Sombold So 344 Orlik 1:33 scale

[Isaac]

SOMBOLD SO-344





A bit of background:
This is a unique Luft 46 aircraft. Original intent was a fighter, but then changed to a "bomber box buster". This was thought that as American bombers flew overhead in a box formation and in close proximity to each other, a specially modified carrier aircraft will fly close enough and then release the the Sombold 344. It would then fly into the formation and release a detachable nose filled with a 500 KG ( 1100 lbs. ) explosives fitted with fins and a proximity fuse. There were provisions for machine guns as well. The aircraft would then return to land using whatever propellant remained for the Walter 509 rocket engine and then land on its skid.

This type of parasite aircraft was common in reverse by the Luftwaffe with the Mistel series aircraft. Later on after WW2, there were numerous projects that were built and flew as a means of protection primarily for the heavy bomber ( example the B-36 with the F-84 parasite fighter or the XF-85 Goblin ).
Parasite aircraft - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

At the end, missiles took over the task of ground to air defense.

The kit.
This is an Orlik kit and like others it is very well designed and made. I purchased it along with the laser frames a few years ago as part of my Luft 46 collection.

The aircraft parts in this kit come in two A4 sheets and one sheet for the frames. However, the entire kit that I got also includes many ground support/towing equipment pieces including a schlepper ( a 3 wheeled powered tow truck ). The schlepper ( meaning puller or tower in German ) is the same as the one Orlik used in the Lippisch P13 kit I built a few years ago. I rarely built vehicles, but in this case it is really a great enhancer to the aircraft model to show how it is transported on the ground.

Orlik published on their web site English instructions:
http://www.orlik-models.pl/englishversion/sombold.pdf


Cheers


Isaac

[Isaac]

Here is a bit more on what you get from the Orlik kit and the GPM laser frames


Kit







Laser frames


Instructions in English from the Orlik web site





Build is starting



Isaac

[Isaac]

I decided to proceed in building the frames using the laser cut sheets I purchased. Makes it much easier to proceed.

Started in getting the wing attachment frames and the wing frames. Self explanatory here.

Attachment frames:



Wings:






Isaac

[Tim Crowe]

Looking good - Don't think that wings going to fall apart any time soon

Orlik laser-cut parts are good value

Tim

[Isaac]

A bit more of the framing. Back end. Horizontal fins




and vertical tail, upper cockpit roof .


Kind of busy now, but still working it


Isaac

[Isaac]

The aircraft has a bulged belly. The kit has extensive framing to get the right shape.






Isaac

[Isaac]

Since this aircraft does not take off on its own, there is no need for lift at low speed. It has short stubby wings.

The internal structure of the frames is very solid. This kit does provide option for flaps and ailerons. After further study and consideration, I elected not to cut those out since the wings are dark and the detail is not going to add much ( in my opinion ) to this model. So it is a plain wing.







temporarily attached to the fuselage frames





Isaac

[Isaac]

The surfaces wrap around the core frames.

The tips are separate pieces and are canted out when assembled. Those will be glued after assembly to the fuselage.







I again decided not to separate the elevators since it did not appear to add anything.


Isaac

[Isaac]

The vertical fin is now covered and also the cockpit upper section is integral to it. The windshield is not installed yet. It will all come together when assembled.








Isaac

[rockpaperscissor]

Coming along nicely. Very instructional photos.