G'day Gang,
A review of the Sea Harrier FA.2 over on IPMS Deutschland. Nice to see the FA.2 as a full kit and not a conversion.
http://ipmsdeutschland.de/FirstLook/Xtrakit/Xtrakit_Sea_Harrier_FA2/Xtrakit_Sea_Harrier_FA2.html
Regards,
Mav
Drewe on Britmodeller attempted to build this one and wasn't overly impressed. CLICKY! (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=22856&st=60) Apparently it's better to wait for the Airfix kit.
The 'official' word from the Harrier SIG agrees with that opinion too.
They're less than happy with the Xtrakit offering, so much so that the SIG Boss took his kit back to the Hannants stand at Telford and asked for his money back!
Yeap its poo-poo (with an english accent), its a rush job that has well and truely back fired on Hannants.
Datail is minimal and etched, even when it should be lumps, bumps or vortex generators, the fuselage appears to be the hasegawa kit with the FA2 conversion applied, the nose appears to be the narrower Italeri kit with the FA2 nose, unfortunately the Canopy is the Hasegawa so it doesn't even fit the kit cockpit, nor does it have the explosive cord etched in. There are no weapons bar the drop tanks, nor are there the belly pylons or missile adaptors for the AMRAAM, Even the decals are printed in a flesh tone rather than the anti-flash pink !.
So couple that with the fact thats its about the same price as an Italeri Kit with a heritage conversion set and it does seem to be a very shoddy effort.
G
Just got an email from Hannants saying the new Scimitar is expected next week! Hope it's better than the Shar F/A.2.
Paul Harrison
Scimitar eh? Now that is interesting.....
Future Releases mentions a Vampire FB.5, a Spitfire Mk.21 & Seafire Mk.46:
=arrived+desc&order[]=code+asc&CODE=&SCALE=&KEYWORD=&NUMPERPAGE=50]
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/index.php?CATEGORY=2&DIVISION=&MANUFACTURER=Xtrakit&TYPE=&order[]=arrived+desc&order[]=code+asc&CODE=&SCALE=&KEYWORD=&NUMPERPAGE=50 (http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/index.php?CATEGORY=2&DIVISION=&MANUFACTURER=Xtrakit&TYPE=&order[)
I do tend to think Xtrakits are too pricey for what you get. The subjects may be a little niche & Hannants have a low production quota that might justify a price hike, but not double the market value. Airfix seem to sitting up & taking notice, Xtrakit are digging into their traditional market & we've had a couple of identical releases. I hope this doesn't kill off Xtrakit, we've got some aircraft that have been neglected since Frog folded, but I think they need to improve quality & lower prices to compete.
You're right Mossie, they are a bit too pricey but I'll probably get the Scimitar because I've wanted one since I was a kid. Missed the Frog one because I couldn't find a stockist in Kingston back then.
Paul Harrison
I might well pick one up as well, it's still a heck of a lot cheaper than the CMR kits or getting hold of a Frog kit. I'll wait for a review though, to make sure that it hasn't gone the same way as the Sea Harrier FA.2
Mossie,
The Frog kit isn't really a Scimitar, it's the N113 prototype (or the 525...) and it doesn't have a sign of the area-ruled fuselage of the proper Scimitar. It'd be the devil of a job converting it, although it has been done in the past.
It will be interesting comparing the Xtrakit Scimitar with the Skybirds 86 version. I predict it will be in a MUCH bigger box, but that wouldn't be difficult! :lol:
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=30386&pid=332805&st=20&#entry332805 (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=30386&pid=332805&st=20&#entry332805)
Brentwaters on Britmodeller went and picked up a pair today from Hannants and has kindly provided sprue shots.
G
I think I will have to make an order for one, and now a reason to re-read my Air-Britain book 'The Scimiter File' again.
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=XK72012 (http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=XK72012)
Xtrakit have released another new British 50's jet, the Supermarine Swift FR5, which should be popular if accurate.
(you can guess these will be going like hot cakes at Milton Keynes Show on Sunday ;D)
G
The Swift was never my favourite aircraft, although I think it would look good modded into a Type 545. Some developments that were slated for the Hunter might look good too, beefier engines, even the delta wing.
Still hoping they get the Vampires kit out though... :wub:
Quote from: Thorvic on February 05, 2010, 03:26:42 PM
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=XK72012 (http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=XK72012)
Xtrakit have released another new British 50's jet, the Supermarine Swift FR5, which should be popular if accurate.
(you can guess these will be going like hot cakes at Milton Keynes Show on Sunday ;D)
G
Has to be better than the Pegasus kit despite the lack of belly tank. The Pegasus version (mine's been in the stash for yonks) leaves a lot to be desired as an FR5, but can be turned into an F1.
If you're off to Milton Keynes tomorrow then phone the shop today, pre-order and get the 10% discount tomorrow. The man on the other end of the phone said they had 72 in stock - he had 71 when I put the phone down - and would be taking at least some of them to Milton Keynes (maybe the lot, maybe not, didn;t say)!
;D ;D
Xtrakits new 1/72 arrivals soooon!
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72014 (http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72014) Spitfire Mk22
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72013 (http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72013) Hunter T.7
Robert
Oh dear. The Spitfire 22. I am going to be bankrupted.
Wonder if the Hunter T.7 is the old Matchbox mould like the Meteor NF.11/12/14 was?
Quote from: Weaver on November 22, 2010, 06:27:43 PM
Wonder if the Hunter T.7 is the old Matchbox mould like the Meteor NF.11/12/14 was?
Don't know but I was told it was due in the country prior to Telford. Hannants were a little miffed (understandably) that it missed out.
Spitfire 22 :wub:
Quote from: Weaver on November 22, 2010, 06:27:43 PM
Wonder if the Hunter T.7 is the old Matchbox mould like the Meteor NF.11/12/14 was?
Not at that price. The Meteor was about £8 so I suspect that the Hunter is a new tool.
Quote from: The Wooksta! on November 23, 2010, 01:46:50 AM
Quote from: Weaver on November 22, 2010, 06:27:43 PM
Wonder if the Hunter T.7 is the old Matchbox mould like the Meteor NF.11/12/14 was?
Not at that price. The Meteor was about £8 so I suspect that the Hunter is a new tool.
I know the Meteor NF is only £7 now, but wasn't it something like £14 when it came out? There seem to be an awful lot of the Matchbox Meteors on ebay (I've got four!), so that probably prompted them to reduce the price to something more competative. The Matchbox Hunter T.7 seems to be in much shorter supply second hand though (probably because more of them were actually built).
Quote from: Weaver on November 23, 2010, 02:41:29 AM
There seem to be an awful lot of the Matchbox Meteors on ebay (I've got four!), so that probably prompted them to reduce the price to something more competative.
Four? Is that all? ;) ;D :o
Quote from: PR19_Kit on November 23, 2010, 04:13:23 AM
Quote from: Weaver on November 23, 2010, 02:41:29 AM
There seem to be an awful lot of the Matchbox Meteors on ebay (I've got four!), so that probably prompted them to reduce the price to something more competative.
Four? Is that all? ;) ;D :o
Given that I only actually need two, it's plenty, thanks..... ;D
It's not an easy build. Frankly, it's a horror. I've built 2 - never again...
Quote from: The Wooksta! on November 23, 2010, 05:58:41 AM
It's not an easy build. Frankly, it's a horror. I've built 2 - never again...
I remember you telling me when I broached my ideas for one. I still intend to do it, but I modified the plan and I'm not in any rush. The other "needed" one is a bits donor.
The wings and tail are okay, bit of sanding, some filler. The fuselage... Horrible, simply horrible.
Have to be honest, I'd like to do another TR10 but with the NF14 canopy and bang seats.
Sprue shots of the Xtrakit Spit 22:
http://www.modelforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=97&t=50187&p=976378&hilit=spitfire#p976016
I WANT IT NOW!
Looks nice :thumbsup: . Box art is remarkably similar to the Admiral/AZ one. Could get confusing
I've wanted a 1:72 IP Spit 22/24 for years, and now three companies (special hobby, xtrakit and admiral) are doing them all at once! My cup runneth over, as they say. Now to find some cheap ones - I can't afford £15+ for the number that I want!
There's a trader on ebay knocking the Admiral ones out for £12 each.
Quote from: The Wooksta! on November 25, 2010, 04:44:46 PM
Sprue shots of the Xtrakit Spit 22:
http://www.modelforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=97&t=50187&p=976378&hilit=spitfire#p976016
I WANT IT NOW!
:thumbsup:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.overclockers.at%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D138374&hash=81f07f760e20e127266bcf249327b738c1c08d71)
Just wonder what they'll be going for?
Fingers crossed, about £12 but more likely £15. I doubt they'll be any cheaper than that.
Hannants have the Xtrakit Hunter T.7 in now. Looks like a new tool to me, but I'm not the expert, never having had the Matchbox one....
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72013
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hannants.co.uk%2Fimages%2Ffull%2FXK72013.jpg&hash=92759a51c628636019fd5f568ca6061407de2cb2)
There's full sprue shots on there too. Hard to tell from a pic, but the lines of the nose look wrong to me... :unsure: Anyway, at £18.50, I won't be finding out anytime soon... :o
If it's not directly from the Matchbox mold, it's certainly based on it. The slots in the fuselage sides for the wings are a dead giveaway -- they always had that huge gap around the intake/fuselage junction.
They've got the Spit F.Mk.22 in too, though I'm not sure if that's new or not:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hannants.co.uk%2Fimages%2Ffull%2FXK72014.JPG&hash=21543e109be89f545ada22cf7387ab294931ae5d)
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72014
The Spitfire's been out since Feb. I have four - so far...
Although, TBH, I'd rather have the old Airkit one.
Quote from: The Wooksta! on April 30, 2011, 11:02:02 AM
The Spitfire's been out since Feb. I have four - so far...
Although, TBH, I'd rather have the old Airkit one.
I wasn't aware Airfix ever did a Mk.22 in 1/72 scale.
Airkit Enterprises was a resin casting outfit run by Paul Lucas. He did many bits for Spitfires and Mosquitos then turned his hand to proper kits. Offhand, he did a Spitfire F21, Spitfire F22, Seafire F17 and a Seafire F45, although I don't have the latter.
For my money, his Spitfire F21 was the best yet in 72nd scale and I've had them all bar the older CMK one that was ripped off by Aeroteam and reboxed by Eduard. IIRC, I have four in the stash plus one to rebuild.
Quote from: rallymodeller on April 30, 2011, 10:02:39 AM
If it's not directly from the Matchbox mold, it's certainly based on it. The slots in the fuselage sides for the wings are a dead giveaway -- they always had that huge gap around the intake/fuselage junction.
Sir, that is total balderdash! Looking at those sprue shots, it has zero commonality with ye olde Matchbox tool.
I agree with Lee the fuselage is not from the Matchbox kit at all. The original had seperate noses for the single and two-seat versions.
Jim
Also agreed here. As an aside, I see there's a separate nose piece, so one wonders if a T.8M is on the cards?
Regards,
Mav
Ah, apologies. I misread Lee's post. Must be old age creeping up again. :banghead:
Hannants currently have the Spitfire Mk.22 at half price, i.e. £6, which seems pretty reasonable:
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72014.JPG)
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72014
They're also selling off their Swift FR.5s at £10 (cheaper than the official RRP of the Airfix one when it gets here):
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72012.jpg)
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72012
AND, the Sea Harrier FA.2 is going for just £6.25:
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72016.jpg)
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72016
You're better off spending the extra pennies on the Airfix 22, as it's more accurate and more importantly, it fits together without having to use brute force. Then again, the Xtrakit one does have a good decal sheet.
They've been kamikazying the 22 for 3 years now.
Hannants have found some old stock of a TF-102 conversion for the 1/72nd Hasegawa kit:
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XP003
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XP003.jpg)
Oooooh, I may just get one of those. Even if the result is plug ugly...........
Quote from: Weaver on May 03, 2015, 07:53:41 PM
Hannants currently have the Spitfire Mk.22 at half price, i.e. £6, which seems pretty reasonable:
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72014.JPG)
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72014
They did that a year or so ago too, I bought six of them ------
I've ordered two of those TF-102 conversions.
No, I have NO idea what I'll do with the 2nd one. ;D
Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 09, 2017, 08:25:48 AM
<...> No, I have NO idea what I'll do with the 2nd one. ;D
Can't hurt to have a spare or two. Safety in numbers. :thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 09, 2017, 08:25:48 AM
I've ordered two of those TF-102 conversions.
No, I have NO idea what I'll do with the 2nd one. ;D
Damn - I was trying to spend my money and ended up spending yours instead!
You could always graft the second one onto a Lightning to really confuse people..... :wacko:
Quote from: Weaver on April 09, 2017, 09:44:10 AM
You could always graft the second one onto a Lightning to really confuse people..... :wacko:
thats it. give him more ideas to play with LOL
Quote from: Martin H on April 09, 2017, 09:45:58 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 09, 2017, 09:44:10 AM
You could always graft the second one onto a Lightning to really confuse people..... :wacko:
thats it. give him more ideas to play with LOL
Unfortunately (for other people) I can generate ideas at a FAR greater rate than I can realise them. You're welcome... ;)
Quote from: kitnut617 on April 09, 2017, 05:22:59 AM
Quote from: Weaver on May 03, 2015, 07:53:41 PM
Hannants currently have the Spitfire Mk.22 at half price, i.e. £6, which seems pretty reasonable:
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72014.JPG)
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72014
They did that a year or so ago too, I bought six of them ------
More fool you. The Airfix one is far, far superior.
Quote from: The Wooksta! on April 09, 2017, 10:33:55 AM
Quote from: kitnut617 on April 09, 2017, 05:22:59 AM
Quote from: Weaver on May 03, 2015, 07:53:41 PM
Hannants currently have the Spitfire Mk.22 at half price, i.e. £6, which seems pretty reasonable:
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72014.JPG)
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72014
They did that a year or so ago too, I bought six of them ------
More fool you. The Airfix one is far, far superior.
Not really, all for what-ifs and/or parts. And I have a couple of Airfix ones too, the Xtrakit ones aren't that far off them. And you'll be able to tell they're a what-if too, not some guessing game ---
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_lh1sve2s9d1qg3ycwo1_500.jpg&hash=eaa5e56485fd2be638a0c5ffbfb81d5ecc782af1)
Really? Fuselage too short and too wide thus the canopies are way out, wings the wrong shape, prop diameter too small and looks nothing like any 5 blade spitfire prop, wheels the wrong shape. I could go on.
You what if your way, I'll whif mine. If it's too subtle for the poor lambs? My F******* Model!
Quote from: Weaver on April 09, 2017, 09:47:06 AM
Quote from: Martin H on April 09, 2017, 09:45:58 AM
Quote from: Weaver on April 09, 2017, 09:44:10 AM
You could always graft the second one onto a Lightning to really confuse people..... :wacko:
thats it. give him more ideas to play with LOL
Unfortunately (for other people) I can generate ideas at a FAR greater rate than I can realise them. You're welcome... ;)
Actually that idea had crossed my mind already, but I'm damned if I could think up even a
vaguely plausible backstory! :banghead:
Some sci fi film lash up? A la the Canberra and Lightning noses used in "Wing Commander"?
Hm, yes, that'd work.
Maybe a different colour scheme on each side so they could use the same set for the good guys AND the bad guys......
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72018 (https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72018)
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72018_1.jpg?t=1648976336)
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72017?result-token=gGMTQ (https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/XK72017?result-token=gGMTQ)
(https://d26qn1y84zs32g.cloudfront.net/pics/XK72017_3.jpg?t=1648976020)
2 new Saunders Roe SRA/1 kits from Xtrakit including a What if boxing
Obviously triggered by TomZ's recent build. ;D
Oh I like those! ;D How large an aircraft model is it for £30 though?
Still a better option than the vacform one languishing in my stash somewhere! ;D
The colour schemes in the WhatIf one are great.
FAA Korea
RAN
US Navy Dark Blue.
;D :thumbsup:
Love it! But £30?! That's pretty stiff, even if everything else is getting dead expensive too.
That came out of left field!
I'm unlikely to get one though.
Gondor
I'd love one.
If anyone does throw caution to the winds and builds one, here's a backstory I prepared earlier.........
https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=31265.msg480682#msg480682
Exclude the paint mask and 3-D decal and therefore knock up to £10 off the price and I'd be tempted by the real world boxing.
It's a BIG aeroplane, and must be quite a large model.
The real thing is in the Solent Sky Museum in Southampton, and it TOWERS over everything else there apart from the Solent flying boat. The SRA/1 has a very tall hull, presumably to keep the intakes clear of the water and the cockpit seems miles off the water, it'd make a Javelin look a lightweight!
Saw that this morning and I fancy the What If boxing, but I'd probably do one as RNZAF in the SWP Theatre. I like the way the kit has been designed so you can remove the bottom of the fuselage and build it as floating :thumbsup: Not sure whether to leave it until Telford or get it before hand ?
I built the Planet kit years ago and it's always surprised me a little how small the cockpit is in comparison to it's overall size. As for the price ? It's about what we are going to see nowadays for a kit it's size. Days of cheaper kits have long gone I'm afraid :-\
Two or three seater (Wirraway canopy?) amphibian (1/144 Catalina legs?) in RAAF use (PNG and Indochine).
Quote from: zenrat on September 24, 2022, 06:03:27 AMTwo or three seater (Wirraway canopy?) amphibian (1/144 Catalina legs?) in RAAF use (PNG and Indochine).
It would certainly make an interesting 1/144 scale amphibian medium patrol aircraft.
That's a welcome surprise, hope they do some other prototypes & experimentals. :thumbsup:
I wonder what a de-hulled landplane version would look like?
Quote from: Mossie on September 24, 2022, 08:12:52 AMI wonder what a de-hulled landplane version would look like?
Lower...................... ;D
Quote from: PR19_Kit on September 24, 2022, 10:09:44 AMQuote from: Mossie on September 24, 2022, 08:12:52 AMI wonder what a de-hulled landplane version would look like?
Lower...................... ;D
And odd ;D
I'm glad someone has done this in injection, a bit late for me though. I've got a part started Planet Models one in the stash which I need to find a home for
Quote from: kitnut617 on September 24, 2022, 10:59:50 AMQuote from: PR19_Kit on September 24, 2022, 10:09:44 AMQuote from: Mossie on September 24, 2022, 08:12:52 AMI wonder what a de-hulled landplane version would look like?
Lower...................... ;D
And odd ;D
;D
I'm thinking a bit like a Supermarine Type 508/525 with a pitot intake.
I've a Planet one tucked away. Tempting, but I'll pass.
My earlier comment should have said "Not buying one as it doesn't float my boat" :rolleyes:
Gondor
Quote from: JayBee on September 24, 2022, 03:33:52 AMThe colour schemes in the WhatIf one are great.
FAA Korea
RAN
US Navy Dark Blue.
;D :thumbsup:
I spoke to Paul Lucas earlier today about this, he made a good point. Xtrakit have included FAA and RAN options, but the Navy don't need floatplanes, since they have aircraft carriers. So for a what-if fighter scheme an RAF option might make more sense?
I've ordered a prototype for now.
Colin
Should it be in a Coastal Command or Fighter Command scheme though? ;D
Mine arrived today, looks a decent package. The 3D printed transfers look very good especially, but we shall see how they behave in use.
Quote from: Freightdog862 on October 03, 2022, 04:00:15 AMI spoke to Paul Lucas earlier today about this, he made a good point. Xtrakit have included FAA and RAN options, but the Navy don't need floatplanes, since they have aircraft carriers. So for a what-if fighter scheme an RAF option might make more sense?
I've ordered a prototype for now.
Colin
Must admit I had similar thoughts, mine will probably be RNZAF SWP Theatre
Quote from: Freightdog862 on October 03, 2022, 04:00:15 AMQuote from: JayBee on September 24, 2022, 03:33:52 AMThe colour schemes in the WhatIf one are great.
FAA Korea
RAN
US Navy Dark Blue.
;D :thumbsup:
I spoke to Paul Lucas earlier today about this, he made a good point. Xtrakit have included FAA and RAN options, but the Navy don't need floatplanes, since they have aircraft carriers. So for a what-if fighter scheme an RAF option might make more sense?
I've ordered a prototype for now.
Colin
Navy had floatplanes on battleships...
Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 03, 2022, 05:01:44 AMShould it be in a Coastal Command or Fighter Command scheme though? ;D
SEAC/Tiger Force for island hopping, don't see a role in Europe/Mediterranean.
Quote from: kitbasher on October 04, 2022, 04:39:34 AMQuote from: PR19_Kit on October 03, 2022, 05:01:44 AMShould it be in a Coastal Command or Fighter Command scheme though? ;D
SEAC/Tiger Force for island hopping, don't see a role in Europe/Mediterranean.
Why I'm going SWP
Quote from: kitbasher on October 04, 2022, 04:39:34 AMSEAC/Tiger Force for island hopping, don't see a role in Europe/Mediterranean.
They might have worked well in the Greek Islands, supposing history didn't go the way it really did.
And it never does in WhiffWorld anyway. ;D
There could have been some FAA ones used for the defence of Scapa Flow in Orkney.
11years ago, one of my earlier orphan backstories was written about this aircraft.
https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=31265.msg480682#msg480682
Dunno if it's any use to anyone, but it's there!
Quote from: Rheged on October 04, 2022, 08:38:54 AM11years ago, one of my earlier orphan backstories was written about this aircraft.
https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=31265.msg480682#msg480682
Dunno if it's any use to anyone, but it's there!
:wub: :thumbsup:
It sure is there, and a darn good read too. :thumbsup:
And that link to the video brought back oodles of memories as well. I was at Farnborough the year they demo'd the SRA/1, and its first pass was inverted!
Quote from: JayBee on October 04, 2022, 08:19:04 AMThere could have been some FAA ones used for the defence of Scapa Flow in Orkney.
Thanks Jim, I might have to get another one now ;D
There's a build review of the SRA.1 in the latest Airfix Model World magazine (August 2023).
Verdict is basically that it's good, but not for the inexperienced.
Quote from: Weaver on July 24, 2023, 01:42:45 PMThere's a build review of the SRA.1 in the latest Airfix Model World magazine (August 2023).
Verdict is basically that it's good, but not for the inexperienced.
I wouldn't necessarily disagree with that verdict, but I'd add that it requires a bit of effort as well.
How about Sweden or Finland as operator? Lots of lakes available, and both even operated British aircraft like the Vampire/Venom?
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 26, 2023, 06:26:35 AMHow about Sweden or Finland as operator? Lots of lakes available, and both even operated British aircraft like the Vampire/Venom?
Very much so, I just went the warmer water route ;D
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 26, 2023, 06:26:35 AMHow about Sweden or Finland as operator? Lots of lakes available, and both even operated British aircraft like the Vampire/Venom?
Trouble with the Scandinavian countries as operators is that their lakes get very hard during the winter. Otherwise, operating in a fresh water environment would be easier than salt, corrosive seas.
Quote from: Rheged on July 26, 2023, 07:41:15 AMTrouble with the Scandinavian countries as operators is that their lakes get very hard during the winter. Otherwise, operating in a fresh water environment would be easier than salt, corrosive seas.
A perfect case for a Whiffed SRA/1 Amphibian then. ;D
There are ice skids with little drag that can be retrofitted in the aircraft's CoG. In WWII, German and also Swedish He 115s carried then. I am just not certain if a flying boat's structure is rigid enough to support start and landing on ice? But it's whifworld, after all... ;D
(https://www.1001hobbies.es/657015-large_default/special-hobby-sh48146-heinkel-he-115-servicio-escandinava.jpg)
It's been done, but not as a regular thing as far as I'm aware.