What if

Picture Post => Current and Finished Projects => Aircraft => Topic started by: The Rat on January 18, 2024, 09:02:22 PM

Title: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on January 18, 2024, 09:02:22 PM
Thought I'd already posted in this part of the boards, guess I was wrong. Here's the box

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53473339490_4118e7e866_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ptfQR9)

The plan is to give it better engines, in this case the Rolls Royce Avon. Let's see the difference between that and the Westinghouse J-46

THRUST
J-46:  4,600 lbf (20 kN) thrust each dry, 6,000 lbf (27 kN) with afterburner
Avon: 12,690 lbf (56.4 kN) dry, 16,360 lbf (72.8 kN) with reheat
Staggering!

WEIGHT
J-46: 2116 lb (952.5 kg)
Avon: 2,890 lb (1,310 kg)
Strange, thought I read somewhere that the Avon was lighter. No matter...

DIMENSIONS
J-46: Length: 198 in (5.0 m), Diameter: 28 in (0.86 m)
Avon: Length: 126 in (3,200 mm), 35.7 in (910 mm)
Avon fit would be snug, but doable in my universe.

The increased airflow needed for the Avons requires enlarging the intakes. This was done by just cutting them back a bit. Raised markings have been sanded off, silver paint applied to spot flaws and rough spots.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53473355135_4202736a29_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ptfVuT)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53473213479_13260ce7e6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ptfcox)

Scratching splitter plates would be nice, but cones will be easier. Thank the modelling gods for all those spare drop tanks.  ;D

This thing is as old as me, but in better shape.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53454958742_416cd9b647_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2prCCTG)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on January 19, 2024, 02:31:51 AM
A magic idea, the Cutlass should slice through the air like butter with a couple of Avons.

(Did you see what I did then?  ;D )
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on January 19, 2024, 05:38:49 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on January 19, 2024, 02:31:51 AMA magic idea, the Cutlass should slice through the air like butter with a couple of Avons.

(Did you see what I did then?  ;D )

;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: sandiego89 on January 20, 2024, 07:21:41 AM
They sure loved rivets and moulded on rondels in the 1950's! 

salute for taking on these vintage kits. The Cutlass does deserve better! 
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: chrisonord on January 20, 2024, 08:28:00 AM
Looking forward to seeing this done, I don't usuallly comment until the build is complete, but this has my attention for a possible future F.A.A. build.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Scotaidh on January 21, 2024, 02:26:41 AM
I did one with J79s in it - I had to increase fuselage width by 1/3 to accommodate them, as well as enlarge the control surfacees to handle the increased weight.  It was fun to build - I hope you have as much enjoyment of yours.  :)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on January 21, 2024, 06:14:50 AM
Quote from: Scotaidh on January 21, 2024, 02:26:41 AMI did one with J79s in it - I had to increase fuselage width by 1/3 to accommodate them, as well as enlarge the control surfacees to handle the increased weight.  It was fun to build - I hope you have as much enjoyment of yours.  :)

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on January 27, 2024, 11:50:50 AM
Cones are in place, obviously the intakes need some clean-up.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53491374013_1133128f3f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2puRgTc)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: DogfighterZen on January 27, 2024, 12:11:40 PM
 :mellow:  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on February 26, 2024, 10:43:15 AM
Had an old ballpoint pen tube that was just the right size for some bigger exhaust, 0.30", but not polystyrene, very difficult to work with, so I'll soon be off to my local to pick up some proper tubing. Once they're in place I can get around to attaching the vertical stabilisers, they'll just get in the way if they're on right now.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on February 27, 2024, 07:35:56 AM
Better engines would certainly have gone a long way towards making the Cutlass a good fighter.  Possibly even better than the F-8 in some respects.  Imagine that thrust to weight ratio  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on February 27, 2024, 12:43:02 PM
Dry thrust of the 200 series RR Avon is about twice that of the Westinghouse J-46, so it should be capable of much more than the original.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Captain Canada on February 27, 2024, 05:03:42 PM
This will be neat. Go Rat !
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on February 27, 2024, 07:49:18 PM
Always thought the Cutlass might could do with a single J-79 or F404, but that would make for a pretty long tail extension or some serious intake extensions...
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on February 28, 2024, 03:26:46 AM
Two Avons, that'd sort it.  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on February 28, 2024, 03:55:35 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on February 28, 2024, 03:26:46 AMTwo Avons, that'd sort it.  ;D

Durn tootin'! I'm wondering if I might have to derate them in case the wings tear off.  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on February 28, 2024, 07:08:51 AM
Quote from: The Rat on February 28, 2024, 03:55:35 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on February 28, 2024, 03:26:46 AMTwo Avons, that'd sort it.  ;D

Durn tootin'! I'm wondering if I might have to derate them in case the wings tear off.  ;D

Probably not, the F7U was tough if nothing else.  It could handle 16G maneuvers apparently, I doubt even a pair of Avons could make it go fast enough to bother the wings  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on March 01, 2024, 10:51:54 PM
Some tubing allows for those Avons to chuck a lot more out the back end. I'll be increasing the size of the innards later.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53562485356_bf40a9809c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pB8JNQ)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Old Wombat on March 02, 2024, 03:28:32 AM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on March 02, 2024, 04:14:41 PM
Very nice!  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: DogfighterZen on March 03, 2024, 01:59:11 AM
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Stan in YUL on March 04, 2024, 06:02:55 AM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on March 04, 2024, 06:39:31 PM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53568622618_5b12535c73_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pBFccG)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on March 04, 2024, 07:54:01 PM
I  like power ..and I like it when it's a ton of power and the bill fits very nicely here 👌  ;D  ;D

Always liked the Cutless as it one of those strange planes when ya look at everything else...this I'll keep watching  mate  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on March 04, 2024, 10:21:25 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on March 04, 2024, 07:54:01 PMI  like power ..and I like it when it's a ton of power and the bill fits very nicely here 👌  ;D  ;D

Always liked the Cutless as it one of those strange planes when ya look at everything else...this I'll keep watching  mate  ;D

Until the B-2 came along, the Cutlass was the closest the American military had to a flying wing in service. Not quite, but close.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on March 07, 2024, 07:05:28 AM
If it hadn't been underpowered, it might have performed very well against the MiG-17s in Vietnam...

Of course that assumes that it had the right armament, Sidewinders and Mk-12 cannons most likely would have been the best choice.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on March 07, 2024, 06:29:32 PM
Well apparently Vought was kicking around the idea of redesigning the entire rear end of the Cutlass to add wing area and fit a single J57-P4 in place of the twin J-46s. Not sure if they meant to use the P4A with afterburner (16,000lb of thrust) or a version without AB, but either way that could also have turned the Cutlass into a real fighter instead of a lemon - except they were doing all that redesign work for a ground-attack variant...

Even with a J57-P4A, the thrust output wouldn't be as good as two Avons, particularly if they are the kind that the Lightning had, but it still would have been a huge improvement over the terrible engines the Cutlass had.  Makes me want to build one myself sometime, likely 3D-printed due to my limited budget.  Thankfully I'm fairly handy with Solidworks and Blender...
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on March 07, 2024, 10:30:04 PM
That looks nice.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Captain Canada on March 08, 2024, 03:24:12 AM
Looking good !
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Scotaidh on March 08, 2024, 01:35:49 PM
When I built my J79 Cutlass I did a ton of research - reading pilots' stories, and so on.  Turns out that not only were the engines - the only ones available at time of build - not powerful enough, but Vought built it with a 3000psi hydraulic system - which operating pressure was more than double what previous &Y in-service Naval aircraft used.  So when an original piping part failed, it was usually replaced with ... something already in stock!  (Tell me you didn't see that coming!)  A half-inch fitting is a half-inch fitting, right?  So now you had sub-spec parts just waiting to fail and spray hi-press. oil all over the insides of the aircraft, including those oh-so-hot internal afterburner nozzles ,,, Can you say Fire!  I knew you could ...

I found, that when I showed pics of my Whiffy Cutlass to "non-aircraft people," so to speak, they had no idea what my changes were.  Anyone else have this problem?

I then came up with the idea of making and OOB to put next to the Whiff - but that effectively doubles the price of my builds. 
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Rick Lowe on March 09, 2024, 12:22:03 PM
Quote from: Scotaidh on March 08, 2024, 01:35:49 PMI found, that when I showed pics of my Whiffy Cutlass to "non-aircraft people," so to speak, they had no idea what my changes were.  Anyone else have this problem?

I then came up with the idea of making and OOB to put next to the Whiff - but that effectively doubles the price of my builds. 

Yup to that. Frustrating, but then when you find that one (or two) person(s) who knows what they're looking at, it's a definite boost.

And yeah, a thought, but an expensive way to do it - and double the work, for not much gain.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on March 09, 2024, 04:44:27 PM
Quote from: Scotaidh on March 08, 2024, 01:35:49 PMWhen I built my J79 Cutlass I did a ton of research - reading pilots' stories, and so on.  Turns out that not only were the engines - the only ones available at time of build - not powerful enough, but Vought built it with a 3000psi hydraulic system - which operating pressure was more than double what previous &Y in-service Naval aircraft used.  So when an original piping part failed, it was usually replaced with ... something already in stock!  (Tell me you didn't see that coming!)  A half-inch fitting is a half-inch fitting, right?  So now you had sub-spec parts just waiting to fail and spray hi-press. oil all over the insides of the aircraft, including those oh-so-hot internal afterburner nozzles ,,, Can you say Fire!  I knew you could ...

Well that certainly explains a lot.  For a company that built the F4U Corsair, I would have thought Vought engineers would have known better than to pull a shenanigan like that, but I suppose not.  I looked up your J79 Cutlass build on here, and I have to say, that is a fantastic piece of work.  Makes me want to do one myself, once I finish my F-14E, F-15X, and F9E  :lol:  :banghead:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on March 10, 2024, 12:58:12 AM
That sounds pretty crazy. I spent a lot of my working life using 3000 psi hydraulic systems and the LAST thing you'd do was fit and under-rated part or seal in a system at that pressure!

There's a LARGE circular stain on the wall of the Control Centre at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby which was the result of someone (not me....) doing just that, thinking that 'Oh, this one will do'. It didn't, and the wall mounted phone that used to be there was reduced to dust by the 2" diameter jet of hydraulic fluid that impacted the wall....................
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Old Wombat on March 10, 2024, 07:53:08 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 10, 2024, 12:58:12 AMThat sounds pretty crazy. I spent a lot of my working life using 3000 psi hydraulic systems and the LAST thing you'd do was fit and under-rated part or seal in a system at that pressure!

There's a LARGE circular stain on the wall of the Control Centre at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby which was the result of someone (not me....) doing just that, thinking that 'Oh, this one will do'. It didn't, and the wall mounted phone that used to be there was reduced to dust by the 2" diameter jet of hydraulic fluid that impacted the wall....................

Lucky no Human was in its path, just a phone. :o
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on March 10, 2024, 09:19:51 AM
Yeah I read stain and got worried there for a second  :o
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on March 10, 2024, 09:36:37 AM
Quote from: Old Wombat on March 10, 2024, 07:53:08 AMLucky no Human was in its path, just a phone. :o


That was pure fluke, the queue for the tea trolley was just forming when the fitting let go, and the jet of oil went behind the last guy in the queue!

Apparently I shot down the spiral stairs from  the Control Centre without actually touching the stairs with my feet, leapt over a large pile of ballast weights and punched seven bells out of the E-Stop button to turn the pumps off. I can't remember doing it, but we needed a new E-Stop button and I had to go to hospital with a sprained wrist.  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Rick Lowe on March 10, 2024, 09:40:01 PM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 10, 2024, 09:36:37 AMThat was pure fluke, the queue for the tea trolley was just forming when the fitting let go, and the jet of oil went behind the last guy in the queue!

Apparently I shot down the spiral stairs from  the Control Centre without actually touching the stairs with my feet, leapt over a large pile of ballast weights and punched seven bells out of the E-Stop button to turn the pumps off. I can't remember doing it, but we needed a new E-Stop button and I had to go to hospital with a sprained wrist.  ;D

That was good - Someone was watching out!

And yeah, adrenalin can let you do some surprising things... all the bodies' safeties come off and well, Amazing Happens.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on January 20, 2025, 08:23:58 PM
Still in progress. Since I made a right dog's breakfast of the paint job, I'll be distracting from it by busying the surface up with all the decals, of which there are many, and small. Yes, that little black speck you see is a decal.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54278762229_01199b1b1e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qGqQY6)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on January 21, 2025, 10:16:25 AM
After reading more of this and seeing the single engined version I'm now wondering if there is a 48th model of the Cutless out which doesn't cost more than a new tyre for my car 😀 😉
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on January 28, 2025, 11:57:45 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 21, 2025, 10:16:25 AMAfter reading more of this and seeing the single engined version I'm now wondering if there is a 48th model of the Cutless out which doesn't cost more than a new tyre for my car 😀 😉

Me too, but I doubt it.  I know there's an old Lindberg kit out there if you can still get it, but I believe it's either a prototype or an F7U-1, not sure which.  Anyway Lindberg kits tend to be covered in rivets and very scant in the detail department, and of course parts fit is often questionable at best.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 03:25:31 PM
Quote from: Spino on January 28, 2025, 11:57:45 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 21, 2025, 10:16:25 AMAfter reading more of this and seeing the single engined version I'm now wondering if there is a 48th model of the Cutless out which doesn't cost more than a new tyre for my car 😀 😉

Me too, but I doubt it.  I know there's an old Lindberg kit out there if you can still get it, but I believe it's either a prototype or an F7U-1, not sure which.  Anyway Lindberg kits tend to be covered in rivets and very scant in the detail department, and of course parts fit is often questionable at best.
Thank ya Spino mate ...that's at least one to look out for ..even if ..well there's no if..it's crap so one to go slightly bonkers on  :wacko:
The hunt begins  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:27:22 PM
Well I found a 48th Lindberg Cutless for sale ..and here and one from the US ..the US price $17.99 and in stock ..the one here and this proves beyond shadow of a doubt that this country lives in its own dream land..$174  :o  :o  :o
FFS!!!
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:33:53 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:27:22 PMWell I found a 48th Lindberg Cutless for sale ..and here and one from the US ..the US price $17.99 and in stock ..the one here and this proves beyond shadow of a doubt that this country lives in its own dream land..$174  :o  :o  :o
FFS!!!

Is someone smoking crack? Stupid to ask that price and stupid if someone does!
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:39:21 PM
Quote from: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:33:53 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:27:22 PMWell I found a 48th Lindberg Cutless for sale ..and here and one from the US ..the US price $17.99 and in stock ..the one here and this proves beyond shadow of a doubt that this country lives in its own dream land..$174  :o  :o  :o
FFS!!!

Is someone smoking crack? Stupid to ask that price and stupid if someone does!
Mate I don't think crack was anywhere near what these guys were smoking..it's something far more powerful 😳.
I know what it is ..if anything is even close to rare here they seem to think they can charge the earth and then some for it  :banghead:
It's pathetic bud.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:41:05 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:39:21 PM
Quote from: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:33:53 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:27:22 PMWell I found a 48th Lindberg Cutless for sale ..and here and one from the US ..the US price $17.99 and in stock ..the one here and this proves beyond shadow of a doubt that this country lives in its own dream land..$174  :o  :o  :o
FFS!!!

Is someone smoking crack? Stupid to ask that price and stupid if someone does!
Mate I don't think crack was anywhere near what these guys were smoking..it's something far more powerful 😳.
I know what it is ..if anything is even close to rare here they seem to think they can charge the earth and then some for it  :banghead:
It's pathetic bud.

Tell him it's only a piece of plastic and watch him lose it!
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:45:02 PM
Quote from: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:41:05 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:39:21 PM
Quote from: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:33:53 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:27:22 PMWell I found a 48th Lindberg Cutless for sale ..and here and one from the US ..the US price $17.99 and in stock ..the one here and this proves beyond shadow of a doubt that this country lives in its own dream land..$174  :o  :o  :o
FFS!!!

Is someone smoking crack? Stupid to ask that price and stupid if someone does!
Mate I don't think crack was anywhere near what these guys were smoking..it's something far more powerful 😳.
I know what it is ..if anything is even close to rare here they seem to think they can charge the earth and then some for it  :banghead:
It's pathetic bud.

Tell him it's only a piece of plastic and watch him lose it!
No point ...it's a company here and in Aus called Dick Smith...get this ..used to be a electronics store  :o
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on January 29, 2025, 01:21:08 AM
That Lindberg Cutlass is an F7U-1 and not exactly the world's best kit either.

But Draw Decals do a magic Blue Angels decal sheet for it.  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: scooter on January 29, 2025, 01:46:11 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:45:02 PM
Quote from: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:41:05 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:39:21 PM
Quote from: kerick on January 28, 2025, 09:33:53 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on January 28, 2025, 09:27:22 PMWell I found a 48th Lindberg Cutless for sale ..and here and one from the US ..the US price $17.99 and in stock ..the one here and this proves beyond shadow of a doubt that this country lives in its own dream land..$174  :o  :o  :o
FFS!!!

Is someone smoking crack? Stupid to ask that price and stupid if someone does!
Mate I don't think crack was anywhere near what these guys were smoking..it's something far more powerful 😳.
I know what it is ..if anything is even close to rare here they seem to think they can charge the earth and then some for it  :banghead:
It's pathetic bud.

Tell him it's only a piece of plastic and watch him lose it!
No point ...it's a company here and in Aus called Dick Smith...get this ..used to be a electronics store  :o
Sounds like I need to break out the old Crazy Eddie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Eddie) (a former US electronics retailer that was predominantly located in the NYC tri-state) tag line: His prices are INSANE!
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Rick Lowe on February 02, 2025, 08:41:53 PM
This quote from 'The Castle' seems most appropriate:

"Tell him he's dreamin'!"  :banghead:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: jcf on February 03, 2025, 09:30:04 AM
The guy obviously has a pristine example
of the original release of the kit.
:angel:

(https://www.oldmodelkits.com/jpegs/h/Lindberg%20510%20F7Uvg1st.JPG)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 03, 2025, 11:17:39 AM
How big is 1/60th scale compared to 48th ?
I've found one here for sale online ..brand new and being such a odd ball scale it's got me wondering what I might have that'll fit it 🤔
Still keeping my eyes open for a 48th Cutless tho 👀  ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: scooter on February 03, 2025, 12:13:17 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 03, 2025, 11:17:39 AMHow big is 1/60th scale compared to 48th ?
About halfway between 48 and 72d
1/48 = ~10" wingspan
1/60 = ~8" wingspan
1/72 = ~6.5" wingspan
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 03, 2025, 04:52:20 PM
Quote from: scooter on February 03, 2025, 12:13:17 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 03, 2025, 11:17:39 AMHow big is 1/60th scale compared to 48th ?
About halfway between 48 and 72d
1/48 = ~10" wingspan
1/60 = ~8" wingspan
1/72 = ~6.5" wingspan
Well ain't that annoying Scooter mate ..so everything plane I have is either to big or too small 😆
Guess I could mutate it into 48th scale ⚖️ 😏 😳
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: perttime on February 04, 2025, 11:12:16 AM
Can you squeeze a 48th pilot into the cockpit?
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 04, 2025, 12:42:24 PM
Quote from: perttime on February 04, 2025, 11:12:16 AMCan you squeeze a 48th pilot into the cockpit?
Matey with enough smashing and bashing I'd find one which will fit 😉
Being this is a very old plane getting a older type cockpit will be easier ..much smaller than a modern one so less room to fill up  :thumbsup:
Looking at the profile of this plane it definitely needs mods in my mind ..made longer to slim the stumpy looking side profile out ..longer wings of course 😆
..thinking possible canards too ...but that's a maybe right now 🤔
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Wooksta! on February 04, 2025, 02:04:39 PM
The Cutlass has always reminded me of a sawn off Sea Vixen.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 04, 2025, 02:22:04 PM
Quote from: The Wooksta! on February 04, 2025, 02:04:39 PMThe Cutlass has always reminded me of a sawn off Sea Vixen.
Yeah I'd agree with ya on that Lee ...like it stopped to fast and squished itself up abit...I intend to fix that ...wouldn't mind lowering the canopy too..taking out the hump behind it to make it sleeker .
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on February 04, 2025, 02:59:31 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 04, 2025, 02:22:04 PMYeah I'd agree with ya on that Lee ...like it stopped to fast and squished itself up abit...I intend to fix that ...wouldn't mind lowering the canopy too..taking out the hump behind it to make it sleeker .


But that's what an F7U-1 is like, without the hump.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 04, 2025, 08:53:01 PM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on February 04, 2025, 02:59:31 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 04, 2025, 02:22:04 PMYeah I'd agree with ya on that Lee ...like it stopped to fast and squished itself up abit...I intend to fix that ...wouldn't mind lowering the canopy too..taking out the hump behind it to make it sleeker .


But that's what an F7U-1 is like, without the hump.
Now that I didn't know Kit ...admittedly I've never seen one and wouldn't know what i was looking at  ;D
Hmmm ...1/60th scale model with a 1/48th afterburner exhaust = massive stonking engine  :wacko:  :wacko:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on February 05, 2025, 12:52:13 AM
Here you go, first the early one.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1278/AMAKgN.jpg)

Then the later 'improved' one.....

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2359/fARS2c.jpg)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 05, 2025, 01:11:21 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on February 05, 2025, 12:52:13 AMHere you go, first the early one.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1278/AMAKgN.jpg)

Then the later 'improved' one.....

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2359/fARS2c.jpg)
See now that early one is really a much better looking bird ...the later one looks like one of those comedy fat models ...if they had lifted that cockpit any higher the pilot would be sitting above the fuselage.  :wacko:  :o
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 05, 2025, 01:14:21 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on February 05, 2025, 12:52:13 AMHere you go, first the early one.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1278/AMAKgN.jpg)

Then the later 'improved' one.....

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2359/fARS2c.jpg)
See now that early one is really a much better looking bird ...the later one looks like one of those comedy fat models ...if they had lifted that cockpit any higher the pilot would be sitting above the fuselage.  :wacko:  :o
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: PR19_Kit on February 05, 2025, 02:23:32 AM
They had to raise the pilot in the U-3 version because the Cutlass's attack angle on approach was so high that the pilot couldn't see the deck and had to rely on the DLO to tell him when to cut the engines in the fond hope he'd then catch a wire. :(
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on February 05, 2025, 06:37:33 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 04, 2025, 12:42:24 PM..thinking possible canards too ...but that's a maybe right now 🤔

That was my original plan years ago, it seemed the logical way to go. Viggenise it!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: perttime on February 05, 2025, 11:44:59 AM
Could a canopy from a late WWII or post war type be made to fit? Low back Spitfire, Tempest, P-47, Gloster Meteor?
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Rick Lowe on February 05, 2025, 12:10:29 PM
Quote from: perttime on February 05, 2025, 11:44:59 AMCould a canopy from a late WWII or post war type be made to fit? Low back Spitfire, Tempest, P-47, Gloster Meteor?

Yeah, something like that would work. :thumbsup:
A P-51 or F-86 canopy would be too long, IMHO.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 05, 2025, 11:00:14 PM
I've got 2 P-47 canopies from the previous ultra lighting build  ;)  ;D
Hmmm what about A4 Skyhawk I wonder 🤔
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 05, 2025, 11:51:37 PM
Quote from: The Rat on February 05, 2025, 06:37:33 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 04, 2025, 12:42:24 PM..thinking possible canards too ...but that's a maybe right now 🤔

That was my original plan years ago, it seemed the logical way to go. Viggenise it!  :thumbsup:
Yeah baby!  yeah baby yeah !!  ;D  ;D ...that idea is bouncing around the noggin for sure  :thumbsup:

I've been looking at the profile picts and wondering what and where to hack and slash to get the best look 🤔  ;)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Rick Lowe on February 06, 2025, 02:36:33 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 05, 2025, 11:00:14 PMI've got 2 P-47 canopies from the previous ultra lighting build  ;)  ;D
Hmmm what about A4 Skyhawk I wonder 🤔

T-bolt would work.
Scooter with a whole lot more work and cutting out of the mounting areas as well. But doable though.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 06, 2025, 10:33:54 AM
Quote from: Rick Lowe on February 06, 2025, 02:36:33 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 05, 2025, 11:00:14 PMI've got 2 P-47 canopies from the previous ultra lighting build  ;)  ;D
Hmmm what about A4 Skyhawk I wonder 🤔

T-bolt would work.
Scooter with a whole lot more work and cutting out of the mounting areas as well. But doable though.
Yeah the A4s might be to much work for too little gain ...and to small when I think about it 🤔
The P-47s tho ... ;D
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Scotaidh on February 07, 2025, 01:40:42 PM
I just ordered a vacc-form canopy from Squadron, and then didn't paint the back of it - left it clear.

(https://i.imgur.com/25SD5b4.jpg)

You can also see the Leading Edge Root Extensions I stole from and F-18.  I think it's a sleeker look than with canards, and more American, too - for some reason designers here shy away from canards, seems to me.
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 08, 2025, 11:44:54 PM
Quote from: Scotaidh on February 07, 2025, 01:40:42 PMI just ordered a vacc-form canopy from Squadron, and then didn't paint the back of it - left it clear.

(https://i.imgur.com/25SD5b4.jpg)

You can also see the Leading Edge Root Extensions I stole from and F-18.  I think it's a sleeker look than with canards, and more American, too - for some reason designers here shy away from canards, seems to me.
Bud your folks have tried canards but they always to put most in the wrong place 😒.
Like under the fuselage 😆
They did put some a F-15 and they looked pretty damn cool ..keeping those in mind when I build one of mine ..at some point 👉 👈
Now ive scored a Cutless I'm already thinking of how much cutting it's going to take to get what I want ...thinking of stuffing in a A-4  cockpit cause I'll bet good money the Revell one will suck ..or not exist  :o
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 12, 2025, 07:45:38 PM
Well my Revell 1/60th scale Cutless came in mail today and yep ..there's going to be quite a few mods to convert this into 48th ..lengthened..widening the fuselage including its depth ..wingspan increased in lenght and width and a full scoped out cockpit  ;D
Oh I'm changing out the landing gear too ...Skyhawk might work .
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Old Wombat on February 13, 2025, 01:14:14 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 12, 2025, 07:45:38 PMWell my Revell 1/60th scale Cutless came in mail today and yep ..there's going to be quite a few mods to convert this into 48th ..lengthened..widening the fuselage including its depth ..wingspan increased in lenght and width and a full scoped out cockpit  ;D
Oh I'm changing out the landing gear too ...Skyhawk might work .

I have a spare Aires 1/48 F-105G (2-seater) resin cockpit upgrade set, if you want it - complete cockpit including bang-seats & instrument panels (it's for the Monogram kit, but I have the Hobby Boss kit - & the Aires cockpit to go with it - so it's surplus to requirements).
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 13, 2025, 09:53:52 AM
Quote from: Old Wombat on February 13, 2025, 01:14:14 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 12, 2025, 07:45:38 PMWell my Revell 1/60th scale Cutless came in mail today and yep ..there's going to be quite a few mods to convert this into 48th ..lengthened..widening the fuselage including its depth ..wingspan increased in lenght and width and a full scoped out cockpit  ;D
Oh I'm changing out the landing gear too ...Skyhawk might work .

I have a spare Aires 1/48 F-105G (2-seater) resin cockpit upgrade set, if you want it - complete cockpit including bang-seats & instrument panels (it's for the Monogram kit, but I have the Hobby Boss kit - & the Aires cockpit to go with it - so it's surplus to requirements).
Oh yes please very muchly thank you dude 😁😁😁
That's the cockpit well sorted 👌 👍
And being Aires ill be very nice 😌 🙂
Ohhhh a two seat Cutlass ???? 😳
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Old Wombat on February 13, 2025, 06:20:27 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 13, 2025, 09:53:52 AM
Quote from: Old Wombat on February 13, 2025, 01:14:14 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 12, 2025, 07:45:38 PMWell my Revell 1/60th scale Cutless came in mail today and yep ..there's going to be quite a few mods to convert this into 48th ..lengthened..widening the fuselage including its depth ..wingspan increased in lenght and width and a full scoped out cockpit  ;D
Oh I'm changing out the landing gear too ...Skyhawk might work .

I have a spare Aires 1/48 F-105G (2-seater) resin cockpit upgrade set, if you want it - complete cockpit including bang-seats & instrument panels (it's for the Monogram kit, but I have the Hobby Boss kit - & the Aires cockpit to go with it - so it's surplus to requirements).
Oh yes please very muchly thank you dude 😁😁😁
That's the cockpit well sorted 👌 👍
And being Aires ill be very nice 😌 🙂
Ohhhh a two seat Cutlass ???? 😳

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on February 13, 2025, 06:28:54 PM
Quote from: Old Wombat on February 13, 2025, 06:20:27 PM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 13, 2025, 09:53:52 AM
Quote from: Old Wombat on February 13, 2025, 01:14:14 AM
Quote from: Wardukw on February 12, 2025, 07:45:38 PMWell my Revell 1/60th scale Cutless came in mail today and yep ..there's going to be quite a few mods to convert this into 48th ..lengthened..widening the fuselage including its depth ..wingspan increased in lenght and width and a full scoped out cockpit  ;D
Oh I'm changing out the landing gear too ...Skyhawk might work .

I have a spare Aires 1/48 F-105G (2-seater) resin cockpit upgrade set, if you want it - complete cockpit including bang-seats & instrument panels (it's for the Monogram kit, but I have the Hobby Boss kit - & the Aires cockpit to go with it - so it's surplus to requirements).
Oh yes please very muchly thank you dude 😁😁😁
That's the cockpit well sorted 👌 👍
And being Aires ill be very nice 😌 🙂
Ohhhh a two seat Cutlass ???? 😳

 :thumbsup:
;D   ;D  ;D
I been doing some hunting mate ..measurements.
This 1/60th one is 216mm long and had a 203mm wingspan ...the 1/48th is 260mm long and has a wingspan 254mm ...with that cockpit from you 😍 👌  the 44mm will be easy to graft into it..ive gotta cut the fuselage into 3 separate pieces to increase overall lenght ..now it's gonna be even longer  :thumbsup:
The wings ..oh man 😊 😊
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: The Rat on March 16, 2025, 04:18:48 PM
Back in the paint shop for a clear-coat on the topside

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54391601443_9e928684e5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qSpb8M)
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Old Wombat on March 17, 2025, 07:38:06 AM
Very nice! :mellow:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Rick Lowe on March 17, 2025, 09:39:36 PM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Wardukw on March 17, 2025, 10:24:48 PM
I likey like 👍 👌 😍
Title: Re: This Cutlass ain't Gutless
Post by: Spino on March 26, 2025, 09:16:06 AM
Me too!