Consolidated XB-41 gunship

[72modeler]

I ran across these photos of the single  B-24D that was converted like the XB-40's to be a heavily armed bomber escort or 'Q' ship; like the XB40, it was not successful, for the same reason's. The sole example, XB-41, serial 41-11822, was later converted to a TB-24D and was  transferred to the RFC at Maxwell Field in February, 1945- most likely scrapped on site. I think it would make an interesting modeling project. It was fitted initially with narrow chord props;  I'm not sure at what point in the production run of the D model  paddle blade props were fitted, but one written source I read stated that Consolidated  continued to work on the concept after the USAAF cancelled the XB-40 project, fitting paddle blade props and reducing the amount of  installed armor to lessen the weight. The attached photo is to be used for informational purposes only.

Mike

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_XB-41_Liberator#/media/File:XB-41_Liberator_060713-F-1234S-039.jpg

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/4559637872

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/4559008081

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/4559637630

 

 

Edited January 7, 2019 by 72modeler
added disclaimer

[Chuck1945]

I built one many years ago, no clue what picture source I used; the base kit was probably the Revell B-24D kit from the ‘60s. Three-four years ago I stumbled across a packet of b&w snapshots I had taken of various models back when and it was in the bunch. A brief trip down memory lane!

[e8n2]

On a similar note is this particular B-24J with the nose from a wrecked B-17G:

 

 

I am planning on doing this conversion later on this year using the nose section from a Hasegawa B-17G and an Academy B-24, most likely the M model.

Later,

Dave

[fernandocouto]

2 hours ago, e8n2 said:

On a similar note is this particular B-24J with the nose from a wrecked B-17G:

 

 

I am planning on doing this conversion later on this year using the nose section from a Hasegawa B-17G and an Academy B-24, most likely the M model.

Later,

Dave

How could the cross section get together........

[corsaircorp]

Hello Mike !

Great idea !  It will be a great Cut, fill, file and sand affair !

I'll follow if you Don't mind it !

Sincerely.

CC

[EwenS]

5 hours ago, fernandocouto said:

How could the cross section get together........

"Consolidated Mess" has some 5 pages devoted to this monstrosity including drawings and photos of the conversion being done in May/June 1944. Basically chop off the B24 nose around the forward cockpit bulkhead. Add B17 nose (stations 0 to 3.0) aligning with B24 fuselage bottom. Apply fairings on top and sides to smooth out the profile. Pretty much what you will do to produce a model of it. It was intended to be a field modification (perhaps using up otherwise damaged aircarft of both types) and was accomplished inside 30 days at the Middletown Air Depot in the US. Aircraft length increased by 2ft, creating more room in the nose, weight by 400lbs and speed by 8.5mph. On the other hand the aircraft couldn't rise above about 19000 feet without causing engine overheating and buffeting issues. So it achieved none of the objectives and wasn't pursued any further. By that time the B-24N was being planned to resolve some of the B-24s issues.

 

Fascinating little story though.

Edited January 7, 2019 by EwenS

[e8n2]

15 hours ago, EwenS said:

"Consolidated Mess" has some 5 pages devoted to this monstrosity including drawings and photos of the conversion being done in May/June 1944. Basically chop off the B24 nose around the forward cockpit bulkhead. Add B17 nose (stations 0 to 3.0) aligning with B24 fuselage bottom. Apply fairings on top and sides to smooth out the profile. Pretty much what you will do to produce a model of it. It was intended to be a field modification (perhaps using up otherwise damaged aircarft of both types) and was accomplished inside 30 days at the Middletown Air Depot in the US. Aircraft length increased by 2ft, creating more room in the nose, weight by 400lbs and speed by 8.5mph. On the other hand the aircraft couldn't rise above about 19000 feet without causing engine overheating and buffeting issues. So it achieved none of the objectives and wasn't pursued any further. By that time the B-24N was being planned to resolve some of the B-24s issues.

 

Fascinating little story though.

Where to find this "Consolidated Mess" he asked anxiously as it would make the conversion that much easier!

Later,

Dave

[EwenS]

It was published by MMP and really is a must for B-24 enthusiasts. It is out of print and sells for extortionate amounts second hand (£950 via Amazon from the US - might have to look at the house contents insurance at this rate)

Good news is it is available on Kindle at a much more reasonable £13 via Amazon.

[72modeler]

5 hours ago, EwenS said:

It was published by MMP and really is a must for B-24 enthusiasts. It is out of print and sells for extortionate amounts second hand (£950 via Amazon from the US - might have to look at the house contents insurance at this rate)

Good news is it is available on Kindle at a much more reasonable £13 via Amazon.

It is THE reference for all B-24's that were equipped with power turrets in the nose, as EwenS has stated! Volume 2, which will cover B-24's with the greenhouse nose,   is currently in preparation, as I understand it.

Mike

[EwenS]

..........And vol 2 really can't come soon enough!!