Unlimited class Reno racer with twin Merlins

KiwiZac · September 22, 2016, 01:38:37 PM

Hi all,
I've been working on this one for a while, inspired by the then-imminent National Championship Air Races at Reno and a restoration project I've been following closely. I hope to get some paint on tomorrow but may not be able to share any photos until next weekend. I'm also almost done with the backstory, so consider this a placeholder

Am I teasing? Yes, but only because it's got me so excited! I hope everyone likes it when the Big Reveal takes place.

JayBee · September 22, 2016, 01:52:39 PM

So what is exciting about a DeHavilland Hornet racer, OK everything!

KiwiZac · September 22, 2016, 07:52:18 PM

Who said anything about a Hornet?

zenrat · September 23, 2016, 03:18:17 AM

Yes, not a Hornet. Obviously a Merlin Beaufighter...

Captain Canada · September 23, 2016, 03:20:28 AM

Very cool ! Can't wait Zac.

NARSES2 · September 23, 2016, 07:23:45 AM

A Mossie racer ?

perttime · September 23, 2016, 08:19:30 AM

Wasn't there somebody who wanted to build/restore a Whirlwind?

RAFF-35 · September 23, 2016, 11:51:07 AM

Imagine a Bugatti 100p with two merlins crammed into it

KiwiZac · September 25, 2016, 12:54:20 PM

There is a 1:1 Whirlwind project ongoing. Add Merlins and I think it would be fast! Now that's an idea...

Something tells me the Beau wouldn't be so suited to speed - it just looks so much more bulky.

Quote from: NARSES2 on September 23, 2016, 07:23:45 AM
A Mossie racer ?

Winner! If I'd put "DH" in the subject heading we'd probably have gotten there quicker.

Sadly "a bit of paint" was underestimating things. Plus there's the whole "learn how to make your own vac canopy" deal to cope with. It may be a bit longer

NARSES2 · September 26, 2016, 07:41:48 AM

Quote from: KiwiZac on September 25, 2016, 12:54:20 PM
There is a 1:1 Whirlwind project ongoing. Add Merlins and I think it would be fast! Now that's an idea...

Something tells me the Beau wouldn't be so suited to speed - it just looks so much more bulky.

Quote from: NARSES2 on September 23, 2016, 07:23:45 AM
A Mossie racer ?
Winner! If I'd put "DH" in the subject heading we'd probably have gotten there quicker.

Sadly "a bit of paint" was underestimating things. Plus there's the whole "learn how to make your own vac canopy" deal to cope with. It may be a bit longer

Mossie racer with a prone pilot, flying from the bomb aimer's area - avoid the canopy issue

perttime · September 26, 2016, 08:56:07 AM

Quote from: KiwiZac on September 25, 2016, 12:54:20 PM
There is a 1:1 Whirlwind project ongoing. Add Merlins and I think it would be fast! Now that's an idea...

Also add a lower and more streamlined canopy and some race paint, and that's it.

JayBee · September 26, 2016, 11:39:09 AM

I still think a Hornet would have a better chance at Reno than a Mossie.

Captain Canada · September 26, 2016, 11:58:36 AM

With all the talk of the new flyer down there it's no wonder you've got Mossie on the brain

KiwiZac · September 26, 2016, 02:07:37 PM

That's what the trigger was

I started the model the week before Reno, too.

Yes, a Hornet would have a better chance but I didn't have one of them lying around!

KiwiZac · September 28, 2016, 12:45:08 PM

Good news: clear styrene and more paint is on the way! Bad news: ETA is Monday. Hopefully she'll be ready for rollout next weekend.