I was kicking around the idea of a GB with an October start date.
This GB would revolve around proto-types from any era. The proto-type must have logged flight time, no what-ifs.
Would anybody be interested in something like this?
I like this idea but wouldnt it be hard to find models of proto-types?
Am I overthinking that?
Mike
I thought that people would think this; Czech Model’s has a ton of them. You can usually find them on ebay for a fair price. I recently purchased 3 Czech kits from ebay.
This build wouldnt launch until October so there is plenty of time to find something.
I actually would take the opposite view- you really need to narrow it down. After all, every aircraft in the world has had a prototype, no?
Sounds like fun, and good for kitbashes.
Bondoman,
The only requirement is the plane had to log flight time and it has to be the actual prototype also, no what-if’s. I know there are WWII German jet kits on the market that never actually made it off the drawing board. Stuff like this wouldnt be allowed. I have the Me263A-1. There is no proven evidence that this plane ever logged actual airtime so this kit would be a no-go for the GB.
The plane could be from any era. This allows a wide range of some strange and rare kits.
Well, I build in 48th so my options are sort of limited.
But it sounds like fun and also educational.
Mike
Count me in if I can use a just purchased Aichi M6A1, Seiran. the start date will coincide with my plans to try out my first Show & Tell.
I like this idea and i am sure i could find something weird and wackey for this.
Mike, Czech Models makes all kinds of strange prototypes in 1/48. Just look for them at you LHS or check out ebay. Your bound to find something interesting.
If I can get a few more people to jump onboard, I’ll move this to the GB section.
The Aichi is O.K [tup]
I have been picking up Czech model kits from Squadron on a nearly montly basis, seems each month there is 1-2 of them at half price.
I am SO over Gb subscribed, but love this topic… as long as end time is deep into 09, Im in
I was thinking of running the build for a complete year. October 08 to October 09.
Mike
Bondoman
jmart
ollie
didfaI
Are you all in?
If so I’ll move this to the GB thread. I feel six of us is a good start. Perhaps a few more will jump on board in the GB thread.
I’m so overcommitted I’m like that guy in Texas with all the kids.
But, I’m thinking abt that AMT XB-35 in 1/72 that’s out there in the garage taking up more space than my golf clubs.
Would that be a runner?
It sure would… [tup]
First flight of the XB-35 (S/N 42-13603) wasn’t made until June 25, 1946
She was airborne!
If this GB gets off the ground I plan on building the Bell XP-77 .
A liitle info:
The project suffered numerous delays, many for correction of excess weight issues. The first XP-77 flew 1 April 1944 at Wright Field. These trials revealed vibration problems due to directly mounting the engine to the airframe, without vibration isolation. The long nose and rear-mounted cockpit inhibited visibility relative to operational aircraft of the time.
I’m going to bump this…
I have a handful in my stash that (I think) qualify:
Tamiya 1:48 Dornier Do 335B-2 Pfeil- The Do335B-2 was also a fighter with three 30 mm MK 103 cannon and two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon but only two prototypes were built.
Tamiya 1:48 TA183A - I think this one did not fly, was just built and wind-tunnel tested?
Czech model 1:48 Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet - many prototypes flew, never made it into production
Czech Models 1:48 Bell XP-77 Lightweight Fighter - couple prototypes flew, one crashed, never entered production.
My build preference would be one of the Tamiya kits, as i want to increase my building skills and experience before tackling the Czech Model kits.
Count me in with an Aichi M6A1, Seiran. It flew, but never saw combat. Prototype was ‘orange’, but I’ll do it in it’s operational colors.[2c]
I just found this bit of info regarding the Me263 A-1, for which Czech Models also make a kit:
"The RLM insisted on restoration of the Me 263A-1 designation, and hastened production, planning for the use of the 5,511 lbs (2500 kg) BMW 708 nitric-acid motor when ready, but in the chaos of late 1944 tooling was never finished, although a single Dessau built 263A-1 flew as a glider in 1944. It was developed by the Soviets but they soon abandoned the project. "
As close as you can get to “flying” without getting there 
Don’t put me down quite yet…I have several more builds for GB’s in the queue and my pace has slowed donw considerably, but if I’ll take another look at it next year. I like that you’re starting late (in October), which helps me.
By the way, whetehr I can join or not I think it’s a great idea for a GB.
Mucker it would be great to have you. I hope you can find some time and jump in on this.