B-57 Combat Transport

Mossie · June 14, 2021, 08:04:27 AM

I've been talking about this recently, a Martin project to turn the Canberra into a USAF transport. Not sure whether it will be for VIP's or for transferring SAC crews, the latters paint scheme will be simpler.

From these:

Mossie · June 14, 2021, 08:09:34 AM

I think I'm going to be pushing it considerably, but I'm okay with that as I'm hoping to bludgeon my mojo into cooperation and it'll hopefully submit. So even if I don't get it finished in time, I should kick on anyway.

A bit late starting, life got in the way at the weekend. Trying to persuade the Dominie to fit the B-57 fuselage is going to be the hardest part, I intend to use some of the mid fuselage to replace the bulge over the cockpit.

AeroplaneDriver · June 14, 2021, 08:14:39 AM

OOOOOO!!! Love this!!

Pellson · June 14, 2021, 08:27:09 AM

Me to. Awesome!!

Old Wombat · June 14, 2021, 08:45:46 AM

There is something akin to a Brian "da Basher" Peri build in this. I shall observe interestedly.

tigercat · June 16, 2021, 05:43:03 AM

Interesting

will wait in interest to see how it turns out

McColm · June 16, 2021, 03:23:58 PM

Great idea

Mossie · June 16, 2021, 04:11:41 PM

I've got both the fuselages together. I've closed up the Dominie and also got the wings together since these pics were taken. Both fit reasonably given their age, the B-57 is better than the Dominie except for the bomb bay doors, they're going to need much PSR.

The Dominie cockpit is a bit spartan but servicable. I'd use the old excuse that you can't see anything through the canopy except it's remarkably clear! Plenty of nose weight, the milliput is holding in a fair amount of lead solder in the nose and under the canopy floor. I'll test it when I cut the cockpits, I can add more behind the

I plan to make the cuts for the cockpit transplant tomorrow.

Captain Canada · June 16, 2021, 06:17:22 PM

Wow ! Never heard of it, and certainly never expected to ! Now i love it and want one lol. Can't wait to see more !

Old Wombat · June 16, 2021, 07:45:09 PM

Mossie · June 17, 2021, 12:21:17 AM

Quote from: Captain Canada on June 16, 2021, 06:17:22 PM
Wow ! Never heard of it, and certainly never expected to ! Now i love it and want one lol. Can't wait to see more !

A few more beauty shots in the Canberra thread. Some more of the model and a mock up.
https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=12045.270

Mossie · June 17, 2021, 03:18:55 PM

Marked up with several widths of tape to act as a cutting guide.

Double decapitation complete. I'll take care of the roof bulge next, it's very much a signature of the HS.125. One thing I've been uncertain about when deciding where to cut was the length of the transport, without plans I guestimated it was about the same as the B-57. I think it's turned out okay.

Pellson · June 17, 2021, 10:27:12 PM

Easy on the roof bulge. It's a design feature more of British aircraft design of the late 50's than anything else. You'll find it on the HS 125 but that was originally a De Havilland design, but also on the HP Dart Herald and the Vickers Viscount.

kitbasher · June 18, 2021, 01:09:24 AM

IMHO I think the Dominie 'cockpit bulge' adds to, rather than detracts from, the lines of the build. Your call of course, Mossie as it's your build, but were it mine I'd keep it. Plus it saves tons of PSR hassle!!

Mossie · June 18, 2021, 01:32:33 AM

I'm going to lose it as I want to make it as close as possible (only so much I can do about the cockpit glass) to the Martin design. I've got plenty of PSR in my future to take care of the join and mismatch in fuselage diameters so it shouldn't add too much to my work.

Strangely, my goal is not necessarily to finish it for Sunday, I started too late. It's mostly to get my mojo going and get something finished. If I've got the shape of the aircraft together by the deadline, I'll be happy.