Gloster Pioneer G.40 Orlik in 1/33

[Isaac]

Continuing my builds of early jets and Luft 46 type projects is this Gloster flying test aircraft.



This kit has been a subject of a few recent builds. Specifically on this forum it is Tim Crowe’s .

Link here: Gloster Whittle, Orlik 9/2005 1:33 Scale

Also, on the Polish forum.

Moja pierwsza relacja Gloster G.40 Pionieer z orlika


I wanted to add my version for this really fine designed kit. I think Orlik did a good job on the aircraft model without going overboard with the details. However, I am not sure about the Jet Pioneers Whittle W1 engine. Specifically it’s forward section and it’s mounting. However, it is a worthwhile engine nonetheless.

A bit of history on the aircraft.

The full name is the Gloster E28/39. Based on the request for design in 1939. The aircraft is also known as the G.40, the Whittle and the Pioneer. The aircraft was really a flying test bed for the engine. It was not a fighter by any means and used for research into jet propulsion at the time. Whittle was working on this jet engine for years, only to be snubbed repeatedly. Same in Germany with Van Ohain ( which I actually had the pleasure of talking to him back in the 1990’s ).

There are multiple You Tube videos showing the aircraft performing low altitude passes ( kind of stupid considering this was a research plane ).
Gloster E28 - YouTube
Gloster E.28/39 Jet Revealed - YouTube


The aircraft were used for various engine installation. It led to combat aircraft like the Gloster Meteor ( flew in WW2 ), and others.

A little on Jet engine design:

The engine is of a Centrifugal or radial flow compressor design. Meaning that the air entered a diffused area and then it gets sucked into the engine inlet, and compressed by an impeller radially outwards. When it exits, it then enters the burner cans ( those cylinders around the engine ) where fuel is sprayed and mixes with the compressed air. Then it exits and impinges itself onto the Turbine blades causing them to turn. Since they are on a common shaft, they rotate the compressor impeller to compress more air. This is a continuous cycle as long as fuel is introduced and burned.


http://www.enginehistory.org/GasTurbines/W2B.shtml



These radial flow engines differed from axial flow compressor engines ( like the Jumo 004 ) or today’s military engines in that the compressor was less affected by conditions upfront ( so you don’t really need a clean inlet ). Also, they were more compact and shorter since the compressor and combustor cans were arranged close to each other.

You can follow this link for a quick tutorial of Centrifugal vs. axial flow compressors:
Welcome to the Frank Whittle Website


This kit does have a W1 engine. However, the front of the engine is not correct. Also, it does not show the air ducts from the nose of the aircraft to the engine bay. So to be accurate, the engine needs modification ( which for now, I am not prepared to do ). Also, I really don’t know how it is mounted in the aircraft, so I am not trying it ).

Here is info and a picture of the actual engine:

File:PowerJetsW.1.JPG - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Pictures from the web used for public use:







The kit.

This is a really nice kit. It is printed in rich colors on good card. It also has lots of detailed sketches which do a good job for most parts.



I also purchased the laser frames. They came to be very handy. However, the fuselage is all round frames and there is nothing special going on.



Orlik also has English instruction on their web site:



The only issue that I see is making a vacuformed canopy (specifically the windshield).



That is all for now. Next is the build itself.



Cheers


Isaac

[Tim Crowe]

Looking forward to this build, Isaac

It's a really nice kit, and the laser cut parts are well worth it.

Tim

[nighthawk78]

Looking forward to this build as-well!!!
NH78

[Isaac]

It makes sense to start with the fuselage.


Here are the frames.



Specifically, with the cockpit section. This is the central part and must be done first. I assembled the tub and then added parts to it.






More soon.


Isaac

[Isaac]

Here you continue building the cockpit.




The frames for the nose gear bay are added with the colored side inward.


The pilot seat is built, however, I did not install it to the cockpit. It will be added at the end.


I then added a weight to the nose. This is needed or else you will have a tail seater.

Also, the outer skins that will allow for a smooth assembly of the fuselage skin



The nose intake spliter is built next.





Isaac

[yaelb]

Looking forward, Isaac, to see the continuation of your build.
Theo

[Isaac]

Here are the parts laid out




Started in the forward section around the cockpit. The outer skins are fitted.



Small gap on the bottom. I will fix it later. I needed to match the top.



More going forward.





Since I am not building the engine compartment, there is no need to use the inner green parts.



At this point, I did not go forward to the nose. I needed to assemble the landing gear strut and check for balance in case more weight was needed.

The aft section is next


Isaac

[Isaac]

The aft sections are simple conical shape and fit well.








For now, The exhaust pipe is not installed. Also, as stated, The engine for my build is not installed in the fuselage.




Isaac

[asaf]

Watching with great interest

[nighthawk78]

i'm enjoying watching the build so far.
NH78