Naval Swift begins

The Rat · March 22, 2008, 08:02:54 AM

Typically, there's another one hitting the bench while others are languishing. Oh well, no different from the rest of you I suppose.

Here's a scan of some of the bits 'n' bobs:

You'll notice that the solid section of the rear canopy has already been removed on one side, I'm going to construct a cockpit and pose it opened. the Hobbycraft F-86F nose door will be mounted as an airbrake under the rear fuselage. The Sabre also donated the leading edge slats which will probably be added, and the pitot tube, I like the cranked style, gives it character. The drop tanks are coming from a Matchbox Hunter T.Mk.7/F.6, and the arrestor hook from an Esci A-4F Skyhawk.

Another major modification I'm planning will be to change the flaps from split to Fowlers, better low speed characteristics for carrier ops.

kitbasher · March 22, 2008, 08:05:37 AM

Can't wait to see this one develop!

John Howling Mouse · March 22, 2008, 08:19:46 AM

Sure brings back memories...

Brian da Basher · March 22, 2008, 08:35:17 AM

I always enjoy your models, Rat-San and I think this one's gonna be one for the books! I can't wait for your next update.

Brian da Basher

Captain Canada · March 22, 2008, 10:00:58 AM

Cool ! The Swift is one of those aeroplanes I've never built, but always wanted to.

One question, tho....how you gonna handle all 22 of those detailed parts ?

The Rat · March 22, 2008, 12:35:08 PM

Quote from: Captain Canada on March 22, 2008, 10:00:58 AMOne question, tho....how you gonna handle all 22 of those detailed parts ?

Yeah, she's a simple one, but like most Hawk products it's also a damned good build, fits well and looks the part. After I get finished with it there will probably be a lot more than 22 parts though. I just got the other canopy side off and separated the front and rear clear sections, now I have to bash a pit together. I was thinking of scrounging around for an MB2 seat but with my luck it'll cost a bundle and then won't fit, so I'll knock something together myself. Looks at the moment as if making the flaps mght be more difficult than I thought, might go to plain flaps instead.

AeroplaneDriver · March 22, 2008, 12:43:34 PM

I always thought it was a shame the Swift didnt last longer, though that might have had a negative affect on the Hunter's success.

Speaking of Hunters, I've got an unused RoG Mk2 seat from my Hunter FG.15 build if you need it. PM your address if you're interested.

One nice bonus with this build will be not having to guess where to put the decals!!

GTX · March 22, 2008, 12:57:28 PM

Quotethough that might have had a negative affect on the Hunter's success.

I doubt it.

Regards,

Greg

The Rat · March 22, 2008, 08:09:29 PM

Quote from: AeroplaneDriver on March 22, 2008, 12:43:34 PMI always thought it was a shame the Swift didnt last longer, though that might have had a negative affect on the Hunter's success.

Apples and oranges, as it turned out. The Hunter was far superior in manoeuverability and performed much better at higher altitudes. The Swift was rock steady at low level and the stronger airframe took the stresses better. Almost difficult to believe that they were designed for the same requirement! It probably would have kept the Hunter out of ground attack roles, if only because the pilots wouldn't have had wobbly legs and stomachs after a ground hugging sortie like they did in Hawker's product.

Quote from: AeroplaneDriver on March 22, 2008, 12:43:34 PMSpeaking of Hunters, I've got an unused RoG Mk2 seat from my Hunter FG.15 build if you need it. PM your address if you're interested.

I'll keep you in mind if I have trouble, thanks! I'd hate to have you send it and then find it won't squeeze in.

Quote from: AeroplaneDriver on March 22, 2008, 12:43:34 PMOne nice bonus with this build will be not having to guess where to put the decals!!

AAAAAAAAAAAARGH! Those engravings are being filled, quite the job. The kit decals are terrible, I'll have to find some others, but at the moment that's the least of my worries.

The Rat · April 06, 2008, 05:34:19 PM

Still hacking away. Wings have been cut, flaps removed, canopy in two pieces, and pit extended to allow the rear canopy to be positioned further back. I've also partially blanked the intakes but I might redo that some other way;

Next step will be opening the wheel wells, I'm taking Wooksta's suggestion and going right through the wing and then re-skinning the top.

Captain Canada · April 06, 2008, 06:26:23 PM

Nice work, Rat. What kind of decals are you after ?

The Rat · April 07, 2008, 03:04:55 PM

Quote from: Captain Canada on April 06, 2008, 06:26:23 PM
Nice work, Rat. What kind of decals are you after ?

Royal Navy, 1950s era. Might pick up an Airfix Seahawk if I can find one.

mrdj · April 07, 2008, 09:42:19 PM

You may want to look into the Supermarine 510. Basically a swept wing Attacker or a taildragger Swift. It was the middle step. As a bonus, it actually did carrier trials.

cthulhu77 · April 08, 2008, 04:39:09 AM

Neato!!! What a sleek airframe.

Weaver · September 09, 2008, 07:26:32 AM

Quote from: The Rat on April 07, 2008, 03:04:55 PM
Quote from: Captain Canada on April 06, 2008, 06:26:23 PM
Nice work, Rat. What kind of decals are you after ?

Royal Navy, 1950s era. Might pick up an Airfix Seahawk if I can find one.

Are you still looking for these? If so, I've got a spare Seahawk at home - can't recall what state the decals are in off the top of my head though. I'll have a look when I get home tonight.