P-38, jet powered, project BUNSEN- finished

[sandiego89]

In 1943 a secret delegation brought several jet engines from the U.K. to the United States to show US manufactures the latest turbojets.  Bell and G.E. were selected to investigate a new fighter to demonstrate this jet technology.  

As a secret side project codenamed BUNSEN, several manufacturers were asked to see what existing fighters could be adapted for jet power.  The specification called for the minimal amount of modifications possible with the hope that overseas depots could make the switch from piston to jet power.  

Lockheed quickly jumped on board with a P-38 based design.....

The Kit: 1/72 Matchbox


Do I get extra credit for using the very tired and infamous tri-colored Matchbox kit?     Yes stash clean out time



No need for radiators...


Or the supercharger.....



supercharger and radiators blocked off with sheet styrene



Now for the donor engines, Jumo nacelles from a 1/48 Lindburg me-262

Off with the Allisons.  On with twin Wellands.

[kerick]

Add a tail to the center pod and make the engines wing mounted. I know, that's not your plan. I couldn't stop myself.

[NARSES2]

Now I once considered a jet powered P-38, when I got back into the hobby I think, but the engine layout left me flummoxed. Therefore I'm very interested to see how you handle it 

[sandiego89]

Now I once considered a jet powered P-38, when I got back into the hobby I think, but the engine layout left me flummoxed. Therefore I'm very interested to see how you handle it 

Think Hawker Seahawk, twin engines with bifrucated jet pipes.

[Captain Canada]

This is gonna be good ! Love watching people hack and chop a kit 

Love them old Matchbox kits. What great times as a kid.....

[Dizzyfugu]

They are STILL good. Many people quibble about lack of details, and , O.K., some are REALLY horrible (the Alpha Jet is one of the worst kits I know - even though the parts actually fit together!). But they are solid renditions, fit is good most of the times, and some are well-detailed - you get very good value for the money.

Besides, I am also curious how this turns out here, too - curious about the landing gear arrangement, that's one thing that's easily overlooked in the joy of cutting and modifications... 

[sandiego89]

They are STILL good. Many people quibble about lack of details, and , O.K., some are REALLY horrible (the Alpha Jet is one of the worst kits I know - even though the parts actually fit together!). But they are solid renditions, fit is good most of the times, and some are well-detailed - you get very good value for the money.

Besides, I am also curious how this turns out here, too - curious about the landing gear arrangement, that's one thing that's easily overlooked in the joy of cutting and modifications... 

Thanks guys, yes I too like most matchbox kits also, they are simple and affordable, and pretty good for their age.  I tend to get more joy out of a simple build without fussy bits and expensive aftermarket stuff- like Captain says- takes you back to the good'ole kid days. 

Dizzy, I'm going AROUND the landing gear. Pictures tonight if all goes well.

-Dave

[Tophe]

Interesting project! I plan to draw the final result in my gallery of fantasy Lightnings.

[NARSES2]

Now I once considered a jet powered P-38, when I got back into the hobby I think, but the engine layout left me flummoxed. Therefore I'm very interested to see how you handle it 

Think Hawker Seahawk, twin engines with bifrucated jet pipes.

Interesting  Never occurred to me at all 

[sandiego89]

Thanks guys, commencing work on the engines. This will have the jet exhaust going around each side of the tail boom, like the SeaHawk. The project BUNSEN specification called for minimal amount of modifications with the switch to jet power.  So essentially a fire wall forward swap out.

A Welland engine weighs around ~850 pounds, an Allison is around ~1,390 pounds (plus the propellor weighing? and the superchargers and radiators.  The steel exhaust pipes will cancel some of the weight savings.  A 1/48 scale Jumo pod is about right to house the diameter of a 1/72 Welland.  

Thin aluminum pipe from the hardware store.  Carefully bent and cut off with a dremel.




Side view, starboard tail boom.  Installed the rear part of the nacelle.  Installed a heat shield between the exhaust and the tail boom, will likely extend it further.  Original test fit of jet pipes- too far forward.



After some measurements, needed to move the pipes further aft. this was still in the forward postion, but shows the layout.






Moved the pipes aft a bit.  The Wellands are mounted very far far forward and gives enough room for the bfirucated jet pipes. Based on a SeaHawk cutaway, the pipes were a pretty compact unit, but a plumbers nightmare. 



Stern view, showing the twin exhaust.


Rough lay up.  





 

[NARSES2]

I like this a lot already 

[Tophe]

So do I.

[kerick]

Might have to install a heat shield on the underside of the wing and cut out a portion of the flaps.

[sandiego89]

Might have to install a heat shield on the underside of the wing and cut out a portion of the flaps.

Thanks.Yes I may. Wings may be ok, but flap is close. No work on this for a few days as I am in Atlanta for work for a few days.

[Sauragnmon]

Alright, this is interesting... I have to say, the idea makes me intrigued to do my own version at some point... though I'd probably consider Yak-28 style exhausts on the concept, but still, looking very interesting.