Another Lockheed P2V-3W AEW idea

[McColm]

In the Real World the Lockheed P2V-3W Neptune was built for the AEW role between 1949-1951. 30 examples had the radar carried under the forward fuselage.
This got me thinking to use the Hazeltine AN/APS-82 which was fitted to the Grumman E-1B Tracer flown by the USNavy 1956-1977.
As discussed on another topic there is the vaform Falcon conversion kit or the Mach 2 model that can be used.
Taking this one step further the APS-125 radar as used on earlier Grumman E-2As Hawkeye.
I know you can get this in resin in either 1/72 or 1/144 scales. There are plastic kits of the Hawkeye available.

The build could also include the update of the engines to the T56-A-425 turboprops. There is/was a conversion kit on the market. With the turboprop engines moulded to a new wing.
J managed my own method, but would use the Heritage Aviation Model Limited resin Dakota turboprop conversion set. With Hamilton 4 blade props. There is a resin cockpit set and a vacform glazing set.
Not too sure if you can still get the Frog/Novo Neptune, but I know Hasegawa still do.
I'm keen to build a few more Neptunes as the feedback from the 2014 RAF Hendon Model Show was fantastic.

[PR19_Kit]

Not too sure if you can still get the Frog/Novo Neptune, but I know Hasegawa still do.

As it's the same plastic it doesn't make much difference for Whiffing purposes. I suspect FROG examples would command a much higher price on the 'Collectors Market' though, stupid as that may seem.

[kitnut617]

, but would use the Heritage Aviation Model Limited resin Dakota turboprop conversion set.

You need to check the power ratings of these Darts for a project like this, they were only about 1500 shp each, the Neptune used two R3350's of 3200 hp each. You'd be way underpowered as was the Neptune before they stuck a couple of auxiliary jet engines on it.  The Kawasaki Neptune has 2850 shp turbo-props (nearly twice the Dart's power) and they even had a pair of 3000 lb thrust jets added.  A pair of Hawkeye engines would probably be better (5100 shp each) and then it would probably need the extra jets too. or a pair of Tynes off an Atlantic would be even better.

[McColm]

The wings from the Revell Atlantic kit would work on the Neptune.
Griffons would work as well with the Viper jets fitted.

[Captain Canada]

Got three in the stash as I originally intended to do them as RCAF examples. Now I'd rather whif them all. Definitely like the turbo idea, and the more lumps and bumps the better !

[McColm]

There was a turbo conversion set on another topic related to the Neptune but I don't know if this is still available. You got the wings with the T56 mouldings.

[Captain Canada]

I've seen one somewhere, might have been the same one. From a Japanese firm to make the JSDF turbo version. Think it had decals too.

[kitnut617]

I've seen one somewhere, might have been the same one. From a Japanese firm to make the JSDF turbo version. Think it had decals too.

Called North Wing Model Craft, and Cooper's Models sells some of his stuff too.

[McColm]

Thanks.

[famvburg]

Are y'all saying there is a P-2 conversion for T-56's? Why? Other than a Firebomber proposal.

[PR19_Kit]

Are y'all saying there is a P-2 conversion for T-56's? Why? Other than a Firebomber proposal.

Almost.

The Kawasaki built P-2J used GE T-64s plus a couple of small jets as well, built solely for the JMSDF although in WhiffWorld anything is possible...........

[McColm]

Coopers are having a sale on at the moment up to Christmas.

[kitnut617]

Are y'all saying there is a P-2 conversion for T-56's? Why? Other than a Firebomber proposal.

As Kit says --

http://nsf.tc/~nmc/ProductDetail.php?iProduct=5

[PR19_Kit]

Are y'all saying there is a P-2 conversion for T-56's? Why? Other than a Firebomber proposal.

As Kit says --

http://nsf.tc/~nmc/ProductDetail.php?iProduct=5

That DOES look good. 

I didn't realise the J had dual mainwheels, I wonder why? And why the whole new nose as well?

[famvburg]

T-64's are not T-56's. That's why I was wanting clarification. So there is NOT a T-56 Neptune conversion.