Mustang musings

[mwf4nut]

For some reason, I got to thinking about P-38 Lightnings and how neat they look.  Then I wondered how other WWII aircraft would look converted to a Lightning-like configuration - two engines in booms with a pod stuck in the middle for the pilot to occupy.  I like the Mustang and got to cutting up some drawings and came up with this.  I think the wing sections connecting the pod to the booms will need to be shorter, but you get the general idea.

So many ideas, so little time.  

Mark

[John Howling Mouse]

So cool when people come up with the same ideas!  I sent Tophe a re-edited version of one of his twin-boom Mustang dwgs: a P-38 Lightning configuration but built with Mustang features instead.   Even the twin engine nacelles will be converted from the basic Mustang fuselage.  I picked up a whole pile of cheap Monogram Mustangs at VAL-Mart for this.

[Tophe]

I did not have this precise idea in my collection: I had separate tails on a Twin-Mustang, I had 3-seats Mustangs, but I think I had not those 2 features all at once. Tomorrow, I will add a link towards this addition here, on my site  http://cmeunier.chez.tiscali.fr/Free_EoFG_MV.htm
adding maybe an oblical view of dear mwf4nut's invention, to complete, before a plastic version and photograph appear (I hope...).

Mwf4nut, if you don't know my crazy books about unreal Twin-Mustangs and other fantasy twins, see my books, they are free - check the link above, directing also towards many twin-Mustangs additions, as on the twin-tail forum here (both "article" topic, "twin-Whirlwind etc" topic).

Anyway, it is so nice to see another one sharing this kind of craziness ... Wellcome aboard insanity, dear.  

[nev]

Tophe!!!  You're back!!  Where ya been mate?

Anyway, I really like this idea.  With straight inboard wings leading & trailing edges.  I would imagine it would be easier to used a bubble top 'Stang for the booms.

[elmayerle]

mwf4nut,

I like the basic concept, but I think the "inner" wings between the booms and the pod would likely be of a constant chord and airfoil section to simplify production.  NAA did a great job rationalizing the Mustang and Twin Mustang for production and I can't see them changing their approach.

Having said that, I really like the way this could turn out.

[Tophe]

Here are they...  (thank you all)

[John Howling Mouse]

mwf4nut,

I like the basic concept, but I think the "inner" wings between the booms and the pod would likely be of a constant chord and airfoil section to simplify production.

Is that how the P-38 ended up, too, Evan?

[mwf4nut]

I like the basic concept, but I think the "inner" wings between the booms and the pod would likely be of a constant chord and airfoil section to simplify production. 

While a constant chord would make production easier for NAA, it would make it harder for me!  

Mark

[mwf4nut]

Here are they...  (thank you all)

I like the way you think Tophe!  I was originally thinking of taking off the engine on the center and only having a cockpit  in the center.  After seeing your plans, that idea is shot in the butt.     Time to start rethinking....

I was thinking about doing a tripple P-47 that would look much like the drawings too.  Maybe even keep the entire center fuselage just for grins......Dang, more ideas to consider!

It's not like I need to suck up to anybody here, but DAMN is this site cool.  I have gotten more inspiration from here than 10 years worth of FSM.  

Mark  

[Tophe]

I was originally thinking of taking off the engine on the center and only having a cockpit  in the center.  After seeing your plans, that idea is shot in the butt.     Time to start rethinking....
I have gotten more inspiration from here than 10 years worth of FSM. 
Mark

Dear Mark,
Here are the missing parts: yes, the XP-515151 was simply a triplex 3-engine plane, then you removed the central engine into YP-515151 (nose for guns?) then the experts changed the central wing on the XP, then the USAF ordered (P-515151A) then engineers mixed the free nose with the 3-engine power (P-515151B).
Is the tale pleasant ?
Thanks for the inspiration you gave us as well, dear.

[mwf4nut]

Dear Mark,
Here are the missing parts: yes, the XP-515151 was simply a triplex 3-engine plane, then you removed the central engine into YP-515151 (nose for guns?) then the experts changed the central wing on the XP, then the USAF ordered (P-515151A) then engineers mixed the free nose with the 3-engine power (P-515151B).
Is the tale pleasant ?
Thanks for the inspiration you gave us as well, dear.

OHHHHH I love the pusher idea for the middle!!  It might rule out being a tail dragger though

Mark

[John Howling Mouse]

That's a mean baby you got there.

Now, start cutting styrene!

You heard the man.  And don't forget the in-progress pics, too!

[Tophe]

Now, start cutting styrene!

Yes, I am going to model again, this week very probably, but I will not start with this difficult P-515151: I have so many twin-boom kits waiting, and a single P-51 if memory serves (P-51A or B 1/72). So for the triplex P-515151 it may be in 2015 from me   or before by someone else ...
Anyway, thanks for your support. Giving ideas to modeller talents is pleasant.

[Tophe]

Other ways to gather P-51D kits, less serious, not only laterral:
- P-5111 : 3 tails with 1 pilot and 1 engine
- P-5011 : less fins but still 3 tail-tubes (2 aft, 1 front)
- P-5113 : triplex with much respect to the leader...
- P-5114 : the same, more solid, more powerful and with just 2 tail-tubes for me...

[noxioux]

That's an excellent idea.  And no shortage of those kits at wal-mart, either.

I'm kinda partial to a stricter interpretation of the Lightning idea, with no prop in the middle and no cockpits on the outboard fuselages.  I have to say, that twin-pull single-push idea is really cool, too, but I would do it without cockpits on the outboard fuselages.  The question I have about the pusher version would be how that would complicate placing guns in the nose.

And maybe just for laugs--turboprops!