1/72 Westland Skate MK.I (Hasegawa P-47D + Sea Fury Centaurus)

[The Big Gimper]

I've been stricken with a builders block for the last few months.

I could only helplessly look my stash, move it aimlessly around and buy more kits. The apathy continued. Any attempt to pick a tool resulted in a large sigh and deeper slide into lethargy.

However a few nights ago  while watching X-Files season 4, episode called Tempus Fugit, it was Fox Mulder who saved my soul. His tenacity to find the truth broke me out of my funk.

Then I had an engine epiphany.

What if I put a Centaurus from a Sea Fury on a P-47? I already had to plans to build a FAA ready P-47 which I was going to call the Skate. But it was going to use the existing PW-2800. Plus I am also looking for quick build in order to get the modelling juices flowing again.

So I grabbed a trusty donor PM Models Sea Fury kit, an older Hasegawa P-47D, my JLC chop saw and mitre and closed my eyes. I made two cuts:  One straight down parallel to the cooling flaps and one horizontal to intersect with the first cut. I dropped in the Centarus, added some styrene to fill the gaps and putty to create/shape a new contour.

Attached are photos after I glued the Sea Fury cowling on, did some PSR but before painting.  I also added a small faring ( part of a F7F wing tip) and the Sea Fury Tail hook behind the tail wheel. Prop and Spinner are from a Frog Hornet to match the Centaurus rotation. (Thanks to kitnut617 for that catching that)





The Skate is now completed except for a minor paint touch ups. I enjoyed this simple build. The Skate Mk. II I suspect is not that far away in the future. Yes, it does resemble the XP-47J.

I decided to let the Kiwi's get the first Skates. The core decals are from an Aeromaster Kiwi and Techmod set. The white stripes from a Carpena set. Prop decals from Authentic Decal. I stole the stripe idea from the P-40s.









Comments, criticism and cash donations are always welcome.

[crudebuteffective]

I am a big fan of late piston engine stuff (sea fury/bearcat/ mb5 etc) and this has just made my day, nice job all round

.............

CBE

[Father Ennis]

Excellent concept and execution. However,to my untrained eye, it still looks like a P-47, to me.   That said it's just beautiful ... !!!   

[sandiego89]

Vey nice, well done, a bubble top P-47 would look great as well with that engine. 

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Well done - that looks very convincing.

[Dizzyfugu]

Nice! Reminds (me) a bit of the P-72?

[Army of One]

I'm with Sandiego89 on that......a bubble top would really look awesome.....love it......how about a later one in the dark grey top and light side underneath.....like the Sea Fury.....now that would be.......oooooh 

[The Big Gimper]

Thanks for the comments.

@sandiego89: the MK. II will have a bubble canopy. It will also have the Sea Fury 5 bladed prop. Not sure what the MK. III will have.

@Army of One: Great idea.

[Army of One]

What I said.....and a five bladed prop...!!! Holy moly...!!! Now you talking....!!!! Why didn't I mention that.... Oh yeah.....you gotta do that......!!!

[NARSES2]

Nice 

[crudebuteffective]

 
how about contraprop on the mk 111

[The Big Gimper]

how about contraprop on the mk 111

Funny that you are reading my mind CBE. I was thinking the nose and prop of a Wyvern would be the next Skate power plant. Plus the cute little stabilators.

I need to add a 2nd layer of tin foil around my head as I am still leaking too much thought radiation.  

[Librarian]

Superb job, execution and finish . Looking forward to seeing her evolve up the mark ladder. Adore the P-47 so I generally find I can't adapt them but this...hmmmm.... .

[Captain Canada]

Looks awesome ! Love the paint and decals on it....makes her look like a race car !