Background
For whatever reason, I've always liked chassis models. And the Pocher Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca kit is a great platform for a detailed chassis model.
My goal was to add a significant amount of missing detail, so this model adds, for instance, engine controls, fuel lines, chassis lubrication system, oil lines, a correctly sized carburetor, exhaust insulation and heat shield and a heavily modified dashboard and associated connections.
Click on the buttons for super
detailing build notes ...
Click here for pictures showing all the modifications and additions made to the Pocher kit.
A rendering of my own 3D-printable Supermarine S.5
1927 Supermarine S.5
Background
In 1913, a wealthy financier named Jacques Schneider launched an international seaplane competition. Over the next couple of decades the competition became very fierce and the races attracted entries from France, Britain, Italy, the United States, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. Large crowds watched the races which were flown around a fixed course.
Supermarine S.5
In 1927, Britain entered two planes built by the Supermarine company. Designated as S.5.s, they were powered by Napier Lion engines. The two Supermarines came first and second. Over the next five years there were two more races, which Britain also won with improved versions of the Supermarine design. That meant that, under the rules of the contest, Britain got to keep the Schneider Trophy permanently.
For a contemporary Pathe News video showing the Supermarine S.5, click here:
As you can see, the Supermarine S.5 is a beautiful design. and it no doubt influenced the trend toward streamlined cars in the 1930s. It therefore seemed like a great 1:8 scale modeling project even if everything would have to be scratch built.
Napier Lion Aero Engine
The key to the Supermarines' success was the Napier Lion Aero Engine. From its inception in 1917, through the early 1930s, the engine was at the core of British aircraft developments. It was a twelve cylinder ‘W’ arrangement of three rows of four cylinders which, in its basic form developed over 450 HP. It was the most powerful engine of is day and was used in a number of racing designs, not just for planes, but also for boats an cars.
Models
My first goal had been to create a model of the 1933 Napier-Railton race car, which was powered by a Napier Lion engine. But if I could model the engine, then a model of the S.5 might be another interesting project.
The two Napier-Railton models are now virtually complete. You can get an update here:
VIIB
As it turned out, although the Supermarine S.5 used a Napier Lion engine, it was a very different version than the one used in the Napier-Railton. The S.5 used the Lion VIIB.
To minimize the seaplane's drag, the VIIB's cylinders were reduced in height by 1-1/2 inches and the camshafts were lowered. Of course, the piston had to be shortened to fit with the shorter cylinders. The magnetos were also moved from the back of the engine to the front. Notably, the camshaft covers were shaped to act as part of the outer skin of the plane. So, in many ways it was a brand new design.
It took a while, but underneath the engine photo is a rendering of my own 1:8 scale, 3D printable, Napier Lion VIIB.
