"Sucker Punch" Modified B-25 Updated 5-20-15

[am73grand]

Even though this movie came out in 2011 I just saw it a few weeks ago. This plane is on the screen for maybe all of 2 minutes but it's just so cool. I had to build it. Here are a few screen shots:

I also found this incredible plan view on the 'net. The artists name is on the print

We'll get to work after the jump!

Edited May 20, 2015 by am73grand

[am73grand]

The first step was to figure out the mods. Here are a few:

full bulkhead behind the pilot

widen the fuselage

add a door to the left side

move the upper plexi bubble

redo the rear gunners position

redo the rear tail area

convert the right engine to a jet.

I started with this kit:

I cut the door in the left side:

I'll clean it up later.

I then filled the hole for the bubble turret:

And here's where I left off. I cut the top off a second plane to bulk up the rear fuselage.

Next I will reconfigure the tail section to better match the original. I'll also mold in the new upper section and then start assembly.

Thanks for looking!

[Roadrunner]

Very cool project. Never saw the movie, but somebody certainly took some liberties with reality.

[philo426]

I just made that kit and you have to add quite a bit of weight to make sure it is not a tail sitter.I had to use 6 .451 lead round balls from my 1860 Army cap and ball pistol to make her sit right and made a replacement nose gear from brass and aluminium tubing.The main gear are sturdy enough to use as is.

[Dave Van]

I've had the same idea......but way down on the list.

You are going into more detail than I planed.....so I'll just watch!!!

GREAT film IMHO.....

[am73grand]

Thanks for your interest guys.

Phillip, I'm going to pose it flying. Thanks for the tip on the weight though!

Dave, I loved this movie the first time I saw it. Such a cool concept.

Last night I got a lot done, I extended the horizontal stabilizers and widened the lower rear fuselage.

I also reinforced the horizontals so they won't droop later.

I also found parts to modernize the dash:

a setup to light the wings, dash and engine:

And I found something to use as a base:

Next up will be fitting out the rear gunners positions and building the light box to illuminate the dash.

Bodywork and paint on this are gonna be a bear!

Thanks for looking!

[Scalper]

Cool. Cooler with lights.

[cobraman]

You have my attention !

[philo426]

Awesome!

[Codi]

Ron, you're to be commended for taking on this project. Wild movie, wild plane. Can't wait to see how it turns out. Cheers, Tim

[Ace-Garageguy]

Looks to me like larger vertical stabs or a ventral fin might be more to the point aerodynamically than the slightly swept leading edges on the horizontal. She might just try to yaw a little bit when all the thrust of the turbojet comes on. Just sayin'...

Cool project.

[am73grand]

Got some more work done on this last night. I de-soldered the LEDs from the board:

I cut 4 lengths of wire:

Then I soldered them into the board where the LEDs were:

I will now solder the LEDs to the wires.

Next up I start working on the rear interior.

Thanks for looking!

[Snake45]

I just made that kit and you have to add quite a bit of weight to make sure it is not a tail sitter.I had to use 6 .451 lead round balls from my 1860 Army cap and ball pistol to make her sit right and made a replacement nose gear from brass and aluminium tubing.The main gear are sturdy enough to use as is.

Lately, I've been Dremeling out the rear fuselage and tailfeathers of notorious tailsitters. Really cuts down on the weight you have to add up-front. In some cases you can even get away without any.

Your brass nose gear is a good idea for weight, but it's not necessary for strength. It's a myth that if you add weight in the nose, it stresses the nose gear. That weight, unless WAY excessive, all goes on the main gear, not the nose gear. Think about it.

[philo426]

Well I tried the plastic one and it seemed awfully fragile so I am glad that I made the metal nose gear.The main gear struts are plastic but seem very sturdy and they support the weight just fine.

[Zarana-X]

Neat. I knew the movie plane was modified, but I didn't realize the extent of it!

[spencer1984]

Great project, and nice work so far! I'm still holding out for someone to release a B-25 in 1/24 or 1/25

[Snake45]

I'm still holding out for someone to release a B-25 in 1/24 or 1/25

Well, that's one way to ensure that you'll never have to build a B-25!

[philo426]

Yes!I have a 1/48th B-24 and it is big!1/24th would be massive!