Westland Lysander On Floats! Now this is how I would have done it.
This is one aircraft that begs to be modified with floats. I just had to do it! This is 1/32 scale and the crew is 21st Century figures. I have added some detail and wiring behind the instrument panel as this can be seen through the front windscreen. The load under the aircraft is a camera pod with forward and downward facing cameras. So here is my reasoning. Float planes can land on grassy fields and pick up and bring that secret spy from France and land him on the Thames river directly to Churchill! Now hows that for a efficient undercover sortie?
Enough of the madness. I hope you enjoy.
California Steve
3 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on August 12, 2014
So did the kit come with floats as an option or did you cannibalize something else to get ’em…? What else has floats in 32nd scale…?
California Steve said on August 12, 2014
Great question there Craig. This model in any scale has never been offered with floats. Or has any prototype been fitted with them. I used a set of foam floats from a RC plane. This was not a easy process. First I lightly sanded them, then gave them a coat of white glue to seal them. Then a coat of primer, more sanding then the final coat of black then Dullcoat, It took a lot of time. But I was happy with the outcome.
California Steve
Craig Abrahamson said on August 13, 2014
So now your RC plane can’t fly….? Or did you steal some wheels somewhere and alter that one too…? 🙁
California Steve said on August 13, 2014
I purchased the floats from my local HS. Just for this build.
No aircraft were harmed in any way. Just for the record this is a dedicated float plane and not a amphibian. Weight reduction.
California Steve
Gregor d said on August 13, 2014
Great idea Steve. I did see a photo of a prototype Lizzie with a boom tail and rear turret on the net but yours looks more practical and convincing, good stuff.
California Steve said on August 16, 2014
I have seen those Gregor and I can’t believe they were airworthy. But they were kinda cool!
California Steve
Rick Wilkes said on August 13, 2014
Well done, looks entirely convincing. I like it.
California Steve said on August 16, 2014
Thank you Rick!
California Steve
Simon Whitney said on August 13, 2014
Hey mate , that looks different but great.
Well done sir.
California Steve said on August 16, 2014
Thank you Simon!
California Steve
Ralph Clements said on August 13, 2014
Floatplanes are fascinating and I agree the Lysander is a prime candidate, I like it very much, a very skillful result of a creative idea. Good job. Nice pod underneath and background in the photos too!
California Steve said on August 16, 2014
I actually shortened the pod by about a half a inch too fit between the pontoons.
Thank you for the nice words.
California Steve
Frank Cronin said on September 24, 2014
CA Steve,
This floats my boat….