1940's Pod Racer

[Greeneyelevin]

Decided to make a start on a project I’ve had for a while.
A 1940’s pod racer.
I recently picked up an old Heller P38 Lightening kit, which was just what i was after for this Pod racer project.

Its been a really fun day, planning, chopping and creating the pod plus the front part.
Ive used a cocktail stick up the inside of the wings to stiffen the joint and plan to use an old guitar string for the tethers.
The hard part is sussing out a build order

[Frozin]

This is a pretty cool idea. The plane lends itself well to this idea. I’d really like to see some part of the engines exposed, but that’s just me. Can’t wait to see where this leads.

[Greeneyelevin]

Cheers Frozin,
I spent some time looking for a plane that would suit the concept, and the P38 is pretty unique.
Re, the engine comments, you’re right it would be good to have detail like that on show, but being an old kit and 72 scale there isn’t much detail to be seen, that said I’ll see if I can improvise

[Greeneyelevin]

Pleased with the progress so far, i had to do quite a bit of filling and shaping to get the pod looking decent.
The engine fuselages will need the same, buthis is partially expected given the old kit ive started with.
I’ve added two holes, one each side of the nose and an access hole at the front for attaching the tethers.

[Greeneyelevin]

I decided to trim off the tailfins, thought it looked more dramatic without.
I also had a dry run of assembling the tethering to the pod using some leftover parts from a Tamiya RC car, which I’m also pleased with.

[veedubb67]

Good Call on the Tail Fins!

[Greeneyelevin]

Very pleased with the Pod Racer progress.
I decided to used a cocktail stick when i put the wings together and I’m glad i did, the wing assembly feels nice and strong.

[CatMonarch]

you’re giving me some ideas

[Greeneyelevin]

I know what you mean
this is spawning other projects in my head too.

I am getting close to finishing this one, but I want to create a decent base to present it on, before I get the final photos.

As this one is based on a US plane, I’m tempted to try additional pod Racers, one based on a British plane, maybe from a Mosquito.
and one from a Greman plane.

[Greeneyelevin]

[Frozin]

I like the added bits and bobs on the side of the engine. As for other designs that would lend themselves to this idea, I suggest this…

I built one of these a long time ago and remember it to be a pretty descent fit. I’m sure it would be the basis for a great pod racer.

[Greeneyelevin]

Thought I’d have a go at creating a base for it

[Frozin]

Nice colour choice. Looks fast.

[Greeneyelevin]

The decals are from a 1/32 slot car - hot rod, so as it was an American plane donar I thiought why not

[Karljeff72]

Fode and Beed would approve.

[veedubb67]

Love the Flame decals!

[Greeneyelevin]

The base still requires a lot of work, but I’m pleased with the mounting of it

[keavdog]

Looking really good! 10 out of 10 on the creativity scale!

[Greeneyelevin]

Still work in progress, but happy with it so far

[Greeneyelevin]

I decided the Pod racer needed a competitor, so I’ve started work on converting a Focke Wulf Ta-154
The kit is from PM models, it’s quite poor quality, but considering I’m chopping it about, that’s not really a concern.
I’ve got a set of Jagermeister decals from a slot car which look like they’ll suit this German plane very well.