To showcase the benefits of the "empty F" method for putting together 3dz models I built this plane in about 2 hours:



I used the fuselage and wings from the Hi-res Beaufighter and the tail from the Hi-res B-25. A little shape changing of the rudders and the fuselage and we have the "what-if" Gloster Reaper. You can read about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloster_F.9/37




I now have "empty F" 3dz files for single engine fighters, twin engine fighters, twin engine bombers and bi-planes. Each has unique characteristics but as long as a lo-res model is broken up into parts in the same way, upgrading lo-res models is now a lot easier and faster.

The most time consuming process now is the re-mapping of the skin.

Hey Ray,

While checking out Beaufighter Profiles I found this interesting variant....
4-gun turret with inline Merlin XX engines could be an interesting "what if"




Hoping that your DAW package has a flyable Beaufighter
for some strafing/bombing mission fun...

Cheers mate
David

Hi Ray,


2 hours, thats impressive!!

Ok, please take the day and do a few more.

Hi David,

you already can fly the beaufighter in ETO_01.

Greetings,

Knegel

Good Ray, but nothing like as good as these guys.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11107561

2 hours? thatīs what I call speed
Makes me think of a Bristol Bisley (or Blenheim Mk V) for DAW.
Or the Junkers Ju 188 and Dornier Do 217K and M variants for the ETO
(Btw - MC.205 received - e.mail follows)

Sky.

I have that turret equipped Beau a bit further down my "to-do" list along with a Merlin equipped version and yes, there is a Beaufighter in the new DAW plane set.







Fran,

I'm trying to get time to build a new nose on the Blenheim to make the Mk IV and also a gun pack for the night fighter version.


John,

Yeah that's impressive. It's going to take me quite a bit longer to build our own hi-res Welli. The lo-res one is not in too good a shape so I probably won't be able to use it as a base. Possibly the new hi-res B-26 might make a place to start.


Right now I'm looking at the Whitley. It's an oddly put together model so I have to straighten that out before refining the shape. Should take the rest of this week.

Moggy DCM

Ray - this Blenheim V (or Bisley) - with the special nose:

http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/allies/gb/boillblen.htm

http://www.aircraft-in-scale.de/Images/Blenheim/Bristol%20Blenheim%20Mk%20V%20114Sqn%20Bisley.jpg

Ray,

A Wellington, Whitley and Hampden - now that would be great.

Pete