Grumman S-2A Tracker, Dutch Navy

[Creepy Pete]

Hi,

 

I'd like to join with a Tracker, if that's alright?

 

I have the old Hasegawa 1/72 kit, which was reissued by Revell back in 2001. My kit didn't have the decalsheet, so Dutch Decals to the rescue. I also picked up a 3D cockpitset from Kelik, old school masks from Eduard and some Quickboost engines.

 

In the end it should look a bit like this: 

(Photo by Beeldbank NIMH)

 

Some paint was applied to the cockpit and radome, and there are some of those 3D decals in place.

 

This looks like a fun kit to build.

 

BTW, anyone got an idea what those rockets are under the wings? Would be cool to add. 

[modelling minion]

Welcome to the GB and with a fine choice, the Tracker is a great aircraft and the old Hasegawa kit is still the only game in town, fortunately it is a good one. I have always liked the scheme worn by Dutch Trackers so I am keen to see how yours turns out, especially as you have some nice aftermarket bits for it. I'm no expert but those rockets look like old 5" HVAR's.

[TheyJammedKenny!]

Great project, and I'm always paying attention when someone starts a Tracker or "Stoof."  Until what year did The Netherlands fly these?

[81-er]

Welcome to the GB  Nice to see something a little different to the norm too

 

James

[Creepy Pete]

Thanks guys!

 

@TheyJammedKenny!, the last ones were retired in January 1976. 

 

The cockpit is in place, lead has been added, and the fuselage has been closed up. For some reason it doesn't quite fit behind the cockpit. Putty to the rescue! If there's not enough lead in the fuselage, I could still add some behind the engines.

 

[modelling minion]

Neat work closing the fuselage halves together they look like they fitted nicely. 

[Creepy Pete]

I added the wings, which took some effort. When trying to get them to sit level, I noticed something strange. The whole tail is warped to the left! You don't really see it from the side, but from the front it's really obvious. First I hoped it was something the real thing also had, to compensate for torque or something. Kinda like the Mi-24. But alas. Oh well, it's all glued together now, nothing I can do about it.

 

 

I also glued the nacelles together. Sadly you also have to add the main undercarriage at this point. It looks like they will fit nicely on the wings.

 

[modelling minion]

Thats a real shame about the warping but none can be seen from the angle you took the picture from, good to know the nacelles will be a good fit.

[81-er]

That's frustrating about the warp, I guess just look at it from the sides if it doesn't show up that way?

 

James

[Creepy Pete]

Well then. Since I'm an Imgur user, and the fact that big red banner is up there, I will no longer continue to post pictures on Britmodeller. I'm not supposed to get political about things, and it all pretty much comes back to that in this case, I shall be quiet about it. 

 

I will continue the build, and I'll post a link to my Scalemates album once its done.

 

Take care all, and enjoy the rest of the Group Build, and any other future GB's. I enjoyed the ones I participated in.

 

And now for some dramatic effect.

 

[modelling minion]

Very sorry to see you go Pete, this whole thing is a right mess.

[81-er]

I'm sad to hear that too, Pete. Just remember it's Imgur that's caused the problem, not Britmodeller. Can't you use Scalemates as a photohost for other sites as well?

 

James