TJTX

The only thing I have to think about now is since I have such good pictures, perhaps I should scrap the 1/32 scale build and switch to 1/1 scale?

This is pure gold.

Gents you wouldn't believe the pictures I've got now! Jeff is the absolute man and has tracked down an absolute amazing treasure trove of photos. He was able to make contact with a museum that has a TBM firebomber. The museum staff was extremely kind and took a TON of amazing photos for use as reference for the build. Heres a brief sampling of the good stuff.

Thankfully I have found a -3 to trade for my -1. So as soon as I can complete that trade and get a few minutes at home, I'll get this party started.

I kinda like the look of the Atlantic scheme so maybe a folded wings -1 and a Firebomber-3.....

Yea, I'm thinking I may have to build the -1 as a normal Avenger and track down a -3 for the fire bomber.

Cant find the cowl on Ebay. The -1has 1 intake while the -3 has 2. The -3 also has full cowl flaps while the -1 has segmented partial cowl flaps. Its VERY noticeable.

Well, big problem. I have a -1 and the cowling is completely different on the -3. Any guesses on where to find a -3 cowling?

Yup, already on my list.

That's what I'm leaning towards. I have some thin plastic sheeting I should be able to use on the back end. The trickiest part is the very back curve.

We're still digging, but it appears in photos to just be the standard back end either painted or the glass being replaced with metal.

I looked again and I believe you are correct. That does appear to be the proper rear end that I need. Hopefully I can find one and save a ton of work.

The saddest thing is I was so close to seeing my actual aircraft. Its last known location was a flight museum in Midland, Texas which isnt too far from me. However, that museum shows permanently closed now.

The problem with that conversion is I believe it was a different type of greenhouse mod than mine carried. Theres a shorter upper canopy version which is what the Draw decals set shows and then ones like the Conair bird that still carried the RCN greenhouse.

Yup, we're tracking down the specific information for the tank that was put into the bomb bay to carry the retardant. I hope to share that information here.

Ernie, I think that's a neat idea. However, I've actually not had much luck in the help department thus far with that type of stuff on another project so this will be my own thing I believe. My current plan as of now is to try and build the back end very closely to how it was built on the actual aircraft. I'll build the framing and fill that in with plasticard where the windows were. I've found some good back end photos of the RCN birds and their mods. Jeff also pointed out a few things I'll need to tweak to being her over to a -3 from a -1. I'll get to work on those as well. We have some really good photos headed our way that will help in building the rear portion of the greenhouse. Luckily, the first 2/3 is pretty standard. I may use a balsa block as a basis for forming the framing, but I haven't worked any of that out yet. The biggest goal for now is to get the engine built up to a standard I'm happy with while we (Jeff!) keeps finding all the gems he is.

Excellent. Available at Bass Pro, Cabellas...?

Hey gents, what do you use and how do you use it for running the ignition wires on radial engines?

I blame Ernie, I blame him entirely for this adventure. If it goes well, he can take all the credit. If it goes wrong, well.... I felt like I was in a rut, nothing I built stood out and I felt as though I wasnt progressing anymore in the hobby. Then I saw Ernie's Lanc in person. It was beautiful, inspiring, and I knew what direction I needed to go. Modifying a kit to make it my own, one that no one else has. Initially i thought about a TWA B-17, but that big of a build just isnt "me". Then I saw it and knew instantly what the build was. A big ugly, ungainly, yet mesmerizing fire bomber. The TBM Avenger converted to a firebomber. There are a few decal sets out there but both of companies and schemes that did not work for me. I wanted something iconic and Conair is that. They are a company deeply rooted in Canadian aviation and firebombing in general. So, this is my attempt to bring some more Canadian aviation history to light down here in the lower 48. Thankfully, I have an agent with some connections up in Canada to help this poor American find the answers he needs, and it ain't Martin! Jeff has been an absolutely invaluable resource in helping me track down information for this build and he has just scratched the surface so far! Once I can compile the information I've gotten I will strive to share it here along with my build. We have the complete history of my chosen airframe, and we are in contact with some people that may have some absolutely amazing photos and information for us. I can not thank Jeff enough for all the energy he has already provided and I emplore him to chime in as much as he'd like to share information in this thread. I also ask for any and all help from everyone going forward to make this one to be proud of. The base kit will be Trumpeters Avenger. Mark was kind enough to work out a trade with me for it and I thank him very much for helping out! Also below is the chosen subject. CF-IMK as it was when flown by Conair. I need to convert it from US Navy, to RCN to Conair. I HOPE to have her at Nationals, but this is a very complex conversion for me and I will not rush it. Again, any and all advice and information will be immensely appreciated.

Wow! I'm absolutely loving the work put in here. Great research and fantastic build quality.

Same as Bardahl, I've gotta demilitarize the back end.

Thanks!

This may prompt me to finally give them a try.

That's awesome news Hubert! I think you will greatly enjoy contemplating then executing the mods and abnormal paint scheme to bring a racer to life. The 3rd civilian project I'm starting puts my racers to shame on how much plastic cutting and scratch building it'll require but, I have mojo like I haven't in over a year. Building the "one off" type aircraft really is a blast and adds some life to the display case. Side note: My Christmas raffle donation this year is of course racer inspired!

Engine is basically together now. Ignore the black firewall, it'll be white soon enough. And a gratuitous "concept" shot.