Bae Stormcock

SimonR · February 16, 2007, 02:22:49 PM

I wanted to do a 1/32 FAA Intruder for the Falklands GB but the non-availability of the Trumpeter kit precludes this. So I've decided to do a CTOL Sea Harrier with no nozzles and conventional single engine configuration in 1/24.

Here's the mockup. Bigger wings courtesy of a 1/32 Revell Hunter.

I think there is at least 50% chance that the engineering challenge of this kitbash will be too great resulting in total failure. If that happens my backup plan for the GB is a 1/72 Heller Etendard in FAA colours.

John Howling Mouse · February 16, 2007, 05:27:13 PM

There's an old pilot's adage about how "you can do almost anything in an airplane, provided you don't try it too close to the ground."

Similarly, about kitbashing, I've always thought "you can modify almost anything in an airplane model, provided you don't try it in any scale larger than 1:48" (just too darn difficult...for me).

Glad to see you're about to prove me wrong and break through this imaginary ceiling I've created in my head!

Supertom · February 16, 2007, 05:50:10 PM

Holy crap that's big. Good luck on that.

AeroplaneDriver · February 16, 2007, 06:24:01 PM

Now that's the kind of thing we like to see!!

Where will the exhaust be? Trailing edege like the Intruder? Lower fuselage like the Jag/Toom?

SimonR · February 17, 2007, 01:47:42 AM

QuoteNow that's the kind of thing we like to see!!

Where will the exhaust be? Trailing edege like the Intruder? Lower fuselage like the Jag/Toom?

I think I'm going to do a single engine exhaust (scratch built from plumbing supplies) under the tail with some bare metal sections like a Phantom.

The real problem is the leading edge wing roots as the Hunter intakes have to be elegantly and convincingly eliminated on a very visible part of the model.

kitnut617 · February 17, 2007, 07:17:36 AM

QuoteThe real problem is the leading edge wing roots as the Hunter intakes have to be elegantly and convincingly eliminated on a very visible part of the model.

Why not use some LERX's, then you wouldn't have to mess around with the chord profile.

Robert

Archibald · February 17, 2007, 08:08:58 AM

Wow! You're brave atempting such build... your idea is fascinating. A CTOL harrier... as usually, "why didn't we think about that before ? " :dum:

Yep, scrapping the hunter intakes will not be easy... I agree with Kitnut on some LERX, maybe something similar to an Harrier II ?

This build really promise much

BlackOps · February 17, 2007, 09:12:09 PM

I agree with Tom, HOLY MOLY that's huge! I didn't even know they made them that big

I like your idea, I think you can pull it off quite nicely. Honestly I think that scale should be more forgiving, the only draw back will be the larger amount of putty required.

I'm looking forward to seeing progress pics as this looks to be quite promising.

anthonyp · February 18, 2007, 07:01:18 AM

Great googily moogily that thing's monstrous!!!

This should be impressive to watch progress.

Eddie M. · February 18, 2007, 06:51:12 PM

I have complete and total faith in your ability to make this work. Your 4lanker is proof to me that you can do it.

Looking forward to your progress.

Eddie

elmayerle · February 19, 2007, 06:06:37 PM

Quote
QuoteThe real problem is the leading edge wing roots as the Hunter intakes have to be elegantly and convincingly eliminated on a very visible part of the model.
Why not use some LERX's, then you wouldn't have to mess around with the chord profile.

I'll second this suggestion as a logical approach to dealing with those.

SimonR · March 17, 2007, 09:17:39 AM

One thing I have rapidly noticed about 1/24 kitbashing is that it is f*cking hard work. I have spent the last month eliminating the nozzles from the sides of the Harrier fuselage. I did this by cutting away the sides with a Dremel and plugging the resultant vast holes with the miracle material Forex (vielen dank Wolfik!). Many rounds of Tamiya putty and wet sanding with 600 grit and I'm just about satisfied.

The next challenge is to enlarge the rear section of the fuselage to accommodate the exhaust from the new engine. The circle of Evergreen glued on the back shows the final diameter. The AB nozzle has been stolen from a 1/32 Tamiya F-15E. How does it feel to rob parts from a 95 quid kit? Not good!

Rafael · March 17, 2007, 12:30:10 PM

OK, Simon!!!
You have my complete, undivided attention!!!!

Rafa
(waiting for more pics to store)

John Howling Mouse · March 17, 2007, 01:16:44 PM

QuoteThe AB nozzle has been stolen from a 1/32 Tamiya F-15E. How does it feel to rob parts from a 95 quid kit? Not good!

Doesn't Quick Boost or someone like Black Box, etc. make the required nozzles in resin?
Either way, you should end up with the necessary nozzles for both kits without too much pain to the wallet.

SimonR · March 18, 2007, 03:09:49 AM

Quote
QuoteThe AB nozzle has been stolen from a 1/32 Tamiya F-15E. How does it feel to rob parts from a 95 quid kit? Not good!

Doesn't Quick Boost or someone like Black Box, etc. make the required nozzles in resin?
Either way, you should end up with the necessary nozzles for both kits without too much pain to the wallet.

Good thinking! I've just ordered the 1/32 F-15I Ra'am conversion which includes new exhausts with the turkey feathers.