Build #1: Heinkel He.70 T2: torpedobomber

[Spey_Phantom]

ok, this will be build number 1 for the navalise it GB, i was orrignally planning to build a navalised FW190T, but since someone already beat me to the starting line, i might as well look at the alternatives.

the model i will be using is a revell (ex-matchbox) Heinkel He70, equiped with a 3-bladed prop and a centreline torpedo (from an airfix 1/72 E-boat). she will be build as a carrier based version, He.70 T2, in German Markings as depicted for operations of the carrier "Graf Zeppelin". planned parts are a rear gunner, 3-bladed prop (both from the kit itsself, as i bought it as a source for a radial engine). also the last time i build the He-70, i noticed that the landing gear is to flimsy, so im gonna look at strenghening that. and finally, as its a carrier based plane, a tailhook 

[elmayerle]

If you're going to be redoing the main landing gear to make it more robust (and I agree, the stock main gear doesn't look robsut enough for carrier ops), you might want to look at making it inward-retracting instead of outward retracting so as to give more room for the torpedo gear and related structure.

As a tangent, how about a similar conversion of one of the airliner versions to a light COD aircraft to support the carrier?

[Daryl J.]

This should be beautiful!   
,
Daryl J.

[Taiidantomcat]

it demands spats!

[Brian da Basher]

it demands spats!

I heartily agree!

Brian da Basher

[buzzbomb]

I can see what I wold do to this... waiting to see some plastic to see how our visions match

I like the idea...

more please

[Spey_Phantom]

UPDATE:

ive completed my research ans i managed to figure out a good undercariage redesign.
the torpedo armament is out of the sprue, ready for assembly. im gonna go through my spare parts box tomorrow to find me an arrestor hook to be mounted on the rear, aswell as some decals.

as for a color scheme, im not sure yet, but i do have something in mind 

i plan to start building the aircraft tonight, but before that, i desparetly have to clean up my workspace, its a real mess 
also i have a number of other builds going on (Fletcher-class destoyer sitting arroung here for 3 months now, Belgian FJ-3 Fury, secret maretime patrol plane,...) so i might finish some of those builds while im waiting for parts of the heinkel to dry. even though the kit does not have that many parts, i could take a while to build 

[Spey_Phantom]

UPDATE:

now that some of the project are finished, i got some room on the bench to begin the build (after much delay) starting with the most crutial part, the cutting of the landing gear bays for modifications 
instead of lowering inwards, the wings will be lowering outwards. here's a pre-cut pic, showing where the bays will be cut. more pics to follow after cutting and refitting 

[Spey_Phantom]

OK, the conversion of the landing gear bays was a succes 
now i have wait til the glue is dry enough so i can start to PSR.

while im waiting for this will start on the cockpit and rear gunner station. also im gonna exchange the stock prop with that of an old Airfix Bf109F, more to follow shortly 

[Spey_Phantom]

OK, one more update, for now 

cockpit is almost finished, just need some final painting, the torpedo is also nearing completion aswell as the propellor.
the insides of the cockpit and crewspace is also painted and the revised landinggear has been PSR'd 

tonight the 2 fuselage halves will be joined in a dry-fit so i can see what i can do to find enough space for the torpedo and the tailhook under the fuselage 

[Spey_Phantom]

this will be the last update for today,  i promise  

i have a little tease, i have desided to build her with folded wings  , so it was time to bring out the saw





while the putty is hardening, i decided to fully complete the interiour  





and after a lot of PSR, fitting problems and a little Dremel work, the wingroots are fixed to the fuselage.
the biggest design flaw in the kit is the horrible fitting of the wings with the fuselage, but nothing a little more Dremel and Putty-Fu cant fix  







tomorrow i will start on the hardest part of this build, the landing gear, but right now, its time for me to stop todays work and relax with a movie and some bevirage  

[GTX]

Looking good - can't wait to see the finish.

Regards,

Greg

[Daryl J.]

Heh heh heh        Love it!



Daryl J., chuckling quite happily

[Spey_Phantom]

UPDATE:

the new landing gear has been fitted, its slightly stronger then the original flimzy one from the kit.
also fitted was the trapeze hardpoint under the belly for the torpedo, i got it from a 1/72 academy FW190A-6
the tailhook and spatted tailwheel have also been fitted, now im gonna fit the rudder an tailplanes and then its off to the paintshop for its first coating.

i have gathered some decals from various kits, markings from a 1/72 airfix bf109, registrations from a revell Ar196 andstock custom made swastika's.

[redstar72]

Hello Nils!
The torpedo stabilizers are VERY thick. It would be MUCH better if you will cut them off and make new from a thin plastic card.
Didn't you hurry with the landing gear fitting? As I can see on the second photo, the "wheelbay" wing sections you cutted and reversed still need some filling and sanding. The connections of engine cowling parts also need some shaping, I think.
My advice for you: be more careful with such details as part edges (especially of the handmade parts), their thickness, connections, etc.
Happy modelling!