Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: PlasticMasticator on May 06, 2020, 06:55:02 PM

Title: Avro Albatross
Post by: PlasticMasticator on May 06, 2020, 06:55:02 PM

This one should be a lot of fun. A temporary departure from Japanese a/c and a journey into Coastal Command, with the venerable Tamiya Lancaster (eeek!) taking centre-stage.

NO Monty Python quotes/jokes please ;)

The concept will simply be a low-flying airborne destroyer. I'll post some photos once construction begins...
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 07, 2020, 02:37:25 AM
NO Monty Python quotes/jokes please ;)

Is that a challenge?
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on May 07, 2020, 03:45:19 AM
A belly full of .303" machine guns? 
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Robomog on May 07, 2020, 07:56:07 AM
What flavour is it ?

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: FAAMAN on May 07, 2020, 12:19:38 PM
Seabird flavour ?
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: PlasticMasticator on May 08, 2020, 12:58:17 AM

There's a clear invitation to the dance going on...I'll rename it Vickers Spanish Inquisition in a minute >:D

Seriously though, I'd read the reviews and build reports but I had no idea this kit was such a pig...the wings and nacelles particularly are suffering from major mold shrinkage. Several build reports do state that buying as early a release is the best option, which is reflected in prices on Ebay. I've almost finished one wing and feel exhausted by the experience. I do recall having a similar experience with a recent release of Tamiya's Buffalo...worked out for me as it pushed me onto Special Hobby kits which are very nice.

Vegetable lasagne tonight...yum,yum!!!
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Robomog on May 08, 2020, 07:40:08 AM
From the description you are giving here, I reckon you would have been better off with the second generation Airfix Lancaster, had some problems with the build but nothing like  what you are describing.

You could call it the Avro Gumby.............. ;D

I'll get me hat..........

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Robomog on May 08, 2020, 07:44:16 AM
Just had another thought, if it's going to be a flying destroyer it would quite happily carry a Molins cannon a la Mosquito. That would give it some punch !

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Buzzbomb on May 08, 2020, 09:32:24 AM
Tamiya and Lancaster appears to indicate 1/48
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Robomog on May 08, 2020, 04:42:47 PM
Ah !  ! stand corrected  ;)

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: PlasticMasticator on May 08, 2020, 04:57:44 PM
Sorry...yes...1/48. BIG model.

Molins!....a mere toothpick (mad laughter ensues). If a Ju88, Ki67 and Hs129 can tote a 75mm then the Lancaster can (with suitable reinforcing) wield the mighty 88mm. Well, in this whiffy world anyway:

(https://i.imgur.com/hmQlPsLl.jpg)

Corncob 3200Hp Bristol Atlas engines and lovely wide wingspan (Albatross) :

(https://i.imgur.com/fpsjHA5l.jpg)

Start work on the starboard wing now  :P
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Modelling_Mushi on May 08, 2020, 06:07:57 PM
Hmmm, looks like the fuselage comes with aluminium wafers too ....
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Robomog on May 08, 2020, 08:47:28 PM
75 mm This gets better and better !  :smiley: :smiley:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Buzzbomb on May 08, 2020, 09:43:40 PM
Possibly a Brit 3.7inch AA gun ?
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_3.7-inch_AA_gun)
 Easier to get ammo and practically equivalent to the 88mm in most ways.
It was the basis for few WWII British weapons one being the 32 Pounder Anti Tank gun and they put that sucker on the Tortoise Assault Tank
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/IWM-MH-9865-Tortoise.jpg/300px-IWM-MH-9865-Tortoise.jpg)

But I do like you way your thinking  :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: PlasticMasticator on May 08, 2020, 10:28:54 PM
I have noticed that the 75mm guns on the Ki67 (Ki109) and B-25G/H do not have muzzle-brakes but others do. Would this be necessary on an long-barrelled airborne gun such as the 88?
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 09, 2020, 02:58:10 AM
Looking good so far.

I have noticed that the 75mm guns on the Ki67 (Ki109) and B-25G/H do not have muzzle-brakes but others do. Would this be necessary on an long-barrelled airborne gun such as the 88?

Given a muzzle brake is intended in part to reduce recoil effects, it really depends upon what other ways you have for dealing with this.
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on May 09, 2020, 05:15:49 AM
Having a muzzle brake or not having a muzzle brake would depend on how severe the recoil forces and stress that would be produced by your weapon.  The 75mm cannon installation in the B-25 did not require any kind of muzzle brake.  That may have been to the design of the gun mount or reduced propellant charges, or a combination of both. 
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Camthalion on May 09, 2020, 07:05:59 AM
looking good.
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: elmayerle on May 09, 2020, 07:13:34 AM
Looking good and interesting!  A question, the Bristol Atlas is to the Centaurus as the P&W R4360 is to the R2800?
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: PlasticMasticator on May 09, 2020, 09:28:44 AM


I'd say the Atlas is more a four-row Hercules...I was aiming at a radial version of the He-177 but in this case power is required to get the a/c off the ground with a heavy weapon and fuel load, not for speed. Once airborne and on-station the power can be cut back reducing cooling problems etc. The single power-egg cuts drag.

Probably talking out of my arse but hey-ho, its a whiff and I'm having fun ;)
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 10, 2020, 03:31:01 AM
.I was aiming at a radial version of the He-177 but in this case power is required to get the a/c off the ground with a heavy weapon and fuel load, not for speed. Once airborne and on-station the power can be cut back reducing cooling problems etc.

There's another whiff:  a radial engined version of the He177 but not the He277 route with 4 separate engines but maybe using BMW802s or even 803s instead.
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 10, 2020, 05:13:07 AM
I'd say the Atlas is more a four-row Hercules...

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a twinned Bristol Hercules. :smiley:
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Buzzbomb on May 10, 2020, 11:25:36 AM
concept worked with the Twin Mamba in the Gannet.
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: PlasticMasticator on May 11, 2020, 06:21:08 PM
.I was aiming at a radial version of the He-177 but in this case power is required to get the a/c off the ground with a heavy weapon and fuel load, not for speed. Once airborne and on-station the power can be cut back reducing cooling problems etc.

There's another whiff:  a radial engined version of the He177 but not the He277 route with 4 separate engines but maybe using BMW802s or even 803s instead.

Funny you should suggest that...I did cobble together two cowlings from a Ju88G but the result was a bit odd. A bit 'lumpy' on the sides.

Anyhoo, another model currently on hold as I've reached an empasse until my order is delivered.
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: JayBee on May 17, 2020, 11:08:24 PM

I'll rename it Vickers Spanish Inquisition in a minute >:D



No one would expect that!  >:D >:D
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: PlasticMasticator on May 18, 2020, 07:01:40 PM

Well, Mr Stupid here didn't follow advice and decided to blitz the garden and garden shed and yes!!!...I've just spent three miserable days at the hospital after relapsing. The pneumonia came back with a vengeance and has almost knocked me out for good. Anyway, my hands are a bit weak and shaky so modelling has been put on hold for the time being.

Reading Stout's "Air Apaches" at the moment. Very well written but a touch too much rabid goodies versus baddies etc.

Wish I'd called it Avro Greater Manchester :smiley:

I was thinking that if invented today Superman and Superfortress would probably be called Awesomeman and Awesomefortress...been watching the drekk that passes for documentaries these days and it seems every second word is "Awesome"...not just Trump with a limited vocabulary.
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: apophenia on May 20, 2020, 10:32:10 AM
Ouch! Rest up and get well. Besides, shaky hands won't do justice to the Albatross/Greater Manchester. We shall just have to wait.
Title: Re: Avro Albatross
Post by: Antonio Sobral on May 23, 2020, 02:47:10 AM
Getting well is what really matters right now. I wish you quick recovery!

We will diligently wait for the unveiling of the magestic Albatross!