TC`s build thread.

[tc2324]

Operation Adonis

After reading up about Operation Aphrodite I began to wonder why the USAAC didn`t go about it in a similar manner to the Luftwaffe and their `Mistel` design.

So.. in typical TC manner I have got the kits below together and will start shortly on my version of an American `Mistel` version. (try saying that quickly after a couple of beers..!)

[tc2324]

Started on the P-51 `control aircraft` today and had to do a couple of modifacations so that it all falls in line with my `whif` backstory. Started off with opening the cockpit area up so it can become a two seater rather than a single seater. Pics 1 and 2 show the before and after.

Pics 3 and 4 show much of the main build has been completed and next on the agenda is getting the filler out and sanding it down. I have added a rear facing jump seat for the remote operator with some crudely painted tv monitor displays.

[Taiidantomcat]

Looks very promising! 

[tc2324]

Just got a few touch ups to do on the 51 now and I have kept the scheme simple as it will be a made up experimental squadron aircraft. Also started on the B-17 this after noon.

[tc2324]

Very nearly finished the P-51 and this is how `Cookie` looks at the moment. I`m gonna add a couple more ariels at a later stage to define this as a `control` aircraft. Just need to source them.

By the way, anyone spot the change??

[bobbo]

Blue rudder??

bobbo

[tc2324]

Blue rudder??

bobbo

Correctomundo! Thought the yellow tail and blue spinner didn`t look right so flipped a coin and blue won... 

[Taiidantomcat]

nice looking mustang 

[Pablo1965]

Yes, nice Mustang

[tc2324]

A little bit of progress today. With the help of the Royal Mail and my missus`s clother pegs I put the main section together and talk about complicating this part of the build more than they needed to...!!!!!!

As you can see none of the turrest are in place and a lot of smoothing off will need to be done on the joins. Not to worried about smears on the windows either as most will be painted over to give the B-17 a more `solid` look. Next up are the wings.

[tc2324]

Been busy working on the B-17 today and couldn`t resist putting all the big parts together then placing the P-51 in position with the aid of blu-tak for a mock up shot. I have also added a transmitter pod underneath the P-51`s wing which you can see in the second shot.

[Pablo1965]

MISTELizerrrr

[tc2324]

Finished my rendition of a worn out stripped down, ready to be guided to it`s target B-17F. I have placed the large `receiver` pod on the top of the tail in line with a MCLOS system to be used in my What if story line. Have also added a a pressure detonator rod to the nose and I have also shortened the u/c to give the B-17 a squat appearance. All will be explained in the story. Just the decals to go and then the challenge of getting the P-51 to sit correctly on top.

[tc2324]

Got round to putting some legs onto the P-51 and then took a shot of both aircraft `mated` together. Well, put one on top of the other!

While the P-51 can sit ok on top of the B-17, one leg is too long and will need to be clipped. Not looking forward to that one I can tell you.....

[bobbo]

 

One (tongue-in-cheek) nit to pick:  The B17 doesn't look scruffy enough.  Inless the ground crews cleaned it up a bit  ( )

bobbo