P6M(H?)

[DAnconiaLead]

To prepare to build a 1:72nd scale model of a B-52H, I've been reading about the various improvements made to the original B-52 platform to create the 'H' model.

While doing so, I began to wonder about what another strategic bomber from the era, the Martin P6M Seamaster would look like if it too had been selected for active-service and then upgraded with the same system improvements made to the B-52H.







Since the P6M was originally slated to come on-line in 1957, five years after the B-52, I can see no reason why these two platforms wouldn't receive many of the same improvements.

Has anyone else created a upgraded P6M or theorized about what a modernized P6M would look like???

While I will NOT be able to begin working on a model of the P6MH until after I finish the B-52H, the possibilities for the P6MH Seamaster are still interesting to think about...

[kerick]

Indeed! Or the opposite, a B-52 converted to a seaplane!

[Captain Canada]

Lovely idea. Look forward to seeing both !

[DAnconiaLead]

One obvious improvement I would think would be included on any subsequent model of the P6M would be a B-52 style aerial refueling coupler...

[PR19_Kit]

One obvious improvement I would think would be included on any subsequent model of the P6M would be a B-52 style aerial refueling coupler...

As well as its existing probe?

The USN and USAF had opposing views on methods of flight refuelling, possibly for tactical as opposed to strategic thinking, but the USAF's 'Flying Boom' system could pass fuel a lot faster. The P6M was actially tested with a hose reel in its rotating bomb bay at one stage although no fuel was actually passed. I'm not quite sure how they could have fitted one with a boom though.

I have all the bits for doing that in 1/72 not far from where I sit right now   a Mach 2 Seamaster kit and an Airfix Valiant PR/K conversion kit.........

[sandiego89]

Agree it would be best to stick with the probe and drouge system.  Use another P6M as a buddy refeuler.  No need to switch to recieving via a boom (but would be nice to have both a probe and reciever for maximum flexibility-  like the F-105).  Relying on land based boom tankers like the KC-135 would go against the intent of the Seaplane Striking Force.  

Similiar upgrades like the B-52 G/H sound great. The low light television systems (the  bumps and lumps under the nose of the late B-52's) allowed for passive penetration (could turn the radar off).  Could add these above the nose perhaps.  Perhaps an engine upgrade, but likely not much to model.  

Wonder if a paint change would have been made.  Almost all US Navy aircraft went to the white and gray scheme in the late 1950's, even seaplanes like the HU-16 and the P-5M Marlin (and even in WHIF world with my CONVAIR Sea Dart if you look at my signature picture to the left  ) A glossy white and gray seamaster would look great (well any scheme would look great on a P6M)

Would add a few more antennas.

Weapons could have been upgraded, but would likely have to remain in the internal weapns bay.  Just too wet under the wings.  An over the wing mounting might look great however, but would increase drag and still have spray concerns.

Overall I do not think anything too drastic would need to be done.  By the -2 model with the improved cockpit, increase in weight, equipment upgrades, less anhedral and upgraded engines she was pretty good to go.  Reportedly she could really move blinding fast down on the deck. 

[PR19_Kit]

Revell did a couple of their umpteen re-releases of the small Seamaster in grey and white, although I never managed to find any pics of the real thing in that scheme anywhere.

[sandiego89]

Revell did a couple of their umpteen re-releases of the small Seamaster in grey and white, although I never managed to find any pics of the real thing in that scheme anywhere.

Interesting. The color of the Seamasters is an interesting subject, and a tough color to paint on a model.  I had a tough time nailing it down when doing my scratch Seamasters on a tender WHIF, in 1/426 scale to fit the old box scale Pine Island.  Many pictures of the completed seamasters look quite blue, while some come across as more grayish.  After a few restrips I emailed the martin museum and was pleased to get an email back from one of the authors of Stan Piets/Al Raithel "Martin P6M Sea Master" (THE SeaMaster source) who supplied with the correct color for a late version -2 production version, and it was indeed a gray, I am away from my notes, so can't recall the exact color or code,  but definitely a dark gray with just a hint of blue.  I will try to dig out the color code when I get back in town.  Attempts to use extra dark sea blue turned out way too dark. 

This gray seems quite a bit darker that the lighter gray of later Marlins, and the lighter gray/gloss white of many US Navy aircraft of the very late 1950's-1960's.  IIRC some early P-2 Neptunes and P-3 Orions lower fuselages were in this darker color before going to a lighter gray.

The SeaMaster was intended to "live" in the water for extended periods, so i can see some desire to keep to the dark gray to provide better camoflage when moored or (when viewed from above) on a low level penetration.

[PR19_Kit]

That book you mention is the Seamaster Bible for sure, I'm always dipping in and out of my copy. 

The grey of the production ones is quite a dark grey, most UN-like the colour on those Revell boxes. IIRC the prototypes were in Extra Dark Sea Blue, with the result that they look almost black in many pics.