GLOSTER METEOR in 1/72nd scale anyone built one??

[chrisonord]

I am looking for something to build as a twin turbo prop maritime patrol/attack aircraft. I have looked at everything for inspiration and the only thing that stands out is the Meteor. I was wondering if the gap between the engines and the fuselage is big enough for some usable propellers, as the engine pods look like an easy enough conversion into turbo props and the rest of the aircraft I am sure I could upgrade modify into something that only remotely resembles the meteor.
Any help would be great.
Cheers,
Chris. 

[upnorth]

At least one Metoer did have turboprops in reality, so it could be done.

I think it was used as a testbed for the RR Trent turboprops.

[pyro-manic]

The winning entry in the Piston Perfection GB was a prop-Meteor: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,18865.0.html - though that used DH Hornet wings.

Comparing the wing of the Meteor F.8 in my stash with a Spitfire Mk.V prop, it looks like quite a tight fit. I don't know much about Meteors, but if there's a version with a longer wing (one of the recce variants, perhaps), there may be more room between the engine and the fuselage. Another option would be to clip the tip of the props slightly, or even just extend the wing a bit.

[kitbasher]

See http://tanks45.tripod.com/Jets45/Histories/Trent/Trent.htm for more on the Trent Meteor.  I did a bash of a Merlin (ie piston) Meteor a while ago (see previous posting and also http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,18724.msg264033.html#msg264033) so a 'propped up' Meatbox is entirely possible.  Watch the ground clearance of the props though if you're sticking with a tricycle undercarriage.
A 4-bladed prop is the least you should be thinking of - a contrarotating prop would probably be better.  The Griffon Spitfire XII 4-blader, the Griffon Spitfire 5-blader and the Spitfire contra-prop made by Aeroclub should perhaps be considered as alternatives.
I'd suggest the recent Airfix meteor F8 as a starter (much cheaper than the Xtrakit and MPM boxings of the same kit).  I think there's possibly a Trent Meteor conversion available, but you'd need to check.  
By the way, I'm only talking 1/72 here.

[kitbasher]

IF you can find the Airfix one as it's getting thin on the ground...

The Meteor and V-1 'Dogfight Double' has just been re-released.  Whether you want to part with £12 or so for an Airfix Meteor is another matter, of course......

[kitnut617]

Hi Chris,

Here's some photos of the Unicraft conversion, despite what Lee says, it's not too bad, definitely workable.  The only thing that is totally wrong are the props but the overall shape of the nacelles is close.  I have found a good replacement for the props and you will need to write to Aeroclub and ask for a pair of Sherpa props, these I found are just a little bigger in diameter but as you need to reprofile the tips anyway it is better that they are a bit longer. The important thing is they turn in the correct direction.

You'll notice that the thrust line is raised quite a bit but even then the u/c was raised also, what I have noticed is that on a normal Meteor and when the gear is down and has the aircraft weight on them, the bottom of the u/c doors is almost level with the axle center, but on the Trent Meteor (and the Metro-Vick powered version for that matter) the bottom of the door is level with the top of the wheel hub (note: not the top of the tire). The front leg has to be lengthened the same amount but I've noticed two things about the front leg, one the trailing arm is at a steeper angle and two, the leg is placed closer to the nose tip.

HTH's
Robert

[chrisonord]

Thanks for all the really helpful info, I am now a bit more confident on getting this thought into a reality. Contra props are a favourite of mine also so I think they would look the part on this project. I have seen a Meteor 3 for a fiver so I might go with that one as I prefer to make a mess of things as cheap as possible.
Cheers,
Chris.