fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 14, 2018 Share Posted August 14, 2018 (edited) The epic movie "The Flight of the Phoenix" is a favorite of many modelers and aviation enthusiasts. Two versions exist, from 1965 and 2004. The first is the one that will occupy our attention here. It would be redundant for me to abound in comments and notes about the movie itself, since most are familiar with it, and if not a quick Internet search will provide all the necessary background, plus I like to use the available time to build. Suffice to say that the movie used several airframes for its static and motion shoots. Of course there is the "original" plane that has the "panne", the Fairchild Packet. Then the plane that is "built" from it, then the plane used by Paul Mantz (Timm-Tallmantz P-1) for the real flying sequences, and then the modified North American 0-47 used for some shots to cover for the demise of the Timm-Tallmantz P-1. (Here at Britmodeller you have an excellent representation of the "static" plane by Mike N): I will be aiming for the plane used to film the flying sequences (there were actually two, see below). There are many differences between the filming static prop and the flying machine designed by Otto Timm. The static prop has a three blade prop, if you excuse the redundancy, while the flying machine has a two blade prop. The wing on the static prop has a more elongated appearance with more squarish tips, while the flying machine has a shorter wing with round and narrow tips. The noses are very different, even if at first glance they look somewhat alike. Many other differences can be spotted. Sources state that to expedite construction of the flying machine Tallmantz Aviation used the nose, engine, prop, cockpit and wheels of a North American T-6 Texan, as well as the outer wing panels from a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, so I got those kits ("used", at a fair price) to expedite my construction too, although this is not going to be a fast one, since the schedule ahead looks busy. The main body is a cylinder, while the tail is a cone, as in the original. The tail feathers will be the usual styrene sheet construction with spars. The old Heller kit and the parts that may be used: Since these are going to be cannibalized, get affordable ones in a used state: Parts that may be used from the Texan: A couple parts are glued to determine the diameter needed for the main body: Edited August 18, 2018 by Moa to add information 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 14, 2018 Author Share Posted August 14, 2018 A piece of irrigation PVC pipe and the Expeditor wings (the wing's outer panel are needed): 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 14, 2018 Author Share Posted August 14, 2018 (edited) Reports suggest that the real flying plane suffered a series of mishaps, and it did not have a pleasant handling behavior. Some modifications were performed, and among those I noticed studying the images one that I haven't seen yet reported: the perforated beams that act as landing gear struts and skis (clearly visible during construction and early tests) were at some point modified in a way that in ulterior flights the beams are actually "solid", and their "holes" are painted on. A few low passes and the crash can be seen here: Edited August 14, 2018 by Moa 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael louey Posted August 15, 2018 Share Posted August 15, 2018 (edited) Hello Moa, I saw Mike's build earlier this week and noted this new post with interest. One of the reasons for this was that I recently saw both versions of the Flight of the Phoenix models in a box at a club meeting a couple of weeks ago. They were from the collection of one of our members, Fred Harris who passed away recently. It is interesting to see the planes elicit so much interest to be the subject of so many modeller's scratchbuild projects. I was slightly tempted to pickup Fred's planes while they were being given away however I already have a display shortage so passed it up. The models still looked good though they are in need of some repairs. Good luck with your build! Cheers Michael Edited August 15, 2018 by Michael louey Avoiding confusion for the thread 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 15, 2018 Author Share Posted August 15, 2018 (edited) 5 hours ago, Michael louey said: Hello Moa, I saw Mike's build earlier this week and noted this new post with interest. One of the reasons for this was that I recently saw both versions of the Flight of the Phoenix models in a box at a club meeting a couple of weeks ago. They were from the collection of one of our members, Fred Harris who passed away recently. It is interesting to see the planes elicit so much interest to be the subject of so many modeller's scratchbuild projects. I was slightly tempted to pickup Fred's planes while they were being given away however I already have a display shortage so passed it up. The models still looked good though they are in need of some repairs. Good luck with your build! Cheers Michael Hi Michael I have seen on the Net also scale paper models of them, and even flying models, definitely modelers like them! As the "designer" in the movie eventually happens to be a flying models designer, it has that added interest to me, since I also make flying models and long ago designed a couple. In a way, is a borderline fantasy plane, but the fact that there was a real flying plane in the movie, sort of grants permission to build a scale model of it. Thanks for the added information and your interest. Cheers Edited August 15, 2018 by Moa 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k5054nz Posted August 16, 2018 Share Posted August 16, 2018 I took apart C-45 and T-6 models of my own a few months ago to build a model of the flying prop, and gathered quite a few other parts to help. Unfortunately after we moved house my mojo seems to have vanished (or stayed at the old place) so the Phoenix hasn't seen the light of day for quite a while. As a result I'm very excited to see that you're about to embark on the same project. Wonderful! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 16, 2018 Author Share Posted August 16, 2018 7 hours ago, k5054nz said: took apart C-45 and T-6 models of my own a few months ago to build a model of the flying prop, and gathered quite a few other parts to help. Unfortunately after we moved house my mojo seems to have vanished (or stayed at the old place) so the Phoenix hasn't seen the light of day for quite a while. As a result I'm very excited to see that you're about to embark on the same project. Wonderful! HI Zac The legend tells us that the Phoenix is reborn from its own ashes. May be if you burn the parts you have a model will appear?* I doubt it, but as a last resource... *Kids, don't do this at home 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 16, 2018 Author Share Posted August 16, 2018 The construction guide sketches. They are in a state of fluxus, though, and surely will be adjusted as I build. Another note to add to what was said above: the plane flew with both, mannequins (apparently only once, produced too much drag) and silhouetted passengers, so you have that choice too. Early trials were made with no passengers whatsoever, so you can depict your model any way you like, and still be historically correct. Furthermore, the plane flew with and without the red markings seen in the original movie, since it was painted in the field after a flew flights. You need to correlate all those choices, though. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 16, 2018 Author Share Posted August 16, 2018 The tail cone structure. This could have been solved in different ways, this is just one: 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 16, 2018 Author Share Posted August 16, 2018 Interior in progress: 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 I said that Merlin kit would finally unhinge you and here we have the proof! I always try to tell them but do they listen? No, they always know best, they know it all and then they come crying to Martian...………. Martian 👽 1 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBaron Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 Really enjoying the build-up and presentation of your researches here Moa. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 17, 2018 Author Share Posted August 17, 2018 2 hours ago, Martian Hale said: I said that Merlin kit would finally unhinge you and here we have the proof! I always try to tell them but do they listen? No, they always know best, they know it all and then they come crying to Martian...………. Martian 👽 What can you you do, Martian. They are only Earthlings... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 17, 2018 Author Share Posted August 17, 2018 The pre-curved tailcone skin is attached to the lower spar (where the seam will be more inconspicuous). Once the cement has set, it will be wrapped around the structure, cut to fit, and glued: 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 18, 2018 Author Share Posted August 18, 2018 Before gluing the remaining length of the sheet, it is wrapped around to give it the curvature with stress later while gluing: 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMC Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 Another interesting build, Moa. Dennis 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 Nail biting time. I hope that when the bands are off and gluing is complete that it is a nice smooth cone. Stuart 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 18, 2018 Author Share Posted August 18, 2018 Holes are made in the front bulkhead to let the cement solvent escape: The engine nacelles are excised: The space is filled with styrene sheet: Reinforcements are glued from behind: 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBaron Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 Elegant. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 19, 2018 Author Share Posted August 19, 2018 The tailcone necessitated more structure, so formers were added: 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 19, 2018 Author Share Posted August 19, 2018 Ready to be worked on now: Some parts are given a base color: 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted August 19, 2018 Share Posted August 19, 2018 (edited) I thought that you'd already done the cone, glad you've the additional support. Cone complete and looks rather neat...good show. Stuart Edited August 19, 2018 by Courageous 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 20, 2018 Author Share Posted August 20, 2018 The added wing sections are puttied, then sanded. The panel lines are retraced: The interior is installed: The tailcone glued on: The build so far: 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMB Posted August 20, 2018 Share Posted August 20, 2018 (edited) My goodness this is looking good, As there is no C-82 Packet kit available, I would guess you will use an Italeri C-119 Flying Boxcar kit and make a new fuselage for it? Edited August 20, 2018 by AMB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 20, 2018 Author Share Posted August 20, 2018 11 minutes ago, AMB said: My goodness this is looking good, As there is no C-82 Packet kit available, I would guess you will use an Italeri C-119 Flying Boxcar kit and make a new fuselage for it? Edited 5 minutes ago by AMB Hi Adrian I suggest you read the post from the beginning. You are not the first one to get confused about the planes used in the movie (I have explained this quite a number of times by now...) There was one "crashed" plane (the Packet, actually three of them apparently for different sequences), then the STATIC prop "made from the packet" ( a non-flying prop, made from parts of the Packet), then a flying prop, the Timm-Tallmantz Phoenix P-1 made with parts from an AT-6 Texan and a C-45 Expeditor -plus designer-made parts-, then, when it crashed, a North American O-47 was modified to (barely) resemble the other movie props. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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