DONE +++ 1:72 Fokker D.XXIII night intruder of RAF 322 (Dutch) Squadron

[Dizzyfugu]

A rather exotic idea, but I dug out an MPM Fokker D.XXIII kit from the pile, and it fits perfectly into the BoB time frame. I just do not want to build a Netherland Air Force aircraft - but what if the first service versions with different engines had been delivered and, like some other machines, escaped to Great Britain, forming exile squadrons? Much imagination involved in this case, but it's another idea that might materialize - a strange aircraft in a strange livery...  

[Captain Canada]

We like strange ! And we'll probably see pics of the completed model later today.....

[Dizzyfugu]

"Tremble, mortals..." 

[Dizzyfugu]

Here's some virtual progress, too. Have the kit, donation parts and worked on a background that explains the aircraft's odd role and livery as RAF night intruder. Looking forward to get it into hardware - #6 for the GB. 

[Captain Canada]

Only #6 ? lol You'll be putting a 2 or a 4 in front of that by the time the deadline hits 

[Dizzyfugu]

This will probably materialize next, due to delivery problems with the engines for the Go 146 a.k.a. Ki-46 in Luftwaffe servive/trials.

Already did some preparation work on this one. 

[Dizzyfugu]

We're off!

For the wings, "Use the Force...!"

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The interior is nice and OOB pretty complete. The nose has already been cut away, because a different front engine will be transplanted:

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[Captain Canada]

I would have used the Schwartz, but the force would be ok I guess...

https://www.google.ca/?gws_rd=ssl#q=use+the+schwartz

[Dizzyfugu]

In the German translation version, it's the "Saft" (Juice)!

Meanwhile, Mos Eisley, space port... The fuselage is complete, but the HS 12Y engine (from a KP Avia B.35) is a bit narrow, so I have to add some "putty cheeks".
Hard to see under the putty, the rear end had been extended (by 3mm or so) and fairings for cylinder banks were added to the rear engine.

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Attaching the wings to the fuselage also takes some Force/Schwartz/Saft, and integrating the front wheel well into this kitbash-mess is not easy, either:

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[Dizzyfugu]

More progress, things run smoothly, despite some fitting trouble between the major components: the night intruder idea has the charm that I won't have to think about the exhaust pipes - simple flame dampers (from styrene profile) will suffice. The tail booms have been mounted successfully, nor surprises, except for typical differences in diameter between the parts... 
Furthermore, I wanted slightly bigger propellers for the stronger HS 12Y engines, and I found donation parts from a Matchbox Brewster Buffallo with a spinner from a Ju 188 for the front end, the pusher prop comes from a Matchbox Percival Provost, its pointed spinner is perfect for this position. The canopy was cut into pieces, as an option for an open cockpit.

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Landing gear and lowered flaps next; there will also be changes of the armament - a pair of 30mm Oerlikon cannons are to protrude from the tail booms.

[Captain Canada]

Excellent ! This one is a game changer in my books...looks like a whole new aeroplane for sure. Love the look of thre engines !

[Dizzyfugu]

As announced, underside details next; the front wheel well was tricky because it is an integral part of the cockpit section and goes right across/through the seam for the new engine.
More details havebeen added, too, like some engravings on the front cowling, the lowered flaps, covers for the radiator exhausts and the gun armament.


1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Eventually, this is what the Fokker D.XXIII-1 looks like before painting:

1:72 Fokker D.XXIII-1, aircraft 'VL-B/AS468' of Royal Air Force (Dutch) 322 Squadron; Hornchurch Airfield (Essex), August 1940 (Whif/RS Models kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[Army of One]

Oh.........wow........

[NARSES2]

It's a very interesting aircraft and was postulated with so many engine options it's a perfect What If. I've built one but I must admit your night intruder has got me thinking of a 2 seat nightfighter ?

[Dizzyfugu]

There's be plenty of space in the cockpit, the canopy is long enough. You just have to throw out the fuselage tank? There's just hardly space for more equipment - it's a pretty compact aircraft, despite being a twin engine design.