Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Brian da Basher on May 23, 2016, 12:42:34 AM
-
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_020.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_020.jpg.html)
While the U.S. Army Air Corps was impressed with their new P-26 monoplane pursuit, the brass was always hungry for even greater performance and encouraged Boeing to improve the design.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_001.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_001.jpg.html)
In late 1933, Boeing presented their enhanced version for Air Corps' testing. The new prototype was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1867 Hornet K 786 hp 9 cylinder radial engine enclosed by a redesigned cowling and topped off by an experimental Stannelton-Hammered variable-pitch propeller.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_002.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_002.jpg.html)
A new, enclosed canopy allowed the guns to be moved up from down in the lower fuselage to the cowling by repositioning the auxiliary interchange cooler and backup gunsight hydraulic unit.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_003.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_003.jpg.html)
Initial flight tests were encouraging and the Air Corps ordered a service-test squadron for further evaluation. As Boeing had chosen the most powerful engine the airframe could handle, the new pursuit was dubbed the XYP-26Z Peashooter Max.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_004.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_004.jpg.html)
The new prototypes were delivered in June, 1934 and were assigned to the 83rd Composite Wing based at Knott-Wright Field near Okay, OK. This would place them in an ideal position to test their capabilities to the utmost.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_005.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_005.jpg.html)
Over the week of February 29th - March 5th 1935, strange lights were seen over the sprawling metropolis of Okay, OK and sparked fears of some new kind of aerial invasion.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/Okay_Affirmative.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/Okay_Affirmative.jpg.html)
The 83rd Composite Wing's XYP-26Z Peashooter Max pursuits flew countless defense patrols in an effort to calm the populace. The service-test squadron flew their new prototypes at dawn and dusk and at high and low altitudes.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_007.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_007.jpg.html)
However, after March, no mystery lights were seen over Okay again. The 83rd Composite Wing's XYP-26Z Peashooter Max pursuits searched in vain for the strange phenomenon.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_009.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_009.jpg.html)
The mystery was never solved in its day, but the best modern conjecture is that Okay, OK was never under any threat but was the victim of a combination of swamp gas and mass hysteria.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_007.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_007.jpg.html)
That would be the Boeing XYP-26Z Peashooter Max's only noteworthy moment as it was soon replaced with more modern types and relegated to the scrap heap. Still, it proved its worth as Okay, OK was never attacked by air the entire time the Peashooter Max was in service. Unfortunately, none survive today.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_012.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_012.jpg.html)
However, the Peashooter Max would go on to change history long after it was gone. In one of the few successes of German intelligence, plans for the revolutionary Boeing XYP-26Z ended up in the hands of Focke-Wulf where they would have an unforeseen impact by inspiring design details of the latest Würger prototype.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/spy%20and%20FW-190%20canopy.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/spy%20and%20FW-190%20canopy.jpg.html)
While completely forgotten today, the Peashooter Max was once the cutting edge in aviation technology and would have an influence on the future far larger than its diminutive size would suggest.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_013.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_013.jpg.html)
Brian da Basher
-
This all started with the classic Revell 1/72 Boeing P-26A Peashooter a good friend recently sent me. Mine had the classic 1970's photo on the box which it wore when I first saw this kit at the local drugstore back when I was a boy.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/Revell%204117%20P-26A.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/Revell%204117%20P-26A.jpg.html)
While this is a vintage kit and the very picture of simplicity, it's perfect for whiffing. Once again, I've been inspired by a recent project posted here by Mr Acree. His Peashooter really got me thinking and soon I was I sorting out replacement parts. Then I did a little surgery...
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_prog02.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_prog02.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_prog01.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_prog01.jpg.html)
This would allow a spare, bruised cast-off Fw-190 canopy to fit. I added gun blisters to a Fokker D.XXI cowling and found a suitable engine & prop in the spares box. The mock-up was encouraging.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup01.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup01.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup03.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup03.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup04.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup04.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup02.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_mockup02.jpg.html)
At this point, it all came together smoothly and it was off to the paint shop.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_008.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_008.jpg.html)
Model Masters Insignia Yellow was used for the wings and tail planes and a custom mix of Light OD was used for the fuselage & those wickedly sexy spats.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_010.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_010.jpg.html)
The canopy was painted with Testor's Iridescent Gold acrylic from that cool little square bottle.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_011.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_011.jpg.html)
While the kit decals were in rough shape, I was able to use the roundels and rudder stripes. The numbers were swiped from a B-10 kit of similar vintage and I can't express enough surprise or delight that decals almost as old as me worked so well.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_upper.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_upper.jpg.html)
The under wing U.S. Army decal is from a vintage Monogram P-36. Simply amazing that these look so good for having been made close to half a century ago.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_under.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_0_under.jpg.html)
I had a blast building this little model which took about a week, working in between demands from the office.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_017.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_017.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_016.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_016.jpg.html)
Here's a couple of bonus shots that really show off those incredibly intimidating spats!
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_019.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_019.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_018.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_018.jpg.html)
I'm fascinated by how lighting effects both the camera and my Mk. I eyeball and with this model, I couldn't decide if I preferred the lighter or darker shots, so I posted a mix.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_015.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_015.jpg.html)
I hope you enjoyed the Boeing XYP-26Z Peashooter Max and reading a little more history that's fallen through the cracks.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_014.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/XYP-26Z%20Peashooter%20Max/XYP-26Z_014.jpg.html)
Brian da Basher
-
Excellent back story to accompany your wee little Pea Shooter. Canopy really makes a difference.
-
Just beautiful and creative! :) :) :) :)
-
Very creative model and backstory. Bravo!!
-
However, the Peashooter Max would go on to change history long after it was gone. In one of the few successes of German intelligence, plans for the revolutionary Boeing XYP-26Z ended up in the hands of Focke-Wulf where they would have an unforeseen impact by inspiring design details of the latest Würger prototype.
It is always great to see models of these half-forgotten classics. I fear, though, that aviation historians often overstate the influence of Boeing's XYP-26Z on Kurt Tank's Würger design.
Yes, the early-production Fw 190A's canopy had an uncany resemblance to that of the Peashooter Max. But look at the Fw 190 v1 prototype (photograph attached below) and its very hard to see any XYP-26Z influence at all!
-
Great colors and the FW-190 canopy makes it look like it's going somewhere, fast!
-
Bigger engine, 3-blade prop, canopy, certainly is a Peashooter Max. Even now Boeing uses that "Max" naming convention.
Excellent research locating front page of February 30th Okay Affirmative with picture and other articles of the day.
-
XYP-26 Z like ZWILLING??!! I was thrilled, but this was a misunderstanding, not a twin-plane at all... :( Anyway, I am not much disappointed, your model is great! ;)