Build is here: Big Stuff
The Tr33 came about from an Admiralty spec for a carrier borne twin engined strike aircraft.
It was based on the Mosquito FBVI but after initial trials had uprated RR Merlin 25's fitted and four bladed props giving an extra 10% of thrust.
The original rubber compression landing gear was replaced with Lockheed pneumatic oleos and smaller wheels.
The rear horizontal stabs were made larger and the fuse strengthened and a hook added.
They could carry an 18" torpedo, or depth charges or a 2000lb ap bomb in addition to internal and external 500lb bombs.
The machine guns were removed to allow for the ASH radar in the nose but the cannons were retained.
It saw limited service being really a stop gap until the arrival of the smaller and faster Sea Hornet.
This scheme is an aircraft from 790 Naval Air Squadron, based at H.M.S Seahawk , Culdrose in Cornwall in 1948.
All roundels, fin flashes and radiator panel warning crosses are courtesy of Ian at Ad Astra, the remainder of the markings being masks included in the conversion and a few kit decal stencils thrown into the pot.
Paints were a mixture of MM, White Ensign and Humbrol enamels.
Few pics from the build:
Instrument panel and radar scope.
Cockpit sides.
Lot of scratchbuilding in the wheel wells including scratchbuilt retraction jack brace and mounting.
Added wiring for the gear doors mechanisms.
Back in a minute with completed build pics.
Phil
Edited by PhilB, 22 July 2011 - 12:02 PM.
