looking back at my converted P-3 Orion (see L188-75 Junior Electra), i was thinking of converting more bombers into airliners, regional transports or executive aircraft.
after the war, a number of B-17's, Avro Lancasters,...were stripped of all armament and converted to civilian use.
IIRC, the Dornier Do-17 bomber was originally designed as a Lufthansa airliner or mail plane.
recently, i was thinking of repurposing the Nord Noratlas or Vickers Wellington as a passenger aircraft (Wellington would be renamed the "Welchman"). i believe other bombers could be converted aswell?
The Boeing B-47 would make a great airliner, I tried building a Northrop YB-49 and converting that into an airliner but I couldn't get the roof/ceiling right. I might try a B-2 Spirit instead. Where as the Rockwell B-1B is limited to how many seats are available sort of Mach 1 business jet.
The pax in a B-47 airliner would love to have their seat space invaded by four ginormous wheels when the captain retracted the gear I'm sure........ :o
Spain and the Czechs used He 111s as transports, the former building their own.
Argentina used several Lincolns, converted in a similar manner to the Lancastrian, as transports. The Luftwaffe had at least one Ju 88 converted to carry passengers.
Is it just me, the B-47 resembles the Bede airliner or am I getting it confused with something else?
Quote from: McColm on September 30, 2019, 02:41:08 PM
Is it just me, the B-47 resembles the Bede airliner or am I getting it confused with something else?
There are similarities between the B-47 and the Baade 152, but the Baade had a high wing rather than a mid wing.
And the B-47 flew a LOT better...............
There were proposals for a B-58 with a pod for 5 "lucky" VIP's and a full fuselage version.
I could see a B-24 (and there were transport versions)
Valiant
B-29
B-66/A-3
Quote from: sandiego89 on September 30, 2019, 03:09:58 PM
There were proposals for a B-58 with a pod for 5 "lucky" VIP's and a full fuselage version.
Mach 2 biz-jet?
B-25s and A/B-26 Invaders were converted into early corporate aircraft
And let's not forget HSA's P.1128 proposal for the Hunter...
Four B-17s were converted to C-108 transports but the aircraft was unsuitable for that mission.
Sunderland/Sandringham, Seaford/Solent. A Whitley might be one to convert, BOAC used some for a short time. I've got an Amiot 143 that I've been thinking of turning into a civilian job.
I did a B-26 airliner a while ago (for a GB, IIRC), and I have the idea of a B-66 feederliner in the back of my mind - maybe even with low wings.
Would have thought the Shorts Stirling would be suitable and available, given it's enormous fuselage and relatively indifferent performance as a bomber.
Following the Lancastrian/Welshman theme, you could call it the Scotsman... ;)
How about an alternative Boeing airliner combining a 707 fuselage (stretched?) with a B-52 wing and engines?
There were plans for airliner conversions/derivatives of all the V-bombers:
Valiant: early V1000 studies
Victor:
HP.98 (original centre-section, double-bubble fuselage)
HP.111 (wider centre-section, circular-section fuselage)
The HP.111 was actually selected by the RAF, but they were overuled by HMG and told to buy the Belfast instead for political reasons (full employment in NI).
Vulcan: wide-bodied version called the Atlantic:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFxsXZKXUAAEoni?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFx1GzuWwAESkwF?format=jpg&name=large)
Quote from: kerick on September 30, 2019, 06:31:18 PM
Four B-17s were converted to C-108 transports but the aircraft was unsuitable for that mission.
Sweden also converted several interred B-17s into airliners. No idea how well they worked at it.
Quote from: Weaver on October 01, 2019, 12:42:06 AM
Would have thought the Shorts Stirling would be suitable and available, given it's enormous fuselage and relatively indifferent performance as a bomber.
a number of transport converted stirlings did saw service after WW2, there was only one civil operator and that was Trans-Air, here in Belgium :mellow:
they operated 10 aircraft, 9 were eventually sold to the egyptian air force.
https://www.ab-ix.co.uk/pdfs/oo-stirling.pdf
(https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiU3MH33vrkAhWBDewKHVFnAzsQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.belgian-wings.be%2Fwebpages%2Fnavigator%2Fphotos%2Fcivilpics%2Fcivil_pics_ootaa_oozzz%2Fshorts_stirling_ooxac.htm&psig=AOvVaw3uxpZMCQViSp-BxwSdFo3p&ust=1570008325936505)
(https://tropics.home.xs4all.nl/trans1.jpg)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ9-lydtoXtByH0hcqpdYwRzv2mXTgSzaF9sNmaVQJ_VaW7FmJQoQ)
Hushkit article on cancelled airliners, some of which were based on bombers:
https://hushkit.net/2016/12/19/the-10-coolest-cancelled-airliners/
(https://hushkit.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/c0jyis9xcaafilh.jpg?w=630&zoom=2)
(https://hushkit.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/convair_58-9_1.jpg?w=530&zoom=2)
as noted earlier, not only the Short Stirling Mk.V was converted to civilian use, but also a number of B-17' that were interned in Sweden.
one even saw service in the Danish Air Force :mellow:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.warbirdregistry.org%2Fb17registry%2Fimages%2Fb17-423490-main.jpg&hash=68e89d2f6673108da939037dc5a0cf57269f84de)
(https://worldairphotography.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/book_b17storebjoernkastrup.jpg)
Quote from: Nils on October 01, 2019, 10:02:20 AM
as noted earlier, not only the Short Stirling Mk.V was converted to civilian use, but also a number of B-17' that were interned in Sweden.
one even saw service in the Danish Air Force :mellow:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.warbirdregistry.org%2Fb17registry%2Fimages%2Fb17-423490-main.jpg&hash=68e89d2f6673108da939037dc5a0cf57269f84de)
(https://worldairphotography.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/book_b17storebjoernkastrup.jpg)
Magna used to do a conversion set in 1/72 scale.
Quote from: Weaver on October 01, 2019, 12:42:06 AM
Would have thought the Shorts Stirling would be suitable and available, given it's enormous fuselage and relatively indifferent performance as a bomber.
Following the Lancastrian/Welshman theme, you could call it the Scotsman... ;)
How about an alternative Boeing airliner combining a 707 fuselage (stretched?) with a B-52 wing and engines?
There were plans for airliner conversions/derivatives of all the V-bombers:
Valiant: early V1000 studies
Victor:
HP.98 (original centre-section, double-bubble fuselage)
HP.111 (wider centre-section, circular-section fuselage)
The HP.111 was actually selected by the RAF, but they were overuled by HMG and told to buy the Belfast instead for political reasons (full employment in NI).
Vulcan: wide-bodied version called the Atlantic:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFxsXZKXUAAEoni?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFx1GzuWwAESkwF?format=jpg&name=large)
I'm building something along the lines of kitbashing the Airfix Avro Vulcan with the fuselage of the Airfix BAe Nimrod MR.1/2.It has the Vulcan tail and now has inverted wingtips take from an F-15.
The Convair XC-90 was proposed as an airliner with the potential customer Pan Am, even a transport version of the B-36 either with or without the turbojets.
The B-32 Dominator was also marketed as an airliner.
Airliner versions of the Wellington were proposed pre-war and numerous transport conversions of the
Wellington were used during the war.
The H.P. Halton was an airliner/transport version of the Halifax.
A few B-26 Marauders were also converted into executive aircraft.
Quote from: joncarrfarrelly on October 01, 2019, 11:15:52 PM
Airliner versions of the Wellington were proposed pre-war and numerous transport conversions of the
Wellington were used during the war.
The Viking and Valetta were essentially transport Wellingtons, albeit without the geodetic structure.
And Convair actually built the transport B-36 as the XC-99, but only one of them.
Anyone mentioned the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser? Basically a pop-top B29...
Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 02, 2019, 04:07:20 AM
And Convair actually built the transport B-36 as the XC-99, but only one of them.
The XC-99 still exists, it has a new owner now and their plan is to restore it. I can't remember though if the plan is to restore it to flying condition ---
Well the Lockheed C-130 was used as a bomber by the USAF and Argentina, so an airliner version with tons of soundproofing ( me thinks that this has been done before :banghead:)
Speaking of repurposed bombers, my friend Tim Nelson's build
of the Contrail Blackburn Kangaroo:
https://modelpaintsol.com/builds/contrail-blackburn-kangaroo-paint-rigging
(https://modelpaintsol.com/wp-content/uploads/53.jpg)
Oh that is nice :thumbsup:
The Boeing B-29 would make a great airliner project :banghead:
Quote from: McColm on October 03, 2019, 11:16:39 AM
The Boeing B-29 would make a great airliner project :banghead:
Boeing already did it. The Stratocruiser was exactly that, or an airliner B-50 anyway when it got into production.
Yes, but what if you just kept the lower deck :banghead:
Quote from: McColm on October 03, 2019, 12:11:45 PM
Yes, but what if you just kept the lower deck :banghead:
Then you'd basically have a Tu-70.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-70
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Tupoljev_Tu-70.svg/1000px-Tupoljev_Tu-70.svg.png)
Quote from: joncarrfarrelly on October 03, 2019, 01:30:39 PM
Quote from: McColm on October 03, 2019, 12:11:45 PM
Yes, but what if you just kept the lower deck :banghead:
Then you'd basically have a Tu-70.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-70
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Tupoljev_Tu-70.svg/1000px-Tupoljev_Tu-70.svg.png)
Thanks for the info, I have always wanted to build something like this in 1/72 scale :thumbsup:
i was playing arround wit h the idea of converting a Canadair CL-215 into a pssenger aircraft, IIRC there was a passenger version envisioned called the CL-215C. with seats for about 36 passengers.
I found this in the stash:
(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/5/5/6/168556-13365-67-pristine.jpg)
Looks like a good candidate to transform into an airliner....
TomZ
Quote from: TomZ on December 29, 2019, 11:28:52 AM
Looks like a good candidate to transform into an airliner....
Or a bus even.................... ;D
Why do French aircraft of this period all look as though they have a conservatory on the sharp end? Did the designers mix up their aeroplane and home improvement plans?
That whole aerodynamics thing! Who needs it!......... :banghead:
The Bloch MB 210 "Block". ;D ;D ;D ;D
I keep looking at the Breguet Atlantique in my stash and wonder how I could turn it into an airliner.
Quote from: Rheged on December 29, 2019, 12:10:56 PM
Why do French aircraft of this period all look as though they have a conservatory on the sharp end? Did the designers mix up their aeroplane and home improvement plans?
They don't. ;) :wacko:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airwar.ru%2Fimage%2Fidop%2Fcw1%2Fpotez62%2Fpotez62-1.jpg&hash=995ea684d7f22c1b6e0f040017d04239103c5f26)
Potez 62 (believe it or not the sister to the Potez 540 bomber).
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Avion_d.338_trimoteur_commercial_en_vol.jpg)
Dewoitine D.338
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airwar.ru%2Fimage%2Fidop%2Fcww2%2Fmb160%2Fmb160-18.jpg&hash=0afd228baeadeb5d5cb49f6e722bdadf24aac7d4)
Bloch MB.160
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airwar.ru%2Fimage%2Fidop%2Fflyboat%2Fh470%2Fh470-5.jpg&hash=ca6910d5ab20d068793709527825ce05d040ff2c)
LeO H-47
Many more examples out there.
The look of the Amiot 143, Farman F.220, Potez 540 and MB.200 bombers was largely
a result of the specifications and operational concepts to which they were designed and
the length of time it took to go from proposal to production.
In realistic terms, 1920s concepts that didn't go into service until the mid-'30s. The
airframe construction methods also played a role, just as it did with Brit bombers of
the period.
Farman F.220 family design started in 1925, first flight 1932, entry into service 1936 (F.221).
Amiot 143, designed to a 1928 specification, first flight 1931, entry into service 1935.
Bloch MB.200 and Potez 540 were the speed demons of the lot, designed to a 1932 specification,
first flight 1933, entry into service 1934.
I'm glad Jon picked those couple of more streamlined French birds from the 30's up :thumbsup: For some reason the French seem to have operated at either end of the spectrum when it came to aircraft looks and didn't bother with designing anything that was just "normal" :mellow:
I wouldn't mind if they used all that angular interior space to give the crew a decent operating area but if you look at period shots of the interior they are appallingly designed :banghead:
I still have a soft spot for them though ;)
Quote from: The Wooksta! on September 30, 2019, 01:16:07 PM
... The Luftwaffe had at least one Ju 88 converted to carry passengers...
Another mission to be performed by Ju-88 airframe
(https://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j340/ysi_maniac/Drawing/Ju-88_liner.jpeg) (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/ysi_maniac/media/Drawing/Ju-88_liner.jpeg.html)
Quote from: Mossie on December 29, 2019, 03:54:47 PM
I keep looking at the Breguet Atlantique in my stash and wonder how I could turn it into an airliner.
I have a brochure from Breguet which mentions using the Atlantic as a troop carrier, so the airliner concept is doable, as I have the Revell 1/72 Breguet Dassault Br1150 Atlantic anniversary kit in the stash awaiting to be turned into a twin turbofaned AEW platform. The idea did have the backing of the British and French governments with the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye rotodome (Tyne engines)or the FASS radomes with a pair of Rolls-Royce Spey engines but never made it into service.
Quote from: NARSES2 on December 29, 2019, 11:57:18 PM
I'm glad Jon picked those couple of more streamlined French birds from the 30's up :thumbsup: For some reason the French seem to have operated at either end of the spectrum when it came to aircraft looks and didn't bother with designing anything that was just "normal" :mellow:
I wouldn't mind if they used all that angular interior space to give the crew a decent operating area but if you look at period shots of the interior they are appallingly designed :banghead:
I still have a soft spot for them though ;)
It was the French branch of the English School of Ergonomic Design. ;) ;D
Quote from: joncarrfarrelly on January 01, 2020, 07:26:55 PM
It was the French branch of the English School of Ergonomic Design. ;) ;D
True ;D ;D
Quote from: Mossie on December 29, 2019, 03:54:47 PM
I keep looking at the Breguet Atlantique in my stash and wonder how I could turn it into an airliner.
There were also plans to convert it into a flying boat(!!!). Could be combined with the airliner idea?
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on January 02, 2020, 07:42:24 AM
Quote from: Mossie on December 29, 2019, 03:54:47 PM
I keep looking at the Breguet Atlantique in my stash and wonder how I could turn it into an airliner.
There were also plans to convert it into a flying boat(!!!). Could be combined with the airliner idea?
The proposed Br.1250 shared many components from the Breguet Br1150 Atlantic and many aspects of the Martin P5M Marlin; deep hull, gull-wing, high tail and weapons bay in the wing nacelles.
I tried to build this in 1/72 scale but replaced the gull-wing with the wings from the Vickers Valiant B.1, added the front and rear radomes from the BAe Nimrod AEW.3 plus two tail fins from the Avro Vulcan.
Great thread guys.
lately ive been researching some new conversion, one of witch is the CL-415 waterbomber into a bush airliner seaplane.
i think i would not requite much effort as the original CL-215 had an envisioned passenger/freight version.
i was thinking of an Heinkel He.177 passenger aircraft, but the poor engine reliablity kinda makes it unsuitable. i was also thinking of a BOAC Supermarine Walrus or Stranrear, maybe even a TWA or PanAm bird?
Quote from: Nils on January 23, 2020, 11:02:27 AM
...i was thinking of an Heinkel He.177 passenger aircraft, but the poor engine reliablity kinda makes it unsuitable...
Yes. Passengers tend to object to the engines routinely catching fire during a flight.
Quote from: Nils on January 23, 2020, 11:02:27 AM
lately ive been researching some new conversion, one of witch is the CL-415 waterbomber into a bush airliner seaplane.
i think i would not requite much effort as the original CL-215 had an envisioned passenger/freight version.
i was thinking of an Heinkel He.177 passenger aircraft, but the poor engine reliablity kinda makes it unsuitable. i was also thinking of a BOAC Supermarine Walrus or Stranrear, maybe even a TWA or PanAm bird?
The Walrus was used as an amphibious airliner in Australia carrying upto ten passengers.
Quote from: McColm on January 02, 2020, 12:46:08 PM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on January 02, 2020, 07:42:24 AM
Quote from: Mossie on December 29, 2019, 03:54:47 PM
I keep looking at the Breguet Atlantique in my stash and wonder how I could turn it into an airliner.
There were also plans to convert it into a flying boat(!!!). Could be combined with the airliner idea?
The proposed Br.1250 shared many components from the Breguet Br1150 Atlantic and many aspects of the Martin P5M Marlin; deep hull, gull-wing, high tail and weapons bay in the wing nacelles.
Cheers guys, looked up the Br.1250, very interesting!
The Stanraer was used in Canada and British Columbia in civil airliner service, too, until the late Fifties. Here's a model of one:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5533/13928391468_01bc34983c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ndNDwu)Supermarine Stanraer QCA (https://flic.kr/p/ndNDwu) by modelldoc (https://www.flickr.com/photos/21603181@N08/), on Flickr
Handley-Page Halton:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49435754562_425a4deb32_c.jpg)
The proposed Convair Model 37, a civilian C-99:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49435077053_c2fb34b8e2_c.jpg)
The Consolidated Model 39:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/6003/5941895149_60398275d5_c.jpg)
Chris
As luck would have it, I just spotted a Lancastrian build on FB by Junior Slompo..
(https://i.imgur.com/a5fZVXy.jpg)
Never seen the Model 39 before. Looks like a wide body, high winged B-29. Cool.
There was an old CBC program about flying the Stranraer in BC in the 60s. Said nothing could take a beating like those old boats. I had it on VHS.
Quote from: Captain Canada on January 24, 2020, 12:09:35 PM
Never seen the Model 39 before. Looks like a wide body, high winged B-29. Cool.
Based on the Privateer Todd, notice the way the engine nacelles are orientated ---
There were several proposals for the Convair B-32 Dominator Model 33 which commenced in mid 1941 up to September 1943, as a commercial airliner with a 56 passenger capacity in two compartments, 16 forward and 40 in the aft fuselage. Both single and twin tail fins, with twin and four engines, radial and turboprops were also considered but none were built or converted for such purposes.
This would make a basis for a whiff or two.
Quote from: kitnut617 on January 24, 2020, 12:50:23 PM
Quote from: Captain Canada on January 24, 2020, 12:09:35 PM
Never seen the Model 39 before. Looks like a wide body, high winged B-29. Cool.
Based on the Privateer Todd, notice the way the engine nacelles are orientated ---
It's a new one on me as well.
Those darker rectangular panels on the upper fuselage behind the trailing edge have got me thinking of an airliner with skylights/viewing windows. First Class cabin obviously :angel:
At risk of blowing my own trumpet, I may have built one or two repurposed bombers...
Arado AR-196
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4257/35589300956_2dd4db5f13_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WdUtgb)Frankston Skycabs Ar 196 006 (https://flic.kr/p/WdUtgb) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Bristol Beaujumper
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4051/34818840593_34d8bfaaca_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/V3PEeP)Beaujumper 4 (https://flic.kr/p/V3PEeP) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Bristol Blairgowrie (backdated rather than repurposed).
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4285/35497244601_3ffd79922d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W5LE7D)Bristol Blairgowrie 11 (https://flic.kr/p/W5LE7D) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Caproni Ca311
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4066/34786632204_32193b8af7_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UZYzNL)Caproni Ca 311 010 (https://flic.kr/p/UZYzNL) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Turbocat
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4231/35241315760_60d6c78a13_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VG9Xoq)Turbocat 1 13 (https://flic.kr/p/VG9Xoq) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Privateer Express
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48623390622_429a9ede28_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h5FA25)Consolidated Privateer Express - Old No. 1 - 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2h5FA25) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Douglas Skyraider
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49291515608_e7cbd31cd8_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i6HUio)Douglas AD-5 Skyraider - 8 (https://flic.kr/p/2i6HUio) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
GAL Porthus
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4217/34800616924_d4dc2afdfa_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/V2dfYC)GAL 50 Porthus 007 (https://flic.kr/p/V2dfYC) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
ziking Ragnar
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48550001656_d219a63c62_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gYcs35)ziking Ragnar - 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2gYcs35) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Mitsubishi Ki-46
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4239/35701813931_88ccb9d833_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WoR8s4)Mitsubishi Ki-46iii 6 (https://flic.kr/p/WoR8s4) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Weston C-25 Marion
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49291996291_74fc115ac0_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i6Lnc2)Weston C-25G Marion - 10 (https://flic.kr/p/2i6Lnc2) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Savoia Marchetti SM-81
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4266/35602611876_120b095e40_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Wf5G8N)Savoia Marchetti SM81 4 (https://flic.kr/p/Wf5G8N) by Fred Maillardet (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/), on Flickr
Quote from: zenrat on January 25, 2020, 04:57:21 AM
At risk of blowing my own trumpet, I may have built one or two repurposed bombers...
yes I would say that you might have one or two there !!! ;D
Great work :thumbsup:
:bow: :bow: :bow: :party:
Fantastic collection Fred :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Whilst not necessarily a bomber, ShinMaywa's US-2 can eventually turned towards amphibious passenger service.
https://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/us2_purpose.html
Had an idea many years ago to turn a Short Stirling fuselage into an electric locomotive. The flight deck would be left basically 'as is' at least from the outside. The Stirling's lines just struck me as looking like it would work.
I'll probably never get around to it, so if anyone wants to have a go, be my guest.
Quote from: The Rat on January 25, 2020, 01:52:29 PM
Had an idea many years ago to turn a Short Stirling fuselage into an electric locomotive. The flight deck would be left basically 'as is' at least from the outside. The Stirling's lines just struck me as looking like it would work.
I'll probably never get around to it, so if anyone wants to have a go, be my guest.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BtrLEEfSF7Y/maxresdefault.jpg)
Quote from: scooter on January 25, 2020, 10:00:08 AM
Whilst not necessarily a bomber, ShinMaywa's US-2 can eventually turned towards amphibious passenger service.
https://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/us2_purpose.html
A passenger version was proposed when the aircraft was under development.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/OLDPB/i-sgw7DLw/0/ffe843d3/O/SM_SS-2_PASS_01_zps3078b840.png)
I had an idea to turn the Martin SeaMaster into an airliner, which would have been developed into an amphibious aircraft with different engines.
The Convair Tradewind had similar problems with its engines and that too could have been developed further into an airliner using Rolls-Royce Tynes.
They both had beaching cradles but could have gone on to be land planes.
with Revell rereleasing the breguet atlantic in 1/72 scale, im concidering getting one and converting it into a civilian airliner ;D
Some early model B-17s were converted to transports.
Converting warplanes to civilian use has always been a tricky undertaking.
It's probably been said before, but bombers exist to carry a large inanimate load to foreign parts, drop it and come home. Passengers are an awkward load.............bombs don't need toilets, cups of tea, comfortable (allegedly) seats , and somewhere to put their luggage, duty free, present for auntie Flo etc.
Despite Ryanair's best efforts, you can't stack passengers tightly in an unpressurised compartment...............even in Whiffworld this is not good customer service.
Quote from: Rheged on December 22, 2020, 02:22:37 AM
Despite Ryanair's best efforts, you can't stack passengers tightly in an unpressurised compartment...............even in Whiffworld this is not good customer service.
Spirit Airlines keeps trying, and doesn't give a fig about its customer service.
There was talk of converting the Tu-114 bomber into a commercial airliner, it would look like a smaller version of the Boeing SST.
Flying Boats but most of suitable ones were already used as passenger aircraft
How about the Shackleton
Similar treatment to the Lancaster with equivalents to Lancastrian and York
The problem with using a Shackleton fuselage as an airliner is the same one that blighted the Lancastrian. With a low or mid-wing the spar runs right across the floor, and it's at knee height, and big with it!
That's the reason the York had a high wing, the spar then ran overhead and out of tripping height.
Of course, if you mount a Shackleton wing high on a lengthened York fuselage you get an Avro Leeds....... :o
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7898/Akt9uJ.jpg)
Very nice :thumbsup:
How about Shackleton wing on a Sunderland ?
Semyon AleKseyev's bureau OKB-01 designed the type 150, which was the unsuccessful competitor to the Tu-16 Badger. An East German called Baade took the design and concocted the VEB 152 passenger aircraft out of it. It was a failure, showing the difficulties of military to civil conversion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OKB-1_150
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OKB-1_150)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baade_152 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baade_152)
Quote from: tigercat on December 22, 2020, 01:05:18 PM
How about Shackleton wing on a Sunderland ?
Yes, how ABOUT Shackleton wings on a Sunderland?
Quote from: PR19_Kit on December 22, 2020, 02:01:36 PM
Quote from: tigercat on December 22, 2020, 01:05:18 PM
How about Shackleton wing on a Sunderland ?
Yes, how ABOUT Shackleton wings on a Sunderland?
Where would the wing floats go, though?
Quote from: rickshaw on December 22, 2020, 05:27:14 PM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on December 22, 2020, 02:01:36 PM
Quote from: tigercat on December 22, 2020, 01:05:18 PM
How about Shackleton wing on a Sunderland ?
Yes, how ABOUT Shackleton wings on a Sunderland?
Where would the wing floats go, though?
The landing gear on the Shackleton isn't as long as the one on the Short Stirling, so you can still use the Sunderland floats on the shoulder mounted wings. However if you were to lower the wings so that the landing gear was down, the Sunderland floats could be stashed in the wingtips similar to the Catalan sea plane.
An interesting idea, two more kits to buy in 2021!
Quote from: McColm on December 22, 2020, 12:11:22 PM
There was talk of converting the Tu-114 bomber into a commercial airliner, it would look like a smaller version of the Boeing SST.
I think you've got your numbers crossed there.
The Tu-114 is the world's largest turboprop airliner (and derived from the Tu-95 Bear)
the Tu-144 is the Russian SST, and was a civilian development (no military versions).
Quote from: PR19_Kit on December 22, 2020, 12:39:16 PM
The problem with using a Shackleton fuselage as an airliner is the same one that blighted the Lancastrian. With a low or mid-wing the spar runs right across the floor, and it's at knee height, and big with it!
That's the reason the York had a high wing, the spar then ran overhead and out of tripping height.
Of course, if you mount a Shackleton wing high on a lengthened York fuselage you get an Avro Leeds....... :o
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7898/Akt9uJ.jpg)
I've had a go at moving the Shackleton wings to a higher position, this works best on the MR.2, although the ground clearance is greatly reduced. Try using the AeroClub Shackleton AEW.2 conversion set as the bomb bay is shallower than the Airfix kit or try the Revell AEW.2.
I also had a go at converting the Mach2 Avro York into a bomber by lowering the wings from the Revell kit, I'll try both ideas next year 'future builds for 2021'.
Quote from: Hobbes on December 22, 2020, 11:36:31 PM
Quote from: McColm on December 22, 2020, 12:11:22 PM
There was talk of converting the Tu-114 bomber into a commercial airliner, it would look like a smaller version of the Boeing SST.
I think you've got your numbers crossed there.
The Tu-114 is the world's largest turboprop airliner (and derived from the Tu-95 Bear)
the Tu-144 is the Russian SST, and was a civilian development (no military versions).
Oops I meant to say that the Russians were considering using the Tu-160 to convert it into a SST. I have the Airfix BAC Concorde and the Rockwell B-1B in the stash, I'm not experienced enough to do the kitbash in 1/72 scale but I might try this in 1/144 scale first.
Quote from: Hobbes on December 22, 2020, 11:36:31 PM
...The Tu-114 is the world's largest turboprop airliner (and derived from the Tu-95 Bear)...
And also almost certainly the worlds noisiest.
Manchester wing mounted on a shortened York fuselage, late series rear-swept exhaust Hercules
engines, as used on the Bristol freighter. Transport with a swing-tail for straight-in loading.
Apart from the XC-99 there was several designs for the Convair B-36 Peacemaker to become a troop transporter or freighter with a loading ramp at the rear. The angle of the loading ramp was very steep. A swing tail might be a better option.
OKB EF-140 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OKB-1_140 converted to airliner
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/j340/ysi_maniac/EF140_airliner(2).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/ysi_maniac/a/caec78e4-057f-4fe9-82f4-083a43455765/p/81a2a33a-4359-4448-820a-021220243321)
How about a Martin B-10 wing on a new fuselage as a DC-2 competitor and a Maryland/ Baltimore wing for a DC-3 alternative?
Passenger versions of H.P. Victor, militar and civil. :mellow:
Note that this would be an almost global range liner. :thumbsup:
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/j340/ysi_maniac/Victor_liner.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/ysi_maniac/a/caec78e4-057f-4fe9-82f4-083a43455765/p/1bc745e2-0384-4ac2-bba5-e5303fa5a922)
you're aware HP did 2 proposals for just that: the HP.97 and HP.111.
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/civilian-versions-of-bomber-aircraft.3126/post-378539 (https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/civilian-versions-of-bomber-aircraft.3126/post-378539)
Quote from: ysi_maniac on April 13, 2021, 11:52:15 AM
Passenger versions of H.P. Victor, militar and civil. :mellow:
Note that this would be an almost global range liner. :thumbsup:
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/j340/ysi_maniac/Victor_liner.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/ysi_maniac/a/caec78e4-057f-4fe9-82f4-083a43455765/p/1bc745e2-0384-4ac2-bba5-e5303fa5a922)
Looks great, but I can't see Air France buying one.
^^^^^
Air France got Vickers Viscount :thumbsup:. And in that colonial time frame, she could fly nonstop from Paris to Indochine :thumbsup:
And Comets too............
And even the Caravelle prototypes had a Comet nose/cockpit section from the de Havilland spares box.
IMHO: An elegant airliner. :o :wub: :mellow:
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/j340/ysi_maniac/BisonLiner.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/ysi_maniac/a/caec78e4-057f-4fe9-82f4-083a43455765/p/a8350a96-4726-4b3a-aa76-c8ef6c62c3de)
Indeed, very elegant :thumbsup:
Enlarged version of Martin 4.0.4, equipped with the wings of XB-48 and their odd triple jet pods :mellow:
To avoid central undercarriage, not adequate for a liner, main u/c has been moved to sponsons in outer face of engine pods.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/j340/ysi_maniac/Martin-4-0-4-jet.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/ysi_maniac/a/caec78e4-057f-4fe9-82f4-083a43455765/p/57590ab0-cb2e-4d05-ba29-9d11a72326cf)
Sorry, in this case only wings has been repurposed. :mellow: :mellow:
Airliner derived from Convair XB-36. Along with orignal XB-46
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/j340/ysi_maniac/Convair-7XX.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/ysi_maniac/a/caec78e4-057f-4fe9-82f4-083a43455765/p/402129bb-7c4a-410b-a1da-4e231e5b3e46)
Very nice, but I'm sure Howard Hughes would have kept the bubble canopy on top for TWA. ;D
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on May 25, 2021, 02:08:58 PM
Very nice, but I'm sure Howard Hughes would have kept the bubble canopy on top for TWA. ;D
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Regional liner based in North American B-45 Tornado.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/j340/ysi_maniac/B-45_TornadoLiner.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/ysi_maniac/a/caec78e4-057f-4fe9-82f4-083a43455765/p/5d997d17-e235-409d-8da1-c061d3104efe)
Would the Boeing B-52 make a great airliner?
Nice interior shot of a BOAC Avro Lancastrian. Not a lot of room, is there!
Pic posted on Twitter by @Fly_BOAC here: https://twitter.com/Fly_BOAC/status/1452567784270057473?s=20
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCiOs6yWUAUJgVf?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Quote from: Weaver on October 25, 2021, 07:27:17 PM
Nice interior shot of a BOAC Avro Lancastrian. Not a lot of room, is there!
Pic posted on Twitter by @Fly_BOAC here: https://twitter.com/Fly_BOAC/status/1452567784270057473?s=20
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCiOs6yWUAUJgVf?format=jpg&name=900x900)
What no door mat to wipe your shoes on when entering the plane?
Quote from: McColm on October 25, 2021, 08:49:31 PM
Quote from: Weaver on October 25, 2021, 07:27:17 PM
Nice interior shot of a BOAC Avro Lancastrian. Not a lot of room, is there!
Pic posted on Twitter by @Fly_BOAC here: https://twitter.com/Fly_BOAC/status/1452567784270057473?s=20
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCiOs6yWUAUJgVf?format=jpg&name=900x900)
What no door mat to wipe your shoes on when entering the plane?
Post-War austerity measures... one probably even had to do without one's Scotch, or G'n'T.
I've never seen an interior pic of a Lancastrian before, and that pic answers the question of how the seats were arranged!
I couldn't work out how they got two rows of seats into that narrow Lanc fuselage, and they didn't................
Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 26, 2021, 02:20:57 AM
I've never seen an interior pic of a Lancastrian before, and that pic answers the question of how the seats were arranged!
I couldn't work out how they got two rows of seats into that narrow Lanc fuselage, and they didn't................
Looks like that was all they got in there, admittedly turned round 90
o and put end to end.
Gondor
Don Bennet said the Lancastrian was a poor airliner but would have made a great bomber...
There's apparently two versions of the Lancastrian. There's the modified Lancasters and there's the Lancastrian proper, which had the rear fuselage widened slightly by removing the taper. The Alitalia Lancastrians are the latter.
That's a fascinating photograph, both for the way the seats are aligned, I had no idea and assumed they'd be standard fit, and for the fact they've got that paper covering the floor ;D
My Dad told me that when he was in 617 Sqn, they were sent out to the far east very suddenly. So sudden that the ground crews were taken out in the Lancasters (Mk.VII's BTW). He told me they all had to sit on the floor ---- ;D
That pic looks like once everyone got in and settled you could at least stretch your legs out!
Definitely more legroom than any modern airliner i've flown in. Better soundtrack as well.
Quote from: zenrat on October 27, 2021, 04:17:37 AM
Definitely more legroom than any modern airliner i've flown in. Better soundtrack as well.
Where's the 'like' button? Ah well, consider it duly activated.
Quote from: McColm on October 25, 2021, 08:49:31 PM
Quote from: Weaver on October 25, 2021, 07:27:17 PM
Nice interior shot of a BOAC Avro Lancastrian. Not a lot of room, is there!
Pic posted on Twitter by @Fly_BOAC here: https://twitter.com/Fly_BOAC/status/1452567784270057473?s=20
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCiOs6yWUAUJgVf?format=jpg&name=900x900)
What no door mat to wipe your shoes on when entering the plane?
At that time the 'Terminal Building' at London Heath Row was a set of ex-army tents. Passengers would have walked out of their marquee on wooden boards across muddy grass - like a Great War trench!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-33310445
Quote from: Nick on October 28, 2021, 10:29:46 AM
At that time the 'Terminal Building' at London Heath Row was a set of ex-army tents. Passengers would have walked out of their marquee on wooden boards across muddy grass - like a Great War trench!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-33310445
Know originally, I believe, as the Great Western Aerodrome