2x Zero scale-o-rama's: who's the manufaturer and other questions

[63cpe]

Did stat another project. No two! While still working on finishing the other batch whiffs:wacko: :

IMG_20220410_172029567 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

On the table are two 1/48 Mitsunishi Zero's both are scale-o-rama's with BIG engines. The green molded zero is B-29 engined with Avenger canopy. It's like a Avenger on steroids but not ridiculous overpowered, just a tad more uuuummmphffff.
IMG_20220410_171844984 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220410_200717222 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

For comparison I put an Avenger next to it and is not that much bigger.
IMG_20220410_200738553 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220410_200919548 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220410_200956303 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

Second on the table is a same 1/48 Mitsubishi Zero but this one with a KC-97 R-4360 on front. I was thinking about a competitor for a multi-purpose bomber as the Curtiss XBTC, Douglas XBT2D Skyraider, Kaiser-Fleetwings BTK and the Martin XBTM.

Now for the canopy there are two options: A Meteor F8 bubletop:
IMG_20220410_201037720 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220410_201013273 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

or with a p-47 Bubble top canopy:
IMG_20220410_201149937 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220410_201153831_BURST000_COVER_TOP by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220410_201216220 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

I need to adjust the deck in front of the canopy to get it sit a little lower.

Just to show off that big engine in front. There will be a bombbay below the fuselage, behind that big intake/oilcooler.
IMG_20220410_201007182 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

Question is: who was the manufacturer? How about Vultee? any other suggestions?

Your suggetions on canopy choice and other remarks are welcome.

Cheers,
David aka 63cpe

[Pellson]

Boeing. There is a faint resemblance to the B-17 on the tailfin, isn't there?

I'd go with the Meteor canopy. First because it looks better and second because it doesn't look Republic.

Scaleoramaing Zeros like that is a masterstroke. Somewhat annoyingly, I'm not at all surprised it came from you. 

[The Wooksta!]

Valom did two kits of the Boeing XF8 in 72nd and it is massive. It dwarfs a Wyvern.

[NARSES2]

I'd go with the Meteor canopy. First because it looks better and second because it doesn't look Republic.

As would I

Valom did two kits of the Boeing XF8 in 72nd and it is massive. It dwarfs a Wyvern.

And unfortunately it's one of their earlier attempts and not for the faint hearted.

[Old Wombat]

Whereas I think the Meteor canopy looks micro-cephalic on that big brute of a plane & the P-47 canopy looks more proportional.

[The Wooksta!]

Definitely P47 canopy.  Looks more US.

The XF8 fin looks more like that of a B29.

[kitnut617]

I'd go with the Meteor canopy. First because it looks better and second because it doesn't look Republic.

As would I

The P-47 bubble canopy was a copy of the Hawker Typhoon's     So I've read ----

[Pellson]

I'd go with the Meteor canopy. First because it looks better and second because it doesn't look Republic.

As would I

The P-47 bubble canopy was a copy of the Hawker Typhoon's     So I've read ----

Still looking Republic.. 

[Wardukw]

I am in agreement with my colleagues..P47 for sure..its lines work much better with the size and shape and with that hump in front of it it kinda swings along thr lines of the Super Corsair .

[Tophe]

Uh... I am not sure but I think I saw a very interesting twin-plane, forthcoming...:

[Dizzyfugu]

They are both looking great. 

[zenrat]

...Question is: who was the manufacturer? How about Vultee? any other suggestions?

Buick.

Can you move the canopy on the second one forward?  It would emphasise the size more.

[ysi_maniac]

BEAUTIFUL MODELS

[63cpe]

Meanwhile the part in front of the canopy was grinded lower to get the canopy to "sit" right and took some new pictures of the canopy arrangements:

The P-47 canopy:
IMG_20220418_094835241 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220418_094852420 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220418_100947376 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

and with the Meteor canopy (sorry for the soft focus):
IMG_20220418_095027636 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr
IMG_20220418_095038901 by Buddy Holly, on Flickr

Your comments are welcome!

Oh, about the brand I was thinking about Grumman (maybe Hall-Grumman, referring to Raymond Hall designer of the Hall Bulldog and later employee of Grumman). Story could be something like "what if Grumman stayed with single engine aircraft and the F7F never happend. The F8F could be the smaller cousin of this big beast". Thing is in real life Grumman didn't send in a contenter in the competition against the  Curtiss XBTC, Douglas XBT2D Skyraider, Kaiser-Fleetwings BTK and the Martin XBTM. How about that?

David aka 63cpe

[Old Wombat]

The P-47 canopy still looks more "right" to me.

The Meteor canopy looks too long & low to get a decent view past that big front end.


It's a bit like 4x4's, the old off-roaders with their flat windscreens set a bit closer to the driver gave (give) a better view of the terrain ahead than the newer vehicles with their longer, more sloped aerodynamic windscreens.