AEW Lancaster

[buzzbomb]

Currently reading Red Gambit series (patiently awaiting book 5..hurry up ) by Colin Gee, an alternate WWII novel, where the Soviets attack into Western Europe in July 1945. Heaps of whiffing fodder there.

So was ratting around the stash and found an older Airfix Lancaster, the 1980's update. Imagine the surprise when I opened the box and found that somewhere along the line I had put a Maintrack Saddle Tank Resin conversion in there. Then the Eureka Moment of a plan, how about an AEW Version of the Lancaster
If figure that an aircraft that could routinely carry 8000lb+ of bombs could fit some Improved ASV RADAR that generally was shown to fit in Wellington's and even some much improved Air to Air that was in Mosquitos and Beaufighters.

Fitted the saddle tank and began work on the active detector nose using the ball from a deodorant bottle.



All the major bits now largely completed. It has had a preliminary Goof Coat of primer and aside the usual "fix 'em as you see 'em" is almost there.
Although it barely looks like a Lanc now.

At least Plan view still has Lanc lines.


We did have clearance Clarence... the ventral dome fits the standard gear without a problem



Few more detaily bits, like the radio arrays then finish the FN82(ish) Rear Turret with .50 cals, then painting
Currently leaning towards a daylight late war scheme, Sky Grey undersurfaces, Grey/Green Upper surfaces, for a bit of a change.

[McColm]

Looking good.

[Dizzyfugu]

The nose looks a bit wacky, but the AEW Nimrod also looked a bit weird... Great concept, I like it very much so far. Lokking forward to the livery!? 

[buzzbomb]

The nose looks a bit wacky

I am trying to restrain myself from painting it red

[Dizzyfugu]

I did not want to suggest that, but must admit that the idea came to my mind... 

[Caveman]

I think a Rudolph nose art would be fitting though

[Captain Canada]

Wow ! That's awesome ! Love the look.

[sandiego89]

Wow, that is really ugly- but in a perfectly great WHIF way- keep going 

[NARSES2]

Oh, that does look good. Great start 

[Gondor]

If you are fitting the FN 82 may I suggest that you fit it with Village Inn, the AGLT radar for the rear turret.

Gondor

[The Wooksta!]

My Lancaster AEW III is here:

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,34939.0

I've a second at the primer stage, based on a Revell kit.  I'm very tempted to do another based on a Lancaster VI airframe (possibly with the Lincoln nose) and Merlin 85s.

[Hman]

Neat idea, like the look it

[buzzbomb]

If you are fitting the FN 82 may I suggest that you fit it with Village Inn, the AGLT radar for the rear turret.

Gondor

Already on there.. just visibile in the plan photo. Got Radar at one end.. gotta stick it on the other too.

Wooksta.. your AEW was part of the insiration for mine when I saw it on here.
My thoughts were that the Saddle tank would give a longer loiter time

[loupgarou]

Very interesting. The front view looks absolutely un-Lancaster-like! 
And it needs an adequate nose-art with that nose. 
I am looking forward to seeing finished.

[kitnut617]

I think to really set it off buzzbomb, is a set of Merlin 85 nacelles ---