RAN Tracer E-1G

[Thorvic]

Ok back in 1964 when the Royal Australian Navy were looking to replace or refit the 50's era carrier HMAS Melbourne, the preferred solution was to get a former USN Essex class carrier and refit it to the same standard as the recently completed angled deck Essex USS Oriskany. the Airgroup was to consist of the F-4B Phantom in the interceptor and secondary strike role whilst Grumman S-2 Trackers would perform ASW duties. In addition to these a limited number of Grumman E-1 Tracer aircraft were to be also purchased to provide AEW for the Carrier group.

Ok following a sneek preview of the new "Admirialty and AEW" book by Chris Gibson at SMW last November i noticed an Tracer style AEW proposal based on the HS-748, so duely sourced a Mach 2 Tracer kit and a YS-11 to use as a basis. However following a better look at the drawings i have discovered the Tracer radome is quite different to whats required so as a result of this i can now have the Tracer kit spare  . Thus last night i remembered the 1964 proposal and went on eBay and ordered a set of RAN Tracker decals to buid a RAN Tracer.

Photos to follow once i start building again after the current re-wiring job is completed

[nebnoswal]

Now that is a great idea, looking forward to this one.

[Cliffy B]

Looking forward to this one with much anticipation!

[Thorvic]

Well managed to get a couple of builds finished this weekend to clear space on the bench for this one.

Pondering if i should try and pick up a Tracker for some of the detail parts or see if the Pavla cockpit set will fit the mach 2 fuselage.

[Captain Canada]

Looking forward to this one myself. The Tracker is one of my favourite a/c, and I'm excited to see how the new kit goes together !