What-Is-It??

[sandmanoverhaul]

Okay all you intrepid Birdmen, Birdwomen, Avian Enthusiasts, Aero-Geeks and the general Wing-Nuts.... Can anyone tell what this is a model of? Yes, I know but am curious if any of you have an idea? Rest assured that not many models were ever produced and I have sneaking suspicion that this one came from an aircraft company's own model shop. My plan is to finish some additional research and then get to work with its overhaul. The wingspan is about 13" which makes this a 1/20th scale model. First one right gets an atta-boy! (or -girl) and big slap on their proverbial back!! More details to come...

Regards,
Tom Sanders
SANDMAN OVERHAUL

[sandmanoverhaul]

Correction: The model is actually 1/120th scale. The full-sized bird was pretty big and fast
Tom

[sandmanoverhaul]

Not even a nibble. Okay, Clues...

#1 Company was east of the Mississippi.

#2 Airplane was as "all fours"

[Toyplaneguy]

I say it was made by Curtiss-Wright about 1940, but I cannot name the type. What say you?

[sandmanoverhaul]

CORRECT state but wrong company. The large radial engines were a design signature for this particular company. Try Again!!

Tom

[Tone]

Republic Rainbow

[sandmanoverhaul]

Yes! The Republic XF-12 Rainbow! Arguably the sleekest 4-engine airplane, that's 4-radial engines, to ever fly! It was touted to travel over 400 mph at 40,000 ft with four engines hence the "on all fours". It was originally in competition with Howard Hughe's twin engine monster the XF-11. Once WW2 closed down and the Army Air Force became the United States Air Force in 1947, both airplanes were considered obsolete as neither was jet powered.

Too bad the USAF did not allow the engineers at Republic to stuff four J-57's in those sleek cowlings. Or better yet, sweep those wings and tail. Only two were produced. One crashed and the second, sadly, became a target at the army proving grounds at Aberdeen.

I will update as progress unfolds on this model.

Regards,
Tom
SANDMAN OVERHAUL

[MichaelB]

What a unique piece! I look forward to seeing it restored!

[sandmanoverhaul]

Michael,
Lots of votes for the proposed Pan Am (they did get in-line first!) version have surfaced. And, I might consider the original customer, the USAF.
Tom

[MichaelB]

PAA Rainbow