1/72 Airfix XAD-2C Super Skyraider.

[CSMO]

Douglas modified an AD-2 in the early 1950s to see if contra-rotating propellers would tame the torque from the Pratt and Whitney R-3350, and to see if better speed and performance was possible. The results were only marginally better. The airframe was converted back to standard configuration and issued to the Navy.  This is an e-Bay purchase of the Heller boxing of the Airfix kit. It was missing a seat, tail-wheel assembly, and a main landing gear door. I made replacement parts as well as a gear-box from a sectioned drop-tank. The propeller is another FROG Shackelton unit. The drop tanks are from a pair of junked Monogram F8F Bearcats, as the Airfix ones were too modern for the period being modeled. The decals are from the Heller boxing. The paint is hand-brushed. It is the last of my old tin of Humbrol HU24, Glossy Sea Blue(ANA623). Like my XP-47S Jug, the Skyraider is a natural for contra-rotating propellers.

Thanks for looking. Adios, Larry.

[63cpe]

Great work! nice looking as you said: "the skyraider is an natural for a double propellor"!
Very effective conversion to a "what if".

Thanks for sharing,
63CPE

[Librarian]

YES! Love it. More contra-props all round. Love those USN dark blues .

[JayBee]

More contra-props all round. Love those USN dark blues.

What the man said 

[PR19_Kit]

As I've said elsewhere, 'Contra-Props Rule OK'! 

[kitnut617]

Very nice, looks really powerful ----

Those Shackleton props come in handy don't they ---

[NARSES2]

That looks a natural 

And coincidental Robert I pulled a resin XP-72 out of the stash yesterday. On my return from Telford it shall be built.

[Captain Canada]

Very nice. Always been a big fan of the Skyraider. Love the look of her in gloss blue. Always fun to build something in that scheme.

[zenrat]

Nice.  Looks like a bought one.
Do the wings still fold or did you just glue the ends on?

[McColm]

Great build .
I've often wondered what a C-130 would look like with 4x RR Griffons .Time to build .

[zenrat]

I'm Whiffing one of these (Heller version) ATM (hence the question above - I glued mine on).
What is it with the tail?
It's like the whole vertical part got twisted sideways putting a bulge in the fuselage.
I thought it was just mine but you can see it in Larry's pics above (sorry to bring attention to it but it's made that way and it's still a great build).

[vee1-rotate]

Ahh.... winglets and contra rotators - if God had an aeroplane, he would use both.   Mmmm now, there's an idea......!