Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: The Big Gimper on September 08, 2013, 08:24:07 PM

Title: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 08, 2013, 08:24:07 PM
I’ve been stricken with a builders block for the last few months. 

I could only helplessly look my stash, move it aimlessly around and buy more kits. Even kits from Emil the Enabler did not help. Nothing worked. The apathy continued. Any attempt to pick a tool resulted in a large sigh and deeper slide into lethargy.
 
However a few nights ago  while watching X-Files season 4, episode called Tempus Fugit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempus_Fugit_%28The_X-Files%29), it was Fox Mulder who saved my soul. His tenacity to find the truth broke me out of my funk.

I had an engine epiphany. 

What if I put a Centaurusfrom a Sea Fury on a P-47? I already had to plans to build a FAA ready P-47 which I was going to call the Skate. But it was going to use the existing PW-2800. Plus I am also looking for quick build in order to get the modelling juices following again.

So I grabbed a trusty donor PM Models Sea Fury kit, an older Hasegawa P-47D, my chop saw and mitre and closed my eyes. I made two cuts:  One straight down parallel to the cooling flaps and one horizontal to intersect with the first cut. I dropped in the Centarus, added some styrene to fill the gaps and putty to create/shape a new contour.

Attached are photos after I glued the Sea Fury cowling on, did some PSR but before painting.  I also added a small faring ( part of a F7F wing tip) and the Sea Fury Tail hook behind the tail wheel. Spinner is from an Academy Typhoon.

Things under wings will be two 500 LBs bombs and a center-line drop tank.

The finish with be over all GSB with a yellow spinner. Decals from a Corsair or Firefly.

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0791.jpg)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0787.jpg)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0782.jpg)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0788.jpg)



Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centarus)
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 08, 2013, 08:58:22 PM
That is truly inspired, Mr Gimper!

I think your choice of color scheme will be wonderful too!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centarus)
Post by: Old Wombat on September 08, 2013, 09:32:06 PM
I'd like to see a front-on shot but the views shown look pretty good to me! 8)

Keep it coming, man! :))

:)

Guy
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centarus)
Post by: ChrisF on September 08, 2013, 10:23:01 PM
Tidy! Will be keeping an eye on this one..
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centarus)
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 09, 2013, 12:52:40 AM
Oh yeah!
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centarus)
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on September 09, 2013, 01:46:37 AM
Looking good Carl! 
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: apophenia on September 09, 2013, 07:54:29 AM
Looking good! Any chance of a Malcolm hood on your Skate?
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Old Wombat on September 09, 2013, 09:19:11 AM
Any chance of a Malcolm hood on your Skate?

Now, there's an idea! 8)

:)

Guy
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: taiidantomcat on September 09, 2013, 09:47:41 AM
That looks nice! Good thinking
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: FAAMAN on September 09, 2013, 12:27:39 PM
Excellent idea, don't forget the wing fold. 8)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 09, 2013, 01:05:45 PM
@ Old Wombat: sorry Guy, I already glued the canopy on. But its looks like the next Skate MK.I will have a Malcolm hood.  :D

As for the front view, I think the cowl went on crooked so I am trying to fix that. I'll provide more photos in the next day or so. 

@ FAAMAN: good idea. I'll do that with the MK.II or Mk.III. Seafire fold or Hellcat fold?
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Old Wombat on September 09, 2013, 01:41:42 PM
Given that the fold will be well out on the wing, the Seafire or Sea Fury fold would probably work better.

:)

Guy
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: FAAMAN on September 09, 2013, 03:07:33 PM
Yep, Fury fold, I mean what else for Centaurus power?
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Tophe on September 10, 2013, 12:58:00 AM
It's like a nice performance in aesthetical surgery... :-*
Congratulations! :)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: kitnut617 on September 10, 2013, 02:01:47 AM
I like that Carl   :)

One thing I might suggest, don't use the P-47 propeller.  It turns in the opposite direction to which  the Centaurus turns it's propeller. 

If you can find it, I'd use an Aeroclub prop from a Beverley EDIT: a Firebrand [P043], like this below.  You could also use a Typhoon four-blader, or a Tempests.
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 10, 2013, 02:24:21 AM
Good catch. I just "borrowed" one from a Frog Hornet. Included a spinner too.  :)

EDIT: I did try the Typhoon blade but it is massive.
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: kitnut617 on September 10, 2013, 02:27:22 AM
That would work too  :)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 10, 2013, 02:33:16 AM
Greg at Ozmods has a two pack of  BRISTOL CENTAURUS NACELLE & PROP (http://www.ozmods-kits.com/ozmods-conversions-upgrades-accessories-172) but with shipping its about $30 CDN.

(http://www.hgsitebuilder.com/files/writeable/uploads/hostgator558820/image/7209centaurusphoto.jpg)

Did I tell you today how much I hate the high postal rates?
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: kitnut617 on September 10, 2013, 02:43:45 AM
Cripes!  you need to find a shipping partner --- What else does OzMods have then ---
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 15, 2013, 04:06:07 AM
About 3/4s done.

First coat of GSB is on. Need to glue on few more pieces. And decals.

@ Wombat: You can see the cowling went on crooked so I have a lopsided "Smile".

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0803.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/CF-101B/media/Modeling%202013/IMG_0803.jpg.html)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0802.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/CF-101B/media/Modeling%202013/IMG_0802.jpg.html)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0804.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/CF-101B/media/Modeling%202013/IMG_0804.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on September 15, 2013, 05:32:07 AM
What a beast!  And I mean that in a good way ;)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: FAAMAN on September 15, 2013, 08:06:06 AM
That looks ......... well, nasty, evil 8) (side number 666 maybe?:D) Going great guns!
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: finsrin on September 15, 2013, 08:19:26 AM
One fine build. :)   Looks like OOB of the real thing.
Rugged nasty beast appearance, opponents beware !
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 30, 2013, 10:32:26 PM
Good Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Night to the denizens of the great kingdom of Wifferdonia lead by our benevolent dictator, Sir Greg of the Southern Stash. Member in good standing of the MAS and COS.

The Skate is completed except for a minor paint touch ups. I enjoyed this simple build. The Skate Mk. II I suspect is not that far away in the future.

I decided to let the Kiwi's get the first Skates. The core decals are from an Aeromaster Kiwi and Techmod set. The white stripes from a Carpena set. Prop decals from Authentic Decal. I stole the stripe idea from the P-40s.

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0867.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/CF-101B/media/Modeling%202013/IMG_0867.jpg.html)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0870.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/CF-101B/media/Modeling%202013/IMG_0870.jpg.html)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0871.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/CF-101B/media/Modeling%202013/IMG_0871.jpg.html)

(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/CF-101B/Modeling%202013/IMG_0874.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/CF-101B/media/Modeling%202013/IMG_0874.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on September 30, 2013, 10:42:25 PM
Very nice Carl!  Very nice indeed! 
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Frank3k on September 30, 2013, 11:55:41 PM
Wow, that is one good looking plane!
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: kitnut617 on October 01, 2013, 01:19:22 AM
I do like that ---  :-*
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Cliffy B on October 01, 2013, 01:35:01 AM
If that isn't SHARP!!!  Wonderful job man  8)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: ChrisF on October 01, 2013, 02:29:59 AM
Looks proper tidy with them markings on :)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Brian da Basher on October 02, 2013, 03:24:37 AM
Another winner, Carl! Using SEAC markings was truly inspired!

Talk about a great finish!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: mikejapan on October 02, 2013, 06:13:35 AM
Smooth looking aircraft, the white stripes on the tails set it off nicely!
Great job

Michael
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 02, 2013, 12:26:20 PM
subtle changes in lines make this work.

The blue scheme though.. wow
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: FAAMAN on October 02, 2013, 02:54:52 PM
That is an excellent build!! Very well done!! 8)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: taiidantomcat on October 02, 2013, 11:16:14 PM
Very nice  :)
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Tophe on October 03, 2013, 12:11:12 AM
Thanks for this aesthetical improvement (confirmed!) of the Thunderbolt...
Title: Re: Westland Skate MK.I (1/72 Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)
Post by: Old Wombat on October 03, 2013, 12:25:11 AM
Very kool Kiwi, Mr TBG! 8)

:)

Guy