Me 323 Rhino Gunship

tigercat · February 18, 2019, 03:12:14 PM

Was thinking of converting a Me 323 to a gunship inspired by the Waffentrager model .

I'm thinking of cross knitting it with a Privateer.

dumaniac · February 18, 2019, 11:53:56 PM

sounds like a brilliant idea - some pics in some sites suggest an upgunned 323 - not sure about the practicability, given the slow flight, even with 6 engines. However sounds like a fun project.

Bernie

loupgarou · February 18, 2019, 11:57:16 PM

Quote from: dumaniac on February 18, 2019, 11:53:56 PM
sounds like a brilliant idea - some pics in some sites suggest an upgunned 323 - not sure about the practicability, given the slow flight, even with 6 engines. However sounds like a fun project.

Bernie

Yes, the germans tried that, as escort to other Me323, but it didn't work out, too slow, the same that happened with the XB-40 and XB-41.

Dizzyfugu · February 19, 2019, 12:31:38 AM

AFAIK, the XB-40/41's problem was the ammunition, induced by the aircrafts' role and their extra guns. When "empty", the "escort fighters" could keep up with the bombers, but on the way to the target - where the protection was actually needed - the extra weight slowed them down so much that they could not keep up with the normally loaded bombers!

Concerning the Me 323 I am even more sceptical - and the Gigant did not come with any armor protection!

zenrat · February 19, 2019, 02:17:22 AM

It would need more engines which would in turn mean longer wings...

tigercat · February 19, 2019, 02:29:11 AM

Apparently they added armour plate .

I'm planning on giving it engines from the Privateer

Dizzyfugu · February 19, 2019, 02:55:29 AM

Six BMW 801s would be cool.

PR19_Kit · February 19, 2019, 03:59:59 AM

The side gun blisters from the Privateer might prove handy on the 323..........

loupgarou · February 19, 2019, 05:48:38 AM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on February 19, 2019, 12:31:38 AM
AFAIK, the XB-40/41's problem was the ammunition, induced by the aircrafts' role and their extra guns. When "empty", the "escort fighters" could keep up with the bombers, but on the way to the target - where the protection was actually needed - the extra weight slowed them down so much that they could not keep up with the normally loaded bombers!

Concerning the Me 323 I am even more sceptical - and the Gigant did not come with any armor protection!

From what I had read, the XB-40/41 could keep up with the loaded bombers, but were too slow on the return trip, when the bombers were empty.

tigercat · February 24, 2019, 12:56:25 AM

Am thinking of mounting a gun in the cabin Spooky style .

tigercat · February 25, 2019, 01:55:31 AM

zenrat · February 25, 2019, 02:56:31 AM

Nice paint. Inspired by the rug?

I've been tempted by this kit, what's it like and how well does it all go together please?

tigercat · February 25, 2019, 06:28:00 AM

It goes together fairly easily so far . Fuselage fits nicely . Think I might have some problem with wing droop going forward due to length of wings but I think that should be an easy fix .

Camouflage is from a machine used in the Axeminster campaign....

NARSES2 · February 25, 2019, 07:49:28 AM

Quote from: tigercat on February 25, 2019, 06:28:00 AM

Camouflage is from a machine used in the Axeminster campaign....

That's almost worth a straight red

zenrat · February 26, 2019, 02:34:19 AM

Quote from: tigercat on February 25, 2019, 06:28:00 AM
It goes together fairly easily so far . Fuselage fits nicely . Think I might have some problem with wing droop going forward due to length of wings but I think that should be an easy fix .

Camouflage is from a machine used in the Axeminster campaign....

Thanks TC.