AIR RACER GROUP BUILD BECAUSE WE FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED

Sweet! Can't wait to get home and start nailing the Spit together!

Kevin

It's on, fellas!  Sweet! 

Just to let the fine leader of the GB know, I intend on building a P-47D, maybe with some special mods.  The shop crews let slip they have found a way to duplicate the German's MW-50 boost system with some new improvements making it suitable for use with the Jug's big radial...It should be more than enough to handle all those P-51 types out there...  After that, who knows?  A 109G-10?  Only time will tell...

Good Hunting,

-Chris

Daddy1 I like the sticker on that box. Go Texas!!! Gotta love the lone star state!!

WOOHOO can'y wait to get home and start working on the kit. Im excited!!!!!

Red 13Bar Sounds like an interesting build, I think the 109 would be a cool subject also. Can you let me know what scale and what you will be using as a base kit so I can get it listed on the front page.

This is gonna be too much fun !

 Boogity,boogity,boogity!!! Here's some early sketches of what I have in mind for an F-82R.

 Griffon power,double six blade counter-rotating props, single cockpit in left fuselage w/ Miss AshlyII influenced canopy, Tsunami styled tail fins, Miss AshlyII influenced carb air and radiadtor inlets NACA style, clipped wings w/ Dago Red/Precious Metal influenced wingtips, extended leading edge of wings.

 Still just preliminary sketches and refinements may come but, I think I'm on track to what I'm going to build.

 Looks fast, now to start mocking up on the kit to see how to make the changes. Actually, the hardest part of this build will be deciding on a sponser,paint scheme, name. But with this being a what if fantasy racer, the pilot will be Daddy1.

simpilot34 wrote:

In the words of Bob Hoover for the start, "Gentlemen, you have a race!!!"

 You read my mind . I was thinking of him.

 Red13Bar- A P-47D racer ? Interestesting concept. What about an R-4360 powered Jug? Are you going to tighten up the cowl like many of the Bearcat teams do? Will look forward to seeing this one. 

 There are some great articles in the Warbird AeroPress site. Many with pics. 

 I like the article Going Fast-What Makes an Unlimited Racer Go 490. Lots of great advice on building an unlimited air racer. 

 Jonny Roscoe- Went to middle and high school in Ft.Worth when Texas Stadium was built. Now it can be tough being a Cowboy fan in the heart of Buc country, but we beat them . Always will have a place in my heart for Texas.Also a lot of great warbirds in Texas.

daddy1 wrote:

Red13Bar- A P-47D racer ? Interestesting concept.

There were a few, in the Bendix races in the late 1940's.

Awesome concept sketches, by the way. If you can pull that sucker off, you'll have the baddest racer in this bunch!

Kev

Here's what I'm starting with:

Airfix XVIe bubbletop kit. This is a limited edition kit that you can only get by joining the Airfix Club. It was graciously given to me by a friend and fellow FSM member. He knows who he is.

Added to the stock kit are an Ultracast seat, Ultracast late-style 3-spoke wheels (4-spoke wheels come in the kit), Master turned brass cannon fairings and guns, Eduard PE, and Lifelike Decals. The Lifelike set includes a full set of stencils, as well. I may end up adding an aftermarket prop and exhausts - haven't decided yet.

I started by removing the side hatch, which was molded shut.

It's okay to mangle it during removal - the kit provides a separate one. I'm going to use PE, however.

So far, I've got the seat off of its casting block, the instrument panel sanded down to accept PE, the seat frame and headrest are modified to accept PE, and what few interior details were molded into the fuselage have also been removed. PE is going everywhere in this sucker! Those who know Spitfires know that there is a lot of exposed hardware in the cockpit. I'll probably add some plumbing beyond what comes in the Eduard set, from .015" solder.

The biggest challenge so far is trying to determine which PE parts should be added before painting, and which one to hold off on adding until later. I've been going over the instructions with a highlighter so I don't screw it up.

Kevin

daddy1 wrote:

Oh the memories. 

I think my brain actually shuddered when I saw that pic. That thing gave me nightmares!!!

 I have once again fallen from motivation, my little practice builds are still sitting as they were a week ago. We have an early deer season going on here today through monday. My focus takes a shift to that. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I'll be building for this. couple ideas still floatin around.

Well, I'm probably going to have to do another kit after this one, gonna be quick.  Here's my start, got this far last night.  Probably be done by early next week.  I have a F2G Corsair, maybe I'll do that one as well.  Only thing is I wasn't planning the Miss Port Columbus scheme on this one.  We'll see.

Next possible GB build.  

 I see some of you have already been going at it with plastic and glue.

 Gonna be a bit of a slow start for me due to things requiring my time right now, plus I need to get my Witchcraft Lib finished. I'm glad we have a year to do this. 

 I hope to soon, get the base F-82 wings, fuselage, etc. tack glued together so I can see better what and where to cut ,shape. Then to start mocking up some ideas. One idea I'm very much drawn to is moving the radiators to the center wing section ala Stilletto,and completely eliminating the belly scoops. Although, I really do like the NACA style scoops in my sketches. It would still slim and streamline the underside a whole bunch. 

 One other idea I have for the props is a five blade semitar style prop for each side, counter rotating as the stock Twin 'Stang would. The blades would be patterned after the Tsunami prop seen in the Tachi drawings. Would still look very sexy.

 Glad to see you guys like my concept. Mostly going to take some careful bodywork. I'm pleased you think it could be some thing that would actually fly. If someone with deep enough pockets and big enough kahunas to build the real 1/1 scale bird. Sort of like chopping ,channeling and overall street rodding a rare Auburn Boatail Speedster or Duesenburg coupe.But then , I love custom street rods, just my pockets aren't that deep. Thus, the fantasy dream racer.

daddy1 - Your F-82 is going to be an amazing beast! Very cool.

kg4kpg - Looks like you're getting the jump on us all. That red plastic must drive you crazy... it's already hurting my eyes! I'll have to keep an eye on you if you decide to build the F2G as I've been itching to get that kit for a while now.

Kevin - Sweet! It will be nice to fly my XIV alongside your XVI. May the best man win!

Here's a quick glimpse of that Academy Spitfire mkXIV I will be building. May be a slow start as I try to finish up a couple more builds but I'll keep you updated. I'm doing this girl straight OOB for a nice relaxing build.

Looks like a decent little kit.

daddy1 wrote:

I hope to soon, get the base F-82 wings, fuselage, etc. tack glued together so I can see better what and where to cut ,shape. Then to start mocking up some ideas. One idea I'm very much drawn to is moving the radiators to the center wing section ala Stilletto,and completely eliminating the belly scoops. Although, I really do like the NACA style scoops in my sketches. It would still slim and streamline the underside a whole bunch.   One other idea I have for the props is a five blade semitar style prop for each side, counter rotating as the stock Twin 'Stang would. The blades would be patterned after the Tsunami prop seen in the Tachi drawings. Would still look very sexy.  Glad to see you guys like my concept. Mostly going to take some careful bodywork. I'm pleased you think it could be some thing that would actually fly. If someone with deep enough pockets and big enough kahunas to build the real 1/1 scale bird. Sort of like chopping ,channeling and overall street rodding a rare Auburn Boatail Speedster or Duesenburg coupe.But then , I love custom street rods, just my pockets aren't that deep. Thus, the fantasy dream racer.

Howard, I think I would go with the NACA style. Putting a big radiator under the mid wing woulddisrupt the laminar flow. DRAG! Maybe another idea would be the surface area type used on the Schneider racers in the wing skins, no scoops! That would be good for the mid wing!

As for the reality of it, I would not want anyone to do it for real unless it was a new build! They are just TOO rare! As for the custom Dusenberg or Boatail, for even thinking that you ought to be shot!!!

Here is something I discovered while looking at YouTube for reno '09 stuff. For those that cannot attend, like myself, they are doing a LIVE webcast on this site, http://liveairshowtv.com/indexsave.html this Sunday at 9am PST. It's $24.95 and you will get a login number. First time ever they are doing this!!! It will also be archived so you can watch the bits you want after the broadcast. Which is good because it will be in the wee hours here in Oz, but will catch as much as possible.

Richie

I believe Howard's talking about using the leading edge of the center section for the radiators.  Go to the Taichi drawings and look for Stilletto and you'll see what he may have in mind. 

Howard,

The five bladed scimitar props would look way cool.  This will be a most interesting build.

Ahhhhh ok, so the outlets would remain where they are, just the intakes for them will be changed???

lewbud wrote:

Richie I believe Howard's talking about using the leading edge of the center section for the radiators.  Go to the Taichi drawings and look for Stilletto and you'll see what he may have in mind.  Howard, The five bladed scimitar props would look way cool.  This will be a most interesting build.

 Exactly what I have in mind. Those Taichi drawings have already been a great source of inspiration and reference for me. 

 Tsunami had four blade scimitar props , but I want a bit more exotic looking so, five blades.I've also thought of the five blade props seen on some Griffon powered Spitfires.  It seems to me one of the main reasons some aircraft have the six blade, counter rotating props is to soak up some of the Griffons torque. My bird has two engines . Have them counter rotate to accomplish the same effect if this were a real full size airplane.

daddy1 wrote:

One idea I'm very much drawn to is moving the radiators to the center wing section ala Stilletto,and completely eliminating the belly scoops. Although, I really do like the NACA style scoops in my sketches. It would still slim and streamline the underside a whole bunch.

I was wondering if you might go that route. I think it'd be awesome!

Your streamlined Twin 'Stang reminds me of a Rutan Pond Racer on steroids. Very cool.

Kev

Seeing what you guys are planning for this build is mind blowing ! This is gonna be a blast.

Daddy1 hurry up and get your other build finished, I have been following that one also Cant wait to see this F-82R build.

Kg4kpg Beautiful work on the cockpit ! You really have gotten the holeshot on us

Thought I would post a link so you guys could keep an eye on the results at Reno this weekend. 22 year old Steven Hinton from Chino Ca has the pole for the unlimiteds with a speed of 486mph. His first year flying Strega.

http://www.aviationnews.eu/2009/09/17/reno-air-races-2009-at-aviationnews-eu-16-20-september/

From the looks of it there will be a lot of mind games going on for Sundays race

I'll say there are some mind games going on for Sundays race!!! Rare Bear qualifying in at 402!!! Thats slow for Rare Bear!!!  Steve Hinton blowing in at 486!!!! Somethings not right there!

Thanks for posting the link Randy!!

Red13Bar The front page is updated with your build, I didnt list the 109 because you said you will possiably build it. Hey congradulations going for Eagle Scout ! I wish more kids were able to get involved in the scouts. I was a scout way back when, long ago, in the olden days. Let us know when you get your badge my friend. I dont know much about the aftermarket engines one can get and the 4360 sounds like a monster motor. I have gotten my mits on a couple of PW 2800 engines in 1/48 scale off of ebay for under 10 bucks including shipping. Maybe some of the other guys here can chime in and give you some idea of where to get one.

Simpilot34 Your welcome I for one always have a hard time finding news of the Reno races untill its been over for a couple of weeks. I stumbled across this site looking for other info on the net by accident. Go figure huh. I am a bit worried about Rare Bear this year I do know they changed the prop on the plane from the cut down P-3 Orion 3 blade prop to a 4 blade prop. I dont remember seeing Dago Red in the lineup either, so it may be Strega and Cech Mate this year. But one never knows what will happen at Reno.

Anyway in other news of Reno another record was shattered this year in the jet class. It seems Curt Brown set the speed record last year for jets at 524mph. This year he shattered his own record in a L-29 called Viper at 538mph. I think he was pilot on a number of shuttle missions so that speed must be a walk in the park for him.

Red13Bar tere is a company called Engines & Things and Roll Models carries there full line. Look at there site, they have a searchable online catalogue!! www.rollmodels.com

Randy I came upon a site if you want o get a live feed. It's $24.95 though. www.LiveAirshowTV.com Looking forward to well Monday morning for me!!

 Red13Bar- Sorry, I got caught up in my "More Power" mania. A further development of the Jug was the P-72, with the R-4360 powerplant. I found a number of sites on the web with some good pics of this bird. It would require some extensive conversion work, mainly from the cockpit forward.

 simpilot34- What I meant was to counter the effect of the torque, not to soak up the power and thrust. 

 I don't know if you've looked at Stilleto's way of placing the radiators in the  wings. The inlets are in the leading edge with the hot air exiting through louvers in the top surface near the flaps. I wonder how that affects the airflow over the wings. It could create a boundary layer effect . I'm still thinking on which way to go with the cooling system.

 fermis- I can see why this kit gave you nightmares. I have tacked together the fuselage, wings, and such .  Whew! A number of fit refinement issues to deal with just to mock up what I want to build. 

 For anyone else thinking of getting this kit, don't be scared away. It can be built into a fine model. Just be prepared to work at it. Are the other Modelcraft kits this way?

vetteman42 wrote:

Seeing what you guys are planning for this build is mind blowing ! This is gonna be a blast. Daddy1 hurry up and get your other build finished, I have been following that one also Cant wait to see this F-82R build. Kg4kpg Beautiful work on the cockpit ! You really have gotten the holeshot on us Thought I would post a link so you guys could keep an eye on the results at Reno this weekend. 22 year old Steven Hinton from Chino Ca has the pole for the unlimiteds with a speed of 486mph. His first year flying Strega. http://www.aviationnews.eu/2009/09/17/reno-air-races-2009-at-aviationnews-eu-16-20-september/ From the looks of it there will be a lot of mind games going on for Sundays race

YAAY GO BABY GO!!!! see my girl and Mr. Hinton are doing well so far, lets hope they win a tommarrow!!

Bret

WOW,...

Just took a peek overhere at the race corner to see who Randy could persuade into starting a racer model and i must say....

WOW!!!

Wasn't that interested at first but especially after seeing all those profiles Randy put on here (taichun site) i am tempted....very tempted... I just love the simplicity and agressiveness of that all red "Red Baron".

Only thing that is bugging me is that i have never seen these racing canopies for Mustangs anywhere... Is there some AM stuff available for a hasegawa or tamiya P51D?

Richard

kermit wrote:

WOW,... Just took a peek overhere at the race corner to see who Randy could persuade into starting a racer model and i must say.... WOW!!! Wasn't that interested at first but especially after seeing all those profiles Randy put on here (taichun site) i am tempted....very tempted... I just love the simplicity and agressiveness of that all red "Red Baron". Only thing that is bugging me is that i have never seen these racing canopies for Mustangs anywhere... Is there some AM stuff available for a hasegawa or tamiya P51D? Richard

In 1/48 I know there are a few but I forgot where I saw them. Im in 1/32 and you see very few of them in this scale. Most people like myself are scratch building most of the airplane.

Okay, three more pics.  Got a coat of red paint on, cut off the rudder to off-set it a little, coat of future and most of the decals.  Typical old Monogram, they were a lttle hard to get the bubbles out and they are a bit transparent.  Not sure if I'll ad some white paint to improve them or not, they don't look horrible and I'm usually happy OOB.  Going to do a little more on the engine as well, little weathering and so on.  Here ya go.