I have searched hi and low for a P-3 Orion prop in 1/48 scale or simular for my build. I wish to build the Rare Bear in 1/48 and know the Bear used a cut down Orion prop. I will be building it from a Testors Bearcat kit. Any ideas or sugestions will be apreaciated greatly.
Vetteman would a C-130 prop do? The Orion used the sam engine and prop combo I believe, ceptin the rounded tips on the Orion. If not the same they are fairly close. Testors themselves had a 1/48 C-130 at one time! Hope that helps![:)]
I know that the RAAF P-3 Orions use the same prop/turbine package as the RAAF C-130’s…so that should be the one…
Well but Rare Bear has always has radials. Looking over the various props, most of the time it has a three blade job. The most recent version has modified Lockheed props on a Ham hub.
That cant be too hard to make up.
the props for the C130, ElectraII, Orion, and something from Convair were all made with the same tooling on the same production line at the sametime. So they should all be pretty similar
gary
Thanks guys I have looked for aftermarket props for the C-130 and the Convair and came up blank. The kits are way too expensive for me to buy for just prop blades so I guess I will have to come up with something else or try making them. The new Rare Bear is using a 4 blade prop now with a wild paint job I dont wish to attempt so I will be building Sheldon’s Rare Bear with the 3 blade prop.
Really have to get the prop right because it really stands out
The new paint job dont even want to try this one
I actually like this paint job better anyway, the one that Lyle Sheldon had on the Bear
Where does one find this Rare Bear kit? I’d like the challenge of that paint job!!!
Hey Fermis you are a braver man than I [#toast] To my knowlage no one makes a Rare Bear kit, and I have searched hi and low. My build is starting out as a 1/48 Testors F8F-2 Bear Cat and will be my first try at ummmm kit bashing-scratch building. My only worry so far is the prop. I do have the Revell kit of the P-51 racer Miss America that will challange my painting skills as I will have to paint all the markings, the decal sheest is shot.
Fermis, Vetteman, I have 1/72 multimedia kits of Rare Bear and Red Baron!!! They are produced by High Planes here in Oz!!!
http://www.hobbycentre.com.au/HIGMOD02.html
Try that site, I think you’ll like it!!!
those are not cut down C130 props, and really don’t know what they are. Perhaps you could modify a 1/32 scale FW190 D9 prop as they sorta look similar in shape
gary
Gary you are right!!! The 3-blade is a cut down Connie prop if I remember correctly.
Mi8ght want to consider looking at model car after-market decals for the “flame-job”…
Per John Penny the prop blades on the Rare Bear were cut down P-3 Orion prop blades, the cowling was fabricated from a Super Connie cowl. They wanted to close the front a bunch and tighten the fit around the engine to reduce the huge amount of drag there. The new owner has chose to go to a 4 blade prop back in 2007 or 08 I think it was. I hear the new paint job on it for 09 is even wilder than the flame job but havent been able to d/l a picture of that yet. I think compaired to the new one the flame paint job would be a breeze LOL.
Thanks Simpilot I know the site and have checked them out, sadly I dont think I can work with 1/72 scale just too small I have a hard time with 1/48. I do check the site now and then hoping they will come out with a few in 1/48.
Hummmmm just checked the site Simpilot and they have the American Jet Bear Cat in 1/48 looks closer than the Testors kit I have. Would still have the prop problem to solve. Think I will contact them [:D]
Randy, did you see the listing for Rare Bear as “coming soon” ?
might be a way to get decals for your build
sooo tempting to stray O/T to talk about back when Lyle Shelton’s plane was called the Able Cat, and was white with purple stripes, but, I’ll behave
hope this helps
Rex
i am actully coming out with a conversion kit so people can build rare bear i will do a 4 blade one and also the 3 blade one
Hi Tomcat, I would be interested in a conversion, let me know when you have one or pictures of it.
I’m almost positive I read that the blades were modified Electra blades because they were designed for higher speed than C-130 and P-3 props. The blades were installed on a C-130 3-blade hub.
How about this? Finding an old 48 scale C-130 can be difficult and pricey so the upper left product may be a good starting point.
www.ozmods-kits.com/ozmods-conversions-upgrades-148
I know you don’t need 4, but I would probably need more than one shot at it anyway. Good luck.
Tim