Martin Baker Long Ranger NF.1

[PR19_Kit]

Here's a few of them. Interestingly the second one has the smaller fin that it started off with, but the other two have the taller fin.

Maybe they tried it with and without doors at various times in its life?

[kitnut617]

Thanks Kit, I see what you mean. Looking at the top pic, it does look like the fuselage end of the bay is straight and runs parallel with the fuselage sides though.  This little discussion has jogged my memory, I seem to remember reading somewhere that there was issues with the inner doors opening while in flight, during high maneuvers or something like that.

The MB6 kit comes with both those fin/rudder options, also there's some very small horizontal tail surfaces too, I don't think I've ever seen any photos depicting that option.

It's interesting that Martin Baker's original design philosophy on their earlier projects was to have the fuselage act as the fin and they didn't have a fin at all. But by the time the MB5 came along, their fin/rudder was the biggest used on any single engine fighter.

[The Wooksta!]

I think those smaller options are for the first flight.  They got enlarged after that.

There was also talk by AZ of an MB3 at some point.

[kitnut617]

So this is the idea with my camo, I'm trying to replicate what I've seen while traveling by plane at night. I thought it would make a good scheme. I still have to give it another coat but this was to see if I could do what the idea was.

[PR19_Kit]

Now THAT'S different, to say the least.

[kitnut617]

The story is that after RAE evaluated some of the schemes they found on captured German night fighters, they decided to experiment themselves. This was one that was trialed but then wasn't repainted after the aircraft was released for squadron service because it proved to be quite effective.  The disruptive pattern is just on the top side, the grey on the top and bottom being MSG. The dark colour is H181.

[zenrat]

That paint!

[NARSES2]

Now THAT'S different, to say the least.

Yup and it's got something about it as well 

[kitnut617]

Thanks guys ----

paint has been cleaned up, and painted the canopy frame too.

[Old Wombat]

Very interesting paint scheme!

However, I'm not sure about the grey; a lighter green, sand or earth colour would look better, to me anyway.

[kitnut617]

The grey is what late war night fighters had Guy, I just haven't used the dark green they got for a disruptive colour. It's basically an attempt to replicate what I've seen looking out of plane windows at night.

Here's some pics of the finished RP's I'm putting on it.







So it's on the 'final leg', attaching all the little bits and pieces and then onto the decals

[TheChronicOne]

That is awesome.... I love the paint job.  I'm going to have to try to replicate something like that in the future.

The plane itself is very cool, too!!  Very nice work!

[kitnut617]

Thanks TC1

So all the bits & bobs are on, and it's all painted. Here's some pics of it before I apply the decals.

[zenrat]

That paintjob. 

[kitnut617]

Thanks Fred --