PDRV Navy land based maritime patrol aircraft.
Turboprops, long range ASMs and maritime search radar.
I'll be grafting on complete nacelles from another kit and am actively looking out for a plastic "thing" with a nice radome like shape.
Scratchbuilding of the ASMs has started which I hope isn't a breach of the rules :o I figure this is no different to using missiles from another kit or weapons pack.
Not looking forwards to all the PSR round the nacelles. :-\
Now, where's that jar of Soviet Interior green/blue...
Sounds like fun!
It will be fun. I've been thinking about this one for a while.
Nothing really to show but i've glued the nacelles together so I can see where to hack at to get them to fit the wings.
I'll be interested to see how quickly you lot can identify them.
Also started putting the cockpit together. The Italeri Beagle has better then average ejector seats (4 parts each) and separate side consoles for the pilot but it's a bit vague on exactly where these locate and even when you work it out some trimming is required.
Nacelles "adjusted" and attached to wings.
Mock up.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeabeagle%2520WIP%252002-01-16_zpsvt7cjq7f.jpg&hash=2d62647e8982e79b07572589d4940ccdb5e3c14c) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Seabeagle%20WIP%2002-01-16_zpsvt7cjq7f.jpg.html)
Almost looks FSW in that shot
Fokker F-27 nacelles?
Looking good!
-Dave
Great idea. That's an aeroplane I've always wanted to build, and the new mods are looking good on her !
:cheers:
Great idea! It's going to end up looking a lot like an A2J Super Savage:
https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/k4ZmHybE660suSTc2kYG7Q--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9NDQ4O3E9OTU7dz03MzA-/http://www.diseno-art.com/news_content/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/North-American-XA2J-Super-Savage-7.jpg
Can't wait to see the progress!
Chuck
Now I definitely replied between Dave & Todd but it seems to have vanished - like an old oak table.
Not Fokker nacelles Dave.
FSW?
Not aware of the Super Savage Chuck but there is a resemblance.
Fairey Rotodyne nacelles?
Quote from: Acree on January 04, 2016, 12:25:56 AM
Fairey Rotodyne nacelles?
Heh heh heh. Correctamundo. Well done.
The Rotodyne will one day get the Beagle Nacelles.
Oooooh.....be very interested to see what you do with the engines....i got a couple in the stash and wanted to turbo prop one as a 'Sandy' and 'Jolly Green Giant' killer of the NVAF........with a solid gun nose......
Quote from: zenrat on January 03, 2016, 11:21:41 PM
FSW?
Forward swept wings. They just look slightly that way in the photo
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 04, 2016, 02:36:42 AM
Quote from: zenrat on January 03, 2016, 11:21:41 PM
FSW?
Forward swept wings. They just look slightly that way in the photo
Yes, IL-28 wings do tend to look like that unless you're looking vertically down on them.
I noticed it on my long delayed 'big wing' recce IL-28RV 'Mainbrace' before I changed them for something else. It's because the leading edge is dead straight and the trailing edge sweeps forward quite sharply I reckon.
Quote from: Acree on January 04, 2016, 12:25:56 AM
Fairey Rotodyne nacelles?
That thought crossed my mind and then went on down the road. :rolleyes:
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 04, 2016, 02:36:42 AM
Quote from: zenrat on January 03, 2016, 11:21:41 PM
FSW?
Forward swept wings. They just look slightly that way in the photo
Of course. :bang head:
To quote from Jet Bombers by Bill Gunston & Peter Gilchrist
"
...whereas the tail was given sweepback, to ensure good control even in a high-mach dive, the wing had all its taper on the trailing edge."
I began PSR around the nacelles today and continued on the cockpit, scratchbuilding some consoles for the radar/weapons operator in the front seat.
Some time ago I adpated an Il-28 into a German turboprop bomber. Nacelles were taken more or less OOB, just contraprops added:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7357719264_3ccfe0f1c4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cdbeAG)1:72 BMW-Hütter Hü 324A-2/R2; "F3+EV", XI./KG210 Deutsche Luftwaffe, Châteaudun, France; April 1946 (Whif/Luft '46/kit bashing) (https://flic.kr/p/cdbeAG) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7357721830_8eef3b6baf_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cdbfmW)1:72 BMW-Hütter Hü 324A-2/R2; "F3+EV", XI./KG210 Deutsche Luftwaffe, Châteaudun, France; April 1946 (Whif/Luft '46/kit bashing) (https://flic.kr/p/cdbfmW) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Worked like charm! :lol:
Looks good Dizz.
I was hoping to have obtained some contra props for this build but have failed so far.
The exhausts on the Airfix Rotodyne's Elands (on the sides of the nacelles) have the look of nozzles designed to rotate to provide lift. They are horribly moulded so I will be replacing them with some Harrier nozzles (the rest of the Harrier is destined to be split between another 2 builds) which will have limited rotation to give a modicum of lift and thus improve it's short strip performance and maybe help with carrier take offs.
.
I've some Shackleton white metal props
I got the props for the Hü 324 from a VEB Plasticart Tu-20 in 1:100. You find this huge kit at times on ebay for only EUR 5,-.
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on January 05, 2016, 02:26:34 AM
I got the props for the Hü 324 from a VEB Plasticart Tu-20 in 1:100. You find this huge kit at times on ebay for only EUR 5,-.
And it's got a LOT of props! ;D
The Tu-114 kit from the same manufacturer is a good source too.
Yes, but the Tu-114 is hard to come buy, the kit is rather a kind of collector's item. The Tu-20/95 has been re-released several times for export, and these kits frequently show up at a small price tag.
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on January 05, 2016, 05:47:58 AM
Yes, but the Tu-114 is hard to come buy, the kit is rather a kind of collector's item.
Ooh, is it? I better keep mine then. ;D
It's half converted into a Moss just now.
Nice one Dizzy. Some great ideas here.
:cheers:
I've been looking out for a 1/100 Tu20 but they don't seem to exist here and anything cheap from overseas will, when postage has added, not be cheap anymore.
Chris, you got pm.
White metal contra-props arrived today courtesy of Chris. Thank you very much.
The cockpits are complete and painted in a suitable blue/green shade. I just need to detail paint and then I can close it all up and begin construction proper.
Quote from: zenrat on January 13, 2016, 02:47:46 AM
White metal contra-props arrived today courtesy of Chris. Thank you very much.
:o That was fast, the speed of the mailboats these days never ceases to amaze me.... ;D
Quote from: PR19_Kit on January 13, 2016, 03:56:46 AM
Quote from: zenrat on January 13, 2016, 02:47:46 AM
White metal contra-props arrived today courtesy of Chris. Thank you very much.
:o That was fast, the speed of the mailboats these days never ceases to amaze me.... ;D
It's those new fangled screws rather than the paddle wheels that do it ;D
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 13, 2016, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on January 13, 2016, 03:56:46 AM
Quote from: zenrat on January 13, 2016, 02:47:46 AM
White metal contra-props arrived today courtesy of Chris. Thank you very much.
:o That was fast, the speed of the mailboats these days never ceases to amaze me.... ;D
It's those new fangled screws rather than the paddle wheels that do it ;D
I was wonderin' when they going to stop the passengers rowing... ;D
Don't forget it's downhill all the way.
I cleaned up one set of props today and hit a snag. They are such a good fit they leave no room round the edges for air to get into the engine.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeaBeagle%2520WIP%252015-12-16_zpsqvmdi8dd.jpg&hash=ed972a84a04561699d38064b96df05ca46fcf4ae) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/SeaBeagle%20WIP%2015-12-16_zpsqvmdi8dd.jpg.html)
I will add an intake on top of the nacelle. It'll improve the shape anyway and hide some of my dubious blending between Ilushyn and Fairey.
I glued the fuselage halves together today and then hurriedly separated them as I realised I hadn't built the bomb bay. :banghead:
They are rather nice aren't they.
Where did they originate from?
My brain keeps reading Seabeagle as Seagull looks interesting :)
Quote from: rickshaw on January 15, 2016, 04:59:43 AM
Where did they originate from?
NARSES2 - he thinks they are either Shackleton or Spitfire.
Quote from: salt6 on January 15, 2016, 08:05:59 PM
Why not just cut the nacelle back a bit?
Because (although you can't see it clearly in the crappy phone pic) the end of the nacelle is a separate piece. with a small intake on it just to the port side of centre. I don't want to lose that.
I've made an intake from part of a 1/48 rocket pod which seems to work.
Another crappy phone pic showing the intake.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeabeagle%2520WIP%252017-01-16_zpsve1pjs61.jpg&hash=517d8c0d88474b2824e4c5b651cb96a75afaa2d6) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Seabeagle%20WIP%2017-01-16_zpsve1pjs61.jpg.html)
Now I have to make another one the same.
That upper intake looks poor and out of place. The basic idea is fine though. I would cut the underside of that upper intake back so that the front of the intake is vertical and no, changing the face of the intake to make that vertical where it is would not work as its the curvature of the top of the intake that is making it look wrong. Aesthetics can be everything at times and that intake looks more Kerbal Space Program that Soviet Aviation.
Gondor
Quote from: zenrat on January 16, 2016, 08:43:58 PM
Quote from: rickshaw on January 15, 2016, 04:59:43 AM
Where did they originate from?
NARSES2 - he thinks they are either Shackleton or Spitfire.
They're Aeroclub Spitfire contra-props. Chris sent me a set for my MB8 Marlin a while back and I recognise them. The spinner's too pointed for a Shack prop.
Looking good ! Can't wait to see more.
:wub:
A little blending of those scoops will be fine. I'm sure I will steal these ideas soon.
Thanks Kit.
Quote from: Gondor on January 17, 2016, 04:46:05 AM
That upper intake looks poor and out of place. The basic idea is fine though. I would cut the underside of that upper intake back so that the front of the intake is vertical and no, changing the face of the intake to make that vertical where it is would not work as its the curvature of the top of the intake that is making it look wrong. Aesthetics can be everything at times and that intake looks more Kerbal Space Program that Soviet Aviation.
Gondor
Thanks for the input Alastair. They look better in the flesh. The front is actually vertical when viewed from the side. This is an odd angle photowise.
IMO they don't look any more tacked on that the ones Fairey/Napier stuck on below.
The curve on the top of the intake blends it into the area where the nacelle joins the wing. Cutting down the back would leave an awkward step and raising the front would make it overly tall.
i'll have another look at it tomorrow though.
In the meantime I have removed the radome from the bottom of the fuselage and replaced it with a larger one made from a 1/25 spare wheel cover.
I've reworked the top intake to bring it lower and make it flow into the top of the nacelle better.
I have a picture which shows this but for some reason photobucket is refusing to accept my uploads.
Mock up. Wings not fixed on yet as there is at least 1 more round of PSR needed on the nacelles.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FIl-28%2520WIP%252027-01-16%25202_zps7wh0b3ro.jpg&hash=54b72070688658cbc62582b615a591c7783dad41) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Il-28%20WIP%2027-01-16%202_zps7wh0b3ro.jpg.html)
And these are what it'll be carrying. Watson 5-J Swiften long range anti ship missiles.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FIl-28%2520WIP%252027-01-16%25201_zpshzcf7j7e.jpg&hash=8f36876854adb0836de512571a0564231b66760a) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Il-28%20WIP%2027-01-16%201_zpshzcf7j7e.jpg.html)
Wings are attached.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeabeagle%2520WIP%252031-01-16_zpsxncmvvw1.jpg&hash=dbfadba2a8ba40dccd15d35db7494972a18384b6) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Seabeagle%20WIP%2031-01-16_zpsxncmvvw1.jpg.html)
Not a brilliant fit. Some PSR will be required. The join isn't too strong either. I would have put in some styrene rod spars but the bomb bay is in the way. Presumably Italeri have made it taller than IRL.
Almost completed '40 Ford gasser behind it. What young men distracted themselves with during the 60's to take their minds off of the imminent threat of nuclear destruction.
Quote from: zenrat on January 31, 2016, 02:20:57 AM
Almost completed '40 Ford gasser behind it. What young men distracted themselves with during the 60's to take their minds off of the imminent threat of nuclear destruction.
Not in my neck of the woods. Here, if we thought about it at all, it was beer and girls :rolleyes: ;D
Quote from: zenrat on January 31, 2016, 02:20:57 AM
What young men distracted themselves with during the 60's to take their minds off of the imminent threat of nuclear destruction.
Living in the middle of loads of USAF and RAF bases as I did at the time, and working in the motor industry where we had all sorts of prototype cars to play with, AND lots of pretty ladies nearby in Oxford, I recall that the 'imminent threat of nuclear destruction' came a poor third. ;D
The SeaBeagle's looking REALLY good though! :thumbsup:
I have only just seen this, and I will be watching with interest from now on. I have converted a fair few piston aircraft and jet aircraft to turbo props, and this is looking good.
Chris.
Thanks folks.
Horizontal tails attached.
Just needs a smidge of filler on the wing & tail roots and it'll be ready for paint.
It's a PDRV naval aircraft but I can't decide between a full on Blue over White paintjob or NMF top with painted bottom.
Love it ! The weapons fit looks great as well.
:wub:
Been away since Wednesday but before I left I removed the starboard wing and reattached it straight.
I've also realised the wings of the missiles will be too close to the turboprop exhaust nozzles so i've come up with a solution...
Oooh, haven't post in this one for a while.
The missiles now have folding wings. One has them glued in the stowed position and ti will be mounted under a wing.
The other has working hinges and will be on a trolley ready to be loaded.
I have also decided to put at least one torpedo (cut down Airfix Beaufighter) in the bomb bay.
Today however I made a decision and put some colour on the thing. I've gone for an FAA inspired scheme (as far as the demarkations go anyway) - grey/green (an IJN colour close to Sky but not Sky) undersides and vertical tail with NMF topsides.
I hate masking.
But when it turns out OK its worth the effort.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeabeagle%2520WIP%252013-2-16_zpsqk5gu04n.jpg&hash=f491cd0cda1af409293e50061cd5ddff34b7d5dc) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Seabeagle%20WIP%2013-2-16_zpsqk5gu04n.jpg.html)
Quote from: zenrat on February 12, 2016, 11:12:51 PM
I hate masking.
But when it turns out OK its worth the effort.
Exactly how I feel. Same with rigging........but it doesn't normally turn out that well :banghead:
I hate masking so much I did some more.
Walkways and de-icer boots.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeabeagle%2520WIP%252016-2-16_zpsrcjsymv0.jpg&hash=a3852e56502376432ca7d845da0ca85d968528e0) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Seabeagle%20WIP%2016-2-16_zpsrcjsymv0.jpg.html)
Decaled.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeabeagle%2520WIP%252018-2-16_zpsymyrlvvo.jpg&hash=59f71ccbc38a2e2320e1958d27b9ca4eb53683a3) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Seabeagle%20WIP%2018-2-16_zpsymyrlvvo.jpg.html)
Looking heaps better with the markings afixed! :thumbsup:
Started on the fiddley bits.
Rear turret is interesting. Once assembled the guns won't elevate unless parts are modified. And there is no traverse - it just glues into the back of the fuselage. I like my turrets to rotate and my guns to go up and down but not in this case.
Most pics of Beagles on the ground seem to show the rear guns stowed at maximum elevation so i'll model it like that.
That looks sexy! Looking forward to sse the props in place. :thumbsup:
Quote from: zenrat on February 29, 2016, 02:17:50 AM
Most pics of Beagles on the ground seem to show the rear guns stowed at maximum elevation so i'll model it like that.
I've noticed that with many Soviet era bombers, and even on the Antonov transports with tail guns too.
There must have been some Politburo ruling about having the tail guns pointing skyward when on the ground.....
Nice work. Does look good with the markings on her ! Looking forward to seeing more. PS-the gun idea is a good one :thumbsup:
No more done on this. But The Boys mum is back from NZ tomorrow so I get my pre-tea modelling time back.
Quote from: zenrat on March 01, 2016, 01:14:46 AM
No more done on this. But The Boys mum is back from NZ tomorrow so I get my pre-tea modelling time back.
What a scheduled life you lead Fred.......... ;D
Oh you've got to have a routine.
I tend to hit the shed between finishing all the jobs i have to do that day and Mrs z coming home.
With The Boy here that coincided with school pick up time so I had to venture out onto roads filled with distracted parents in SUVs. It's a time I try to avoid (along with morning drop off time) as these are some of the worst drivers on the road.
Anyway, today I managed to find time to put some white undercoat over the etching primer I had already put on the white metal props. Plus I painted the tail turret and bomb bay doors with underside colour.
Quote from: zenrat on March 02, 2016, 12:45:13 AM
It's a time I try to avoid (along with morning drop off time) as these are some of the worst drivers on the road.
Amen to that!
Living as we do around 400 yard from a local primary school the hours of 0830-0915 and 1500-1545 are TOTAL no drive areas! The Mumsies seem to think that the needs of their Little Darlings out-prioritise EVERYthing else, and that includes speed limits, other traffic, anyone else's Little Darling, policemen directing traffic etc.
Re the latter one of the Mumsies rammed a cop standing in the road while she tried to get into the last available parking spot near the school, and then wondered why he was pulling out his pocket book as approached her gargantuan Audi Q7.... :banghead:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 02, 2016, 08:18:42 AM
Quote from: zenrat on March 02, 2016, 12:45:13 AM
It's a time I try to avoid (along with morning drop off time) as these are some of the worst drivers on the road.
Amen to that!
Living as we do around 400 yard from a local primary school the hours of 0830-0915 and 1500-1545 are TOTAL no drive areas! The Mumsies seem to think that the needs of their Little Darlings out-prioritise EVERYthing else, and that includes speed limits, other traffic, anyone else's Little Darling, policemen directing traffic etc.
Much sympathy!! When I was teaching in a primary school, the staff all dreaded the school run dodgem car event twice a day. It was supposedly OUR fault if doting mama could not park within 10 yards of the school.
When Madame (or I) had to take our boys to secondary school ....7 miles away and no bus...... we'd drop them in a pull-off a quarter of a mile away at the other end of the village and they'd walk. Picked them up at the same place and often got home before "the slugs", as the boys described those being collected at the gate, had even got out of the tangled mess of cars. Little sister taught at that school and as a head of department (senior staff) had to take a turn acting as a referee by the gate. She is alleged to have asked one mother "Excuse me, have you parked that 4x4 there or just abandoned it?" She reckoned to see a bump a day, broken glass once a week and proper folded metal once a quarter.
Since they've painted double yellow lines all over the area closest to the school the Mumsies are having to park further afield, and one of the places they chose is our street.
It's narrow enough so that all cars have to park on one side, as it happens the side that our house is on, but the Mumsies don't understand the local rules, which are a) park parallel to the kerbs and no less than 6" from them b) park with a minimum distance between you and the next vehicle but not so close that you can't get out without a 36 point turn etc. etc.
So they 'park' at 15 deg. to the kerb, 2 ft. out at the furthest point and 10 ft. from the next vehicle....... :banghead:
Mrs_PR19 has suggested that the next one who does this is 'moored' to the pavement by some white rope around their wheels and some dummy rond anchors laid on the kerbs!. ;D :lol:
Mrs_PR19 has style, Kit! :thumbsup:
The worst driving occurs after the kids have been dropped off in the morning when the parents just seem to switch off their brains and drive mindlessly.
Lots of little bits done on this today.
Painted the bomb bay and undercarriage doors and the props and the wheels.
Knocked up missile pylons from bits & pieces.
Started assembling an Airfix Bloodhound transport trailer to carry one of the missiles.
Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 02, 2016, 03:35:53 PM
Since they've painted double yellow lines all over the area closest to the school the Mumsies are having to park further afield, and one of the places they chose is our street.
They actually pay attention to the double yellow lines :o
Gondor
Quote from: Gondor on March 03, 2016, 02:42:38 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 02, 2016, 03:35:53 PM
Since they've painted double yellow lines all over the area closest to the school the Mumsies are having to park further afield, and one of the places they chose is our street.
They actually pay attention to the double yellow lines :o
Gondor
For the time being anyway, they've only been there 3-4 months.
We have 3 infant/junior, 2 senior and 1 naughty boys and girls school within 3/4 mile. The local roads are horrendous from 8 until 9 and as a pedestrian you cannot cross :banghead: Even I use the Lollipop Man ;D Joke is some mums have to walk back farther from where they park than it is from home to school in the first place ! :blink:
What propellers are you going to use on this please, Zenrat?
Chris
I have a pair (or should that be 2 pair?) of white metal Spitfire contra-props very kindly donated by NARSES2.
I fitted them today.
They just touch the ground.
However, putting the wheels on will give me enough clearance.
I also painted the parts of the glazing that are underside colour and fitted the tail turret.
Heres a badly out of focus phone pic of where I got to today.
Glazing is mostly attached and wheels are on.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi82%2Fgavinmaillardet%2FPDRV%2FSeabeagle%2FSeabeagle%2520WIP%252005-03-16_zpsr2fnbrmr.jpg&hash=8385b73186f3225e4ebe5049e03686e4e0ea56c7) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/gavinmaillardet/media/PDRV/Seabeagle/Seabeagle%20WIP%2005-03-16_zpsr2fnbrmr.jpg.html)
From what I can see in the mists it looks pretty good! :thumbsup:
Thanks Womby.
Today a wheel fell off but I caught it and put it back on.
It gained an anti glare panel and I attached the bomb bay doors and the first 3 U/C doors.
Also worked on the missile loading trailer and decided to replace the torpedo I was intending to carry in the bomb bay with a Tsunami Bomb.
Not a great pic but it's really upping the suspense ! Looks great !
:cheers:
I find dodgy blurred pictures at this stage of a build add a touch of suspense to the whole proceedings.
It now has all the U/C doors fitted and I also attached the canopy and the weapons operators hatch.
After checking my references I then removed the canopy and reattached it this time hinging it on the correct side.
Basic gluing together is completed now apart from the hatch/steps for the bloke in the sun-room down at the back and the weapons load.
The actual build here was finished today with a lick of wash on the tip tanks.
However, as I built it with all the doors open (as it were) I am building some crew access ladders to pose with it plus i've only hung one missile on its pylons with the other being loaded from a trailer. And that trailer needs a tow vehicle which I am working on.
I've also got some little men to paint who will be the ground crew and some of the aircrew.
All 3 access ladders are now finished as is the trailer carrying the second missile.
The tow vehicle is coming along and the little men are undergoing painting. Shouldn't be too long.
Hopefully sooner rathe than later as the back story is getting longer by the day and at this rate is in danger of becoming a novella.
Quote from: zenrat on March 18, 2016, 04:39:44 AM
....... and at this rate is in danger of becoming a novella.
And that's wrong? :unsure:
Very very wrong. Believe me...
More paint on the little men today plus more work on the tow vehicle.
Finally, some pictures...
Ilyushin Il-28 PLVT
First flown in 1948 the Ilyushin Il-28 tactical bomber made its first public appearance (at Uncle Joe's insistence) in the 1950 May Day flypast over Red Square.
In October of that year the People's Democratic Republic of Victoria became the first foreign air force to operate the Il-28 and by mid '51 a "volunteer" squadron was flying missions over Korea escorted by PDRV Republican Guard "advisors" flying top cover in MiG 15s.
Following the end of the Korean War in '52 PDRV Air Command initiated a programme of upgrades and modifications based on feedback, experience and lessons learned. The resulting aircraft were designated Il-28V1 with a later upgrade to V2 being started in '57 followed by V3 spec in 1960.
The V3 upgrade was however only an interim measure as local manufacture of upgraded Il-28s began in '61 using Victorian built engines, avionics and weapons.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4208/35590259696_5064cf68d5_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WdZogb)Il-28 PLVT 10 (https://flic.kr/p/WdZogb) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Initially three versions were built;
Il-28V4 tactical bomber. James G74 engines. Nhill Power Radar BR18 Quoll Bombing Radar.
Il-28RV4 long range reconnaissance. James G76 engines. Tail turret deleted. Bomb bay mounted mission specific recce pods.
Il-28PLV4 maritime strike. James G74 engines. Nhill Power Radar MR7 Ningaui Maritime Radar. Could carry two Watson Foxen ASF04 radar homing anti ship missiles on the underwing pylons plus two Carter Caviroc Mk2 supercavitating rocket propelled torpedos in the bomb bay.
All V4s had the underwing pylons plumbed for long range tanks.
Semi officially adopting the NATO reporting name these aircraft were named the Bombeagle, Spybeagle and Seabeagle respectively.
The Victorian built aircraft proved to be competent and reliable and did everything asked of them soldiering on well into the 1970s. In a repeat of the events of the early 50's "volunteers" went to Vietnam in '67 where they operated PLV4s against British and US naval vessels in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Foxen ASMs proved too easily jammed but Cavirocs were very effective provided the Seabeagles came in low enough.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4237/34820827343_1f17e7144f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZQQ8)Il-28 PLVT 5 (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZQQ8) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
One Spybeagle crew were persuaded to offer their services to the NVA and, with a Soviet SAM radar system mounted in the bomb bay carried out "antiweasel" missions attempting to lure US Wild Weasels into ambushes. Whether or not this was successful remains classified but the aircraft did return to Victoria and can be seen (minus the SAM radar) at the People's Aviation Museum at Dadswell Bridge.
By the mid 70's the V4s were obsolete and were withdrawn from frontline service. All Bombeagles and most of the Spybeagles were either sold or broken up. The Seabeagles and the remaining Spybeagles however got a new lease of life as propeller aircraft.
The James G7 series of jet engines, while having an adequate power output and being reliable and easy to maintain did like a drink. This limited the range of the V4s to a little over 2800km. However, since 1961 Turboprop development had progressed in leaps and bounds culminating in 1975 with the release to service of the Hanson Pademelon series of engines.
Designed from the outset for economical cruise performance Pademelons were the catalyst to turning Seabeagles into long range patrol planes.
23 Seabeagles (and 4 Spybeagles) were stripped down and rebuilt being upgraded to Il-28PLVT Seabeagles (and Il-28RVT Spybeagles). The James engines were replaced with Hanson Pademelon T013 turboprops driving contra rotating propellers. The exhaust nozzles of these engines were hydraulically rotated through 45 degrees to provide additional take off lift. All avionics were upgraded and a NPR MSR13 Dunnart Maritime Search Radar fitted. The bomb bays were plumbed to enable additional tankage to be carried. In their new roles rough field use was not considered to be required meaning smaller diameter main wheels could be utilised. Nose gear remained the same.
Upgrades to the Spybeagles were identical except that no military equipment was fitted (they had already had the tail turrets deleted) and the bomb bays were faired over and permanently filled with fuel cells.
The remaining Seabeagles (and 4 Spybeagles) were mothballed to be used for spares for the operational aircraft.
These upgrades resulted in an aircraft with a reduced maximum speed (800 km/hr – down from 900km/hr for the PLV4), higher service ceiling (13,200m – up from 12,000m for the PLV4) and a range which, if using bomb bay tanks and underwing tanks was more then doubled to 7,500km (5,300km with a full weapons load).
The four upgraded Spybeagles were handed over to the Victorian Cetacean Institute who used them for oceanographic research in the Southern Ocean (including the tracking of illegal Japanese whalers for termination by others) until 1997.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4249/34820829553_262fb917ee_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZRue)Il-28 PLVT 2 (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZRue) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
The PLVT Seabeagles were operated by the PDRV Navy patrolling Victoria's Maritime borders and approaches. Normal patrols were made unarmed but in times of crisis aircraft would be armed with a variety of weapons such as anti ship missiles, torpedoes, depth charges and bombs (the latter 3 either conventional or nuclear).
It was during such a time of crisis that the aircraft modelled (AH-108 "Trouble" of the PDRV Naval Air Wing 23rd Maritime Search and Destroy Regiment) brought an abrupt end to what became known as the NotAWar between Victoria and New Zealand.
26th April 1979 and tensions were high between the People's Democratic Republic of Victoria and British New Zealand (due to the usual areas of friction between the two – Rugby, thong tariffs and inappropriate sheep jokes). Ambassadors had been withdrawn, nationals of the opposing nation had been rounded up into internment camps, trade shipments had been seized and aircraft patrolling the Tasman Sea were doing so armed.
Trouble, piloted by Technical Officer (Flight) Morgan and named after her dog Hazel was carrying a Watson Swiften ASJ03 ASM under each wing and a Carter Mk 2 Tsunami Bomb in the bomb bay. The Swiften, developed from the Foxen was an ultra long range radar and TV guided missile with a conventional warhead while the Tsunami Bomb was a thermonuclear weapon in the multi megaton range with a pressure trigger which would detonate it at the appropriate depth (based on sea conditions, depth and distance from the target and then set by the Weapons Officer before release) to cause a massive wave sufficient to swamp and capsize enemy vessels.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4278/34820830203_4c0095be4b_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZRFr)Il-28 PLVT 1 (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZRFr) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Trouble was two hours into a 6 hour patrol flying a zero electronic emissions profile to its patrol area when TO(F) Morgan dropped below the cloud base (Which was at about 3,500m) to find, to her surprise, a naval battle group five kilometres to her left.
Accounts of what happened next vary.
Commander of the Imperial British New Zealand Colonial Navy battle group, Rear Admiral Sir Ivor McButtokrak RN claims in his memoir "I can't possibly be held responsible for that, it wasn't my fault, and I was nowhere near there at the time anyway" that his battle group was running under radio silence without active radar and with no air cover in order to remain stealthy and so were unaware of Trouble until it dropped from the clouds.
"It was standard operating procedure to run silent and of course you can't fly planes without using the radar or radio can you? When the events in question occurred I was obviously on the bridge of my flagship the HMBNZS Dave Dobbin (Waka Taua class carrier) and any suggestions I was resting in my day cabin with a young Ensign will be passed on to my solicitor. My portside bridge lookout reported an aircraft heading directly for us and then immediately added that it was firing missiles. I reacted as my standing orders required me to do when under attack from an enemy aircraft and gave the order to open fire with all anti aircraft weaponry and to launch the aircraft on the catapults".
"The fact that these aircraft were not fighters (they were an unarmed Fairey Gannet COD aircraft and a Supermarine Spectre carrying ASW torpedoes) was not my fault. We were not told to expect enemy air patrols and my valet had to get my dress uniform to the dry cleaners. Anyway when they saw the planes launch they ran away so they did their job didn't they?"
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4263/35629468575_f280a42b87_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WhskGk)Il-28 PLVT 9 (https://flic.kr/p/WhskGk) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
The crew of Trouble have a different recollection as they told me when I interviewed them on the 25th anniversary of the NotAWar.
"I saw all the ships as soon as we got out of the clouds" reported TO(F) Morgan. "I couldn't believe my eyes. I maintained distance from the big flat top and just stared at them for about five minutes while I identified them. I had to double check in the big blue book (shipping ID data was issued to aircrew in large blue ring binders). I couldn't believe we'd surprised a Waka. Even then I doubted myself as they just sat there doing nothing. Our orders were to only break radio silence if we sighted a significant foreign military asset so I reported to base what I was looking at. I thought using the radio might wake them up, but no - no response. They still just sat there."
"After asking me if I was sure about what I was looking at base told me to ping them with the radar to get a happy snap, maintain my distance and observe. If provoked I was to launch and run. I asked for permission to use Plan Z (dropping the Tsunami) but was denied".
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4230/35629470155_d40e7ca989_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Whsmaz)Il-28 PLVT 4 (https://flic.kr/p/Whsmaz) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Trouble's weapons operator Technical Officer (Technical) McGuire "swept them with the radar two or three times and they sat there for what seemed like another ten minutes until all-together every radar in the fleet lit up. The Seabeagle WeapOps had no side windows so I couldn't see visually what was happening apart from the occasional tracer round flashing past the glazed nose".
Rear Gunner Technician 2nd Class (Weapons) Manning had a grandstand view. "I was sleeping off the previous days Anzac Day beers at the back there in the outhouse when the usual bells and whistles woke me as they realized we were there. They then just opened up at us with everything they had. Obviously most of it fell short but some of the bigger stuff was coming close. Funny thing about their SAMs though. They'd fire them at us but then their own CIWS would shoot them down before they got too far from the ships. Odd that. We'd been briefed that they had this new system that they'd bought off the seppos. Maybe they'd wired it up backwards?"
"Anyway, I was just thinking that it was getting a bit hairy and they were gonna luck into a hit when I saw their cats throwing off a couple of planes so I told The Boss and she turned away from them, stuck us back up into the cloud and firewalled the throttles".
"As soon as Manno woke up from his nap and reported they'd launched I told Macca to lob both Swiftens at them".
"Which I did. The beauty of the Swiftens was that you could slave them so while you steered one in the other flew parallel to it at a set distance. Back then no-one had worked out how to jam our TV link either. Default slave distance was 50m so I left that as was, stared into my little black and white telly and flew down and just skimmed in at wave top height. It was totally unopposed. Whatever was up with their phalanx just let me fly those babies straight in unopposed. Badda Bang. Lovely bit of kit they were. Blew two big holes just above the waterline. Obviously I couldn't see that then as we were up in the murk but you've seen the press photos right? Lovely job. It was just like playing a video game. Not that we had them back then but you know what I mean. Who knew they put their fuel tanks there eh?".
"I knew, and you were supposed to. Jeez Macca, what were you doing in tech briefings?" Morgan shakes her head and rolls her eyes. "So, after we'd launched we went home. We never saw either of the planes they sent up. We could hear a lot of panicked radio chatter but after a while they remembered to scramble it so we didn't know that they'd turned back with the Dobbin under tow until we landed and were debriefed. It was all luck really. Luck and incompetence. We could have dropped out of the clouds earlier or later and missed seeing them and they could have known what they were doing. Never did find out what was up with the CIWS though. Apparently someone told that pommy admiral (it wasn't until the late 1980's that the British Empire allowed colonies senior command positions in their own armed forces) that it was because they had bolted all the radar dishes on backwards. And he believed them!"
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4104/35629468695_7a8cc02990_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WhskJp)Il-28 PLVT 8 (https://flic.kr/p/WhskJp) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
The PLVT Seabeagles continued to patrol Victoria's oceanic borders providing sterling service (with occasional minor technical upgrades) until the mid eighties when they were withdrawn from active service and eventually sold.
Trouble was restored to her 1979 specification and joined the "antiweasel" Spybeagle RV4 at Dadswell Bridge. She is maintained in flying condition and can be seen to this day making low level passes directly over the crowds at airshows across Victoria.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4020/35590260146_8b264db0e0_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WdZooW)Il-28 PLVT 7 (https://flic.kr/p/WdZooW) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
The Model.
1/72 Italeri Ilyushin IL-28 Beagle with Airfix Rotodyne nacelles and white metal Spitfire contraprops courtesy of Narses2. Radome is a 1/24 car spare wheel cover. Missiles are kit/scratchbashed from various scale weapons parts and plastic card. Yes, the wingfolds on the one on the trailer do work – hinges are 0.5mm wire in styrene tube.
Paint is car paint from a rattle can and Vallejo acrylic. Decals are home made.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4050/34820828283_3d6493a018_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZR7k)Il-28 PLVT 3 (https://flic.kr/p/V3ZR7k) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4285/35629469355_dcab40a679_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WhskVM)Il-28 PLVT 6 (https://flic.kr/p/WhskVM) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
That is really good :bow:
Great stuff. Love the finished model, as well as all the equipment ! Great read as well, thanks for that !
:bow:
Totally worthy of its Whiffie nomination! :thumbsup:
Excellent looking aircraft, mate! :bow:
Oh, now that is good, both the model, and the backstory - and many thanks for helping spread the legend of the Spectre ASW1 !!
Excellent - love all the extras as well
Thanks folks.
The Landie the Political Officer (red shoulder tabs) is sitting on is the old Airfix Bloodhound kit version. Which is also where the missile trailer comes from.
Just caught up with this glorious creation/diorama. Absolutely :wub: :wub: :wub: it. How an Il-28 can look any better....speechless :thumbsup:.
Absolutely gorgeous! Bravo, Fred, bravo!
Thank you.
The base I took the pics on is intended to become a section of airfield for photographing completed builds on. It'll have a vac formed revetment from the Airfix Battle of Britain set in one corner and will be big enough to fit a B-36 (as that's my largest unbuilt kit).