Done +++ Another Royal Navy Gnat: a flying boat version (Pics @ p.3)

[Dizzyfugu]

Yes, this looks pretty sexy, even without wings. I actually feel like building a prop from a 60ies James Bond movie - the Gnat is so tiny, and with the planing bottom added this looks very surreal.

[PR19_Kit]

Leave the wings off, paint it blue, head for Connistone and World Water Speed record here we come 

Fantastic work

And Campbell's Bluebird really DID use an Orpheus engine from a Gnat too. 

[Rheged]

Leave the wings off, paint it blue, head for Connistone and World Water Speed record here we come 

Fantastic work

And Campbell's Bluebird really DID use an Orpheus engine from a Gnat too. 

Unfortunately, Campbell's Bluebird did become airborne.

[Dizzyfugu]

In the meantime... wings! I used the OOB parts, but extended the span because, with the deeper fuselage, the originals looked a bit flimsy. I added plugs at the wing roots (hidden under several layers of putty). These are actually leftover parts from a more than 35 years old Matchbox F-14. From above and without the tail, this looks a bit like a Me 163B?

A Gnat floatplane (WiP) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

A Gnat floatplane (WiP) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[PR19_Kit]

In the meantime... wings! I used the OOB parts, but extended the span because, with the deeper fuselage, the originals looked a bit flimsy.

Always a good idea............ 

[Dizzyfugu]

Of course... but I don't thing that these few milimetres actually please your eye? Anyway, more progress; the stabilizers (from a MiG-15) went onto the fin, with an aerodynamic body to hold them (a streamlined Mk. 82 bomb):

1:72 Folland Fo-150 - a Gnat floatplane (WiP) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The machine will also receive a beaching dolly for display, from a vintage Revell F-16 kit:

1:72 Folland Fo-150 - a Gnat floatplane (WiP) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The stabilizer floats caused some headaches. At first I intended to use the SC-1's floats with their elegant, single struts under the wing tips, but this was too draggy. So I settled for a semi-retractable solution, which also offers a place for a pair of guns. The OOB slipper tanks were used, but shortened and trimmed at the rear end, while the floats lost their fixed strut and I replaced it with a scratched construction from wire and some leftover landing gear parts:

1:72 Folland Fo-150 - a Gnat floatplane (WiP) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


And, finally, the thing starts looking like a nifty aircraft!  Painting's next, in classic Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky, but with a high waterline (wing level), more 50ies style.

1:72 Folland Fo-150 - a Gnat floatplane (WiP) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Cute aircraft, looks better than expected! 

[Captain Canada]

What a cute little bugger ! Great work so far. Gnat doesn`t look like a Gnat.

[loupgarou]

Cute indeed. Doesn't look military at all. Red fuselage and white wings or other civilian colours would be striking.

[Dizzyfugu]

Adding some Royal Navy flavor:

1:72 Folland Fo-150, 'WS685/101' of the Royal Navy No. 7001 Flight, during weapon trials in the Solent/Isle of Wight (UK) region, summer 1956 (Whif/Matchbox Gnat T.1 conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Folland Fo-150, 'WS685/101' of the Royal Navy No. 7001 Flight, during weapon trials in the Solent/Isle of Wight (UK) region, summer 1956 (Whif/Matchbox Gnat T.1 conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


In the meantime, the beaching trolley makes progress, too:

1:72 Folland Fo-150, 'WS685/101' of the Royal Navy No. 7001 Flight, during weapon trials in the Solent/Isle of Wight (UK) region, summer 1956 (Whif/Matchbox Gnat T.1 conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[NARSES2]

Amazing the coat of paint makes ! She now looks thoroughly pugnacious and very military 

[Dizzyfugu]

Almost there... 

1:72 Folland Fo-150, 'WS685/101' of the Royal Navy No. 7001 Flight, during weapon trials in the Solent/Isle of Wight (UK) region, summer 1956 (Whif/Matchbox Gnat T.1 conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[nighthunter]

She's Looking beautiful!

[PR19_Kit]

She's Looking beautiful!

And almost NOTHING like a Gnat. Excellent stuff there Thomas. 

[ericr]

beautiful seaplanization

especially the retractable side floats are inventive

[Steel Penguin]

wow that looks good, and as Kit say remarkably un Gnat like