RAAF CA-58 Mk II Copperhead May46

[trickyrich]

This was may first build for a WhatIf GB and is actually the first model I've ever shown online (or off line for that matter) even though I have been build models on and off for over 40 years.

This was based on an 1/72 Pro-Resin XP-58 Chainlightning.

Enjoy

After the loss of the USS Indianapolis to a Japanese Mini Sub in the port of San Francisco the US loses the majority of it nuclear weapon material for the strikes on Japan. As a result the US finds itself being in a stalemate with Japan with conflict stalled on the outer islands around Japan. Japanese suicide bombers wreak havoc with US fleet and ground forces.

Tensions between Allied forces in Europe reach breaking point after the Soviets and the US accuse each other of plundering Axis secret technology, which result in small clashes in Berlin and surrounding areas.

September 45, Soviet forces after weeks of small skirmishes launch an attack on Allied forces whist the US is distracted in the pacific.

13th September war is declared on the Russia by remaining Allied forces.

2nd October former German forces are admitted into the Allied forces against the Soviets.

With the US Japanese conflict at a stalemate the Soviets leave Japan alone to tie up the US forces in the Pacific and launch a second front in the unprotected Persian Gulf. This is campaign for increase dominance and resources with the ultimate aim to make Europe and Asia one big Communist state with Stalin as its leader. The Soviets pushed down through the sub-continent into SEA Dec 45/early 46, arrived Burma Apr46.

US supplies of new aircraft were slowing down due to the deteriorating conditions in Europe with the escalations of hostilities with the former Allied partner Russia. The Australian government wanted a new long range attack aircraft to counter the Soviet advance into the SEA region following the withdrawal of the Japanese Imperial army from Burma and Thailand. This resulted in old and new designs from England, the US and newly acquired German design being developed for RAAF and RNZAF service in SEA.

One of the designs acquired under this new program was the Lockheed XP-58 which was developed as a heavy Long Range Bomber Escort Fighter. After the program was cancelled rather than scaping it was given to the Australian Government in July 45 along will other projects as a good will gesture. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) chose this project over others for further development as a replacement for the aging A20 Boston/Havoc's and to replace Beaufighters and Mosquito's lost in service.

The aircraft was rushed into service after an accelerated development program late January 46 under the designation of CA-58, owing to it Lockheed roots. With the Mark I being an Heavy/Escort Fighter and the Mark II being the Ground Attack version with the Mark IIb entering service a few months later as an Anti-Shipping version.

[Tophe]

Nice Australian Chain-Lightning... glory to twin-boomers, yes!

[zenrat]

Cool.

[NARSES2]

Wonderfull. I've an Anigrand one part built

[Captain Canada]

Beauty. Very nicely done and she looks awesome in that colour and markings comb.

[McColm]

Wow

[comrade harps]

The Chain Lightning's kind of a cross between a P-38 and a P-61, innit?

Anyway, I like it 

[trickyrich]

Sort of, the P-38 was to evolved into the XP-49 which was a similar size and was to have a similar role.

The XP-58 Chain Lightning was designed to be a heavy long range fighter and Lockheed used a similar design philosophy as it was a successful design and made it quite a bit larger. If not for technical problems it may have made it into service.

I mean with either a Quad 37mm Auto-cannon setup or the preferred 75mm/50cal setup she would have been a real beast.

I just love this aircraft and really have to build another, though this time I'll use the Plant Models version.

[NARSES2]

I've always wondered what role she would have had if she'd gone into service with the USAAF ? If I ever finish mine she will be used for long range strikes from the Aleutians

[sandiego89]

Really like this a lot.  She packs quite a punch, especially in the nose.  If you have a photo that shows the whole model that would be great!  Would like to see the tail. 

Welcome to posting! 

[trickyrich]

Really like this a lot.  She packs quite a punch, especially in the nose.  If you have a photo that shows the whole model that would be great!  Would like to see the tail. 

Welcome to posting! 

hmmm I posted a reply yesterday to this with additional photos but......

ok here goes again, sorry about the crappy photos




and along side a P-61 Black Widow...big sucker huh

[Librarian]

I'd seen photos but had no idea what a formidable looking bruiser she was, especially when posed next to the P-61. Superb .