To Seek and Save, the Canadian CSR-110 Albatross in 1/48
This is a major conversion of Trumpeter's 1/48 HU-16A Albatross into an RCAF CSR-110, the long winged version similar to an HU-16B, UF-2, but with engines and props (R-1820-82's) from the RCN Tracker.
The conversion involved increasing the span of the wings, changing the airfoil to a cuffed leading edge, increasing the span of the ailerons, increasing the span of the horizontal stab, increasing the leading edge rake to increase the chord of the stab, changing the elevators, increasing the height and the width of the vertical tail, altering the rudder.
The false keel and actuator for the tri-phibian ski setup, used on all CSR-110's had to be scratchbuilt.
I also had to change the nacelle, the CSR-110 had a bulged nacelle for the new engine with different oil cooler doors, different exhaust outlets, carb scoop on the top of the cowl. Many other alterations had to be made, or fabricated.
Many items had to added to the cockpit and cabin, scratch built seats, SARAH receiver, the overhead engine controls, many controls and switch panels (most of which can't be seen!)
The Trumpeter kit also had numerous errors that had to be corrected, such as the 'chine' on the bow was not the graceful sweeping curve it should be, the fuselage aft of the cockpit was missing the bulged curve below the windows, the wing float struts were too long, and angled back, placing the floats at the wrong angle and too far aft, the cabin air outlets were incorrectly placed. Trumpeter had scribed panel lines on the rudder, blank smooth surface on the elevators, and rivets on the ailerons even though all three were fabric covered.
The incorrect wheels and vinyl tires had to be replaced with resin wheels from Reskit, the engines were entirely fictitious, replaced with modified (to R-1820-82 standard) Quickboost engines and the prop blades had to also be replaced with modified Quickboost blades.
Months of research using all available books on the Albatross, the Structural repair manual for both the HU-16A and the UF-2, the Illustrated parts manual for both, and many published and unpublished photos from a friend helped enormously.
Thanks for looking,
Colin
Fantastic
That's the same thing I was literally saying to myself while looking through these pics. Fantastic work, Colin!
Oh me oh my… she’s a beauty!
Pleasure to view the photos.
Gorgeous! too bad we can't buy a CSR-110 we can build right out of a box! Excellent work! Congrats!
Dan from Bermuda.
Truly amazing, Colin (@tail-dragon). The conversion work you have done is flawless and has produced a real work of art. I have this kit still in the box, but I have always been a little intimidated by it. Now I know why. Well done.
Excellent result from all your hard work and research, Colin.
Absolutely stunning.
Colin, you have turned a sow's ear into a silk purse. Great work!
Cheers,
Scott
An absolute beauty, Colin @tail-dragon
This Albatros look great in Canadian scheme.
Stunning work here Colin !
MAN! That's one fine looking build, Colin. Well done!
Wow! That's some fantastic modeling skills on display there - outstanding!
Man, that's some heavy lifting to get to the version you were after. Looks fantastic! Master craftmanship on display.
Insane conversion work Collin, brilliant result. A truly superlative model, a contest winner I’m sure
What a cool build! Thanks for sharing.
Rod
These are my Grumman amphibians so far, all 1/48, and they come in small, medium, and large!
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Outstanding modification! Your dedication and research truly paid off.
This is spectacular. As someone who knows nothing about the subject, I was amazed at the level of detail and research done to achieve this stunning result.
I love ASR planes!