Contra-props

[PR19_Kit]

Apart from the obvious, and numerous, Shackleton kits, which 1/72 scale contain contra-props, and I don't mind 3 or 4 bladed ones?

I'm in need of one for an idea I have, and I may already have the parts in The Loft, but it would take for EVER to dig through everything up there to find them!

[Mossie]

There's the KP Pogo, but it's a bit different to most. Trumpeter Tu-95 bear would give you lots.  Revell Gannet? Special Hobby Spitfire F.21?

[PR19_Kit]

There's the KP Pogo, but it's a bit different to most. Trumpeter Tu-95 bear would give you lots.  Revell Gannet? Special Hobby Spitfire F.21?

Yes, I have a few (really.......) Pogos, but they're BIG props, as are the ones from the Bear, but I have plans for those already.

I'd forgotten about the Gannet, stupid of me and I have 2-3 of them already, but a Mamba-less one of them would be a good candidate for the 'Different Engine' GB, and I didn't know about the SH Spitfire F21 at all. Thanks very much. 

[loupgarou]

If you want something smaller, there is also the ancient Revell Tradewind...

[The Wooksta!]

Avoid the Special Hobby Spitfire F21 contraprop as it's dreadful*.  The AZ/Legato/Admiral Spitfire F21/F22/24 & Seafire F45/F46 is worth it though.  They only give enough blades to do either the 5 blade standard or 6 contra, so you'd need a replacement prop.

See also the CMR Spitfire F21 and Seafire F45, but they do give alternate bits. Which is generous considering they'll have your eyes and come back for the sockets price wise.

*As indeed is the rest of the kit, being too short in the fuselage, too fat, the canopies are massive, the wing platform is odd near the tips, the fit is poor and the extra F18 rudder for the contra 21 is too high.  Really, just avoid it.  A cross kit if the Airfix 22 wing with the PR19 will give you vastly superior results.
Mind, the decals are nice and the box is sturdy with nice artwork.

[buzzbomb]

... Trumpeter Tu-95 bear would give you lots.....

And another great candidate for Re-engine it. Oohhh that is soo tempting, I have one sitting in the stash since it first came out, but the "where the hell do you put it" faction of my head voices will probably win out.

[Dizzyfugu]

The VEB Plasticart Tu-20/95 comes with four 4-blade contraprops. It's 1:100, so that they fit well in 1:72, in size similar to large Tempest or P-47 props. The kit can be quite cheap to procure (I have seen specimen got for just EUR 5,-), but the props are single piece and quiet slender. I have used them several times over the years:


1:72 Vought-CAC Corsair S(AW).1, '236'/WZ882, Royal Australian Navy, 806 Squadron/HMAS Melbourne, 1957 (Whif/Kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

There is also a 1:144 resin aftermaket set (from Russia, IIRC) with complete Tu-95 engines and props - these work well as smaller 1:72 turboprops, and they are so exact that the props can spin freely. Great stuff. Here used as "monoprops":


1:72 Reims Aviation MH.352 "Bastang II"; aircraft "R2118/M" of the Royal Rhodesian Air Force No. 4 Squadron; Thornhill AB, during Operation Sable, late 1972 (Whif/Italeri P-51D conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

And here in full splendor:


1:72 Boeing MV-10H "Super Bronco" a.k.a. "Black Pony"; "IP 002 (s/n 18-2002)", USAF 919th Special Operations Support Squadron, 919th Special Operations Wing; Duke Field (Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Field 3, Florida), 2020 (Whif/kitbashing) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Scratching (from a drop tank, plus internal axis constrcution and single blades) is also an option, even though adventurous:


[Inspired by] The Sky Crawlers - 1:72 Stockum Air Force "Fafnir Ausf. B" turboprop fighter (kitbashing/scratch-built) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The Revell Tradewind is horrible, very toy-like, avoid it. I used parts from that kit in some projects, but none of them got the full engine nacelles and the contraprops.

[Wardukw]

I just wish they'd make contra props in 48th which were complete and not cost a fricken fortune.

[Beermonster58]

So far, nobody has mentioned the Westland Wyvern. 

[perttime]

I just wish they'd make contra props in 48th which were complete and not cost a fricken fortune.

Unless somebody has a leftover from an Airfix Seafire 46/47 kit.

[zenrat]

Freightdog Eagle Tempest conversion set has a contra prop.  Has anyone asked him nicely if he has considered running off a batch of just the props?

[PR19_Kit]

The VEB Plasticart Tu-20/95 comes with four 4-blade contraprops. It's 1:100, so that they fit well in 1:72, in size similar to large Tempest or P-47 props. The kit can be quite cheap to procure (I have seen specimen got for just EUR 5,-), but the props are single piece and quiet slender. I have used them several times over the years:

Ah yes, why didn't I think of that, as I have the 1/100 VEB Tu-114 airliner in The Loft? Thanks Thomas. 

So far, nobody has mentioned the Westland Wyvern. 

Brain fade! I've got a couple of them too! Thanks so much.

Freightdog Eagle Tempest conversion set has a contra prop.  Has anyone asked him nicely if he has considered running off a batch of just the props?

That's a BRILL idea Fred. 

[scooter]

... Trumpeter Tu-95 bear would give you lots.....

And another great candidate for Re-engine it. Oohhh that is soo tempting, I have one sitting in the stash since it first came out, but the "where the hell do you put it" faction of my head voices will probably win out.

Hang it on the wall like a sword?

[zenrat]

... Trumpeter Tu-95 bear would give you lots.....

And another great candidate for Re-engine it. Oohhh that is soo tempting, I have one sitting in the stash since it first came out, but the "where the hell do you put it" faction of my head voices will probably win out.

Hang it on the wall like a sword?

Motorise it and use it as cooling for your bedroom.

[Mossie]

... Trumpeter Tu-95 bear would give you lots.....

And another great candidate for Re-engine it. Oohhh that is soo tempting, I have one sitting in the stash since it first came out, but the "where the hell do you put it" faction of my head voices will probably win out.

Trumpy also do one in 1/144, it's still pretty big.  I've been thinking about a Herc, it's a relevant titch but I've got the same issue.  I don't think the missus will go for the ceiling fan idea...