Curtiss-Wright CW-21B

[Second Air Force]

A comparison of the kit engine, prop, and long spinner next to the resin examples that will replace them:

Curtiss-Wright CW-21B

The resin versions are an R-1820-32 and the Hamilton Standard counterweight prop with the short spinner dome that is correct for the CW-21B. The master for these came from an old Hasegawa SBD-2 kit. The propeller blades will need to be cut down to the correct diameter and reshaped just a little, but the hub is much better.

[Sall]

Nice mate

[draken35]

Big difference, the resin parts will be a nice upgrade!

[Second Air Force]

Yes, the new engine and prop will be worthwhile, especially since the CW-21 is basically an engine with a little aluminum tagging along behind it! Though there is no resemblance, this little fighter reminds me of the Gee Bee racers--all engine and no airplane.

It pays to have the RTV and resin handy for short-run kits like these. In fact, I removed the propeller and spinner from a completed SBD so I could make these molds.

[Second Air Force]

I couldn't mow the lawn this morning because of weather so I started cleaning up the engine and prop I cast. First the propeller had to be shortened considerably to get the correct diameter for the little Interceptor and this gives it the correct "paddle blade" profile also:

Curtiss-Wright CW-21B

The prior owner didn't do such a great job joining the wing sections so I am drinking coffee and reworking these areas right now. Too bad I have to go to work this afternoon or this project could be very far along by tonight!

[No.1]

Much work as could be seen

[Second Air Force]

This evening I sat down to assemble this little fighter. The person who originally started the build had already installed the photoetched cockpit details and painted both sides of the fuselage, so all that remained for me to do was to fit everything up and glue the pieces together.

Curtiss-Wright CW-21B

If anyone finds one of these little kits for sale it is a rather fun build. It needs a little detailing here and there but is still much easier than the typical vacuform or other short-run injection model.

[draken35]

That aircraft haves a special but nice silhouette...

[No.1]

I just think about to find in waist box some spare parts and to try to built my sample... ?

[Second Air Force]

I can help with an engine, propeller and spinner--just say the word and I'll get a set made up! Also, look in your spares box for some P-40 or similar tires as they are very close to the CW-21s. I'm thinking about turning the landing gear legs from aluminum on my lathe if I can't make these work and I can easily make you a set also.

[No.1]

Good point about P-40!!! Will inform later about...

[Second Air Force]

The Curtiss is ready for paint finally. During the process I decided I wanted an open canopy so I vacuformed the original for "insurance". I've had problems in the past breaking plexiglas when cutting it with my razor saw and wanted a backup canopy just in case. As it turned out I did crack the sliding portion of the original so I'll be using the copy.

Curtiss-Wright CW-21B

Here's the finished engine just before installation in the airplane. The ignition leads are sticking out above each cylinder head because I'm lazy and you can't see them with the cowling on anyway.....

Curtiss-Wright CW-21B

I had to hang the prop and spinner temporarily before painting so I could stare at that huge engine on the tiny airframe.

Curtiss-Wright CW-21B

[draken35]

Splendid, Scott! Your engine is beautiful!!!

[Sall]

Greeeeeeeeeat!!!

[No.1]

Very fast progress!