glue as you !
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Nice! :D
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Got to agree with all the others Brian -- you done it again --- :)
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It's ok I guess..... ;D looks great BDB!
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Great job BdB!! Wonderfully imaginative!
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Now that Sir really is lovely! I must admit, I was a bit worried from the first photos, but then it just turned all nice!
I had the same concern, but Brian always turns out a fantastic build!
I'm surprised that it doesn't have spats, though.
yes....your brilliance aside, sir, who are you and what have you done with the real Basher?
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Very cool Brian! Neat concept and great execution too. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
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GENIUS!!!! :icon_beer: :icon_beer:
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Beautiful!! ::chuckle:: How about a second one used to covertly photograph military positions in Europe with a "G_AGFA" registration?
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Beautiful!
You made me think in a three Merlin Mosquito >:D
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You made me think in a three Merlin Mosquito >:D
If I may direct your attention here:
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/More%20Creations/3Mmossie.jpg)
Now go for it!!! ;)
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That is one "sleek" trimotor!
Will we see a merlin-powered "Ford" bomber next?
I'm sure you are aware that BOAC employed at least one Mosquito for "civilian" flights between the UK and Sweden during WW II, and whisked scientist Niels Bohr to the UK on one flight (the "dummy" flight was intercepted by the Luftwaffe and forced to land).