Resin model of the Boulton & Paul P.12 Bodmin bomber

The photographs represent the model made of resin in 1:72 scale. The original was the British Boulton & Paul P.12 Bodmin bomber built in 1924. The photos of the model were taken at the 12th International Festival of Plastic Reduction Models Bytom 2015. Two prizes were awarded at this event for making the replica.

The plane, whose resin model is shown in the photo, is an implementation of the idea that engines mounted inside the fuselage drive propellers placed on the wings. It was a fairly bold concept with the advantage that the engines could be operated by a mechanic in flight. There was a closed and lit space between the engines, in which the mechanic could work in an upright position. The disadvantage of this design was the extra weight of the gears, supports and shafts that had to connect the motors with the propellers.

In the fuselage, between the wings, there was an engine room with two 24-liter Napier Lions engines, each with 336 kW (456,7 KM). These were 12-cylinder units in the so-called the "W" system, that is three rows of four cylinders with pistons driving one crankshaft.

There was a narrow cargo space under the engine room.

The cylindrical shapes between the propellers are fuel tanks, and between them and the fuselage there are coolers.

The crew consisted of four people: a pilot, two shooters and a mechanic.

Only two flying copies were produced that proved that the project works. However, the planes did not enter mass production.

Specifications:

• Length: 16.27 m (53.38 ft),
• Wingspan: 21.34 m (70 ft),
• Empty weight: 3592 kg (7919 lb),
• Takeoff weight: 4990 kg (11,005 lb),
• Max speed: 187 km/h (116 mph),
• Service ceiling: 4877 m (16,000 ft),
• Rate of climb: 4.05 m/s do wysokości 1981 m (797 ft/m to 6500 ft).

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boulton_Paul_Bodmin
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napier_Lion
• https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silnik_w_uk%C5%82adzie_W
• http://ipms-warszawa.pl/boulton-paul-p-12-bodmin/

29 Mar2018