This particular post generated a lot of feedback, mainly
about the dubious aerodynamics of this racer (triplane, huge "book"
radiators).
And I agree!
BUT: it not only came second, as said in the post, in the 1921 Pulitzer race, it was the FASTEST plane of the race in a straight line (loosing speed at the pylons due to very cautious piloting by Coombs, who may have doubts about the structural integrity or maneuverability of the plane).
So there :-)
And I agree!
BUT: it not only came second, as said in the post, in the 1921 Pulitzer race, it was the FASTEST plane of the race in a straight line (loosing speed at the pylons due to very cautious piloting by Coombs, who may have doubts about the structural integrity or maneuverability of the plane).
So there :-)
And here we have the model completed.
To see the building process please go to the post here:
This plane was completely covered in plywood, hence the
absence this time of ribs and frames showing through the surfaces. The model
depicts the plane as it raced the 1921 Pulitzer to second place by Coombs,
before it was ceded to the navy for a symbolic sum. The race number was 3
(thanks Mike Gough!) and I have seen it in only one low quality photo on the
Net. All other images that I was able to look at had either no number or
marks, or the navy marks on the tail. The original plane had a broad and massive propeller, and quite robust wing struts.
This is a small model in 1/72nd scale, and things get
complicated by the triplane configuration and passing-through diagonal struts,
not to mention that I had to scratch every single part but the wheels.
This is most definitely one of those "Phew!"
models, as confirmed by the big sigh of
relief you proffer as you add the last part.
Cute, strange-looking, with racy lines and awkward
"book" radiators, this Cactus
Kitten surely is a prickly build, but it compensates that with the happiness it
provides when you hear it purr on the shelf.
very interesting build- it does capture the feel of the original one quite well.
ReplyDeleteas always- wow!
Thanks Keith
Deleteand coming from someone as skilled as you, double compliment!