Martin P6M-2

[David F. Plummer]

Hi H20-ers!

Attached (or below?) is a photo of an almost complete 1/16th scale model of the Martin P6M-2 flying boat. Just a few more little magnets need to be added to keep the water flaps securely closed, then I'll need a new station wagon to get this thing to the H2O. I'll try to add some photos when I do the taxi trials.

[pondflyer]

David,

Great to see this project coming to fruition. Wish we didn't live so far apart - I'd love to see this bird fly! What are the "water flaps" that have to be held closed? Function?

Also, thanks for putting this on the waterplane forum so we don't have to hunt it down in Scale.

Dick:)

[fumblethumbs]

David, I've been following your thread in "Scale", and I must admit to being somewhat in awe of this project. What a beauty you've created! Please, oh please get some video of this thing ROW-ing, and don't forget the sound! All my best on it's maiden, -thumbs

[David F. Plummer]

Hi Dick!

The 'water flaps', more precisely, 'hydro flaps' are small 'doors' on each side of the the aft end of the hull that are used to steer the aircraft/model when it is in the water. For some reason, I don't have a digital photo of them, but will take one and post it. The flaps open in sync with the rudder, and take the place of the more conventional water rudder used on some flying boats.

Dave P.

[David F. Plummer]

Hi Dick!

Ooooppps!!! sorry, forgot to fully answer your question: I used two small wafer-like magnets (one for each door) to hold the doors as tightly closed as possible (the servo and lever arms do keep them closed fairly well, but not real tight), as there is a kind of 'well' in the fuselage on each side to allow for the acutator cables, etc. I sealed these 'wells' from the rest of the fuselage, but want to keep as much water out of the cavities as possible. Of course, water will get in, and the doors ('flaps') will open a bit in flight (with rudder actuation), so my theory is most of the water will drain out, assuming this monster gets off the water. I'll let you know what happens.

[David F. Plummer]

Hello P6M-2 'Fans'

I recorded an image of the LH 'water/hydro flap' - it's attached. Maybe this will help illuminate their operation: these 'flaps' are located, as can be seen, on the hull of the aircraft; they are just forward of the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer's intersection with the top of the fuselage.

[fumblethumbs]

Oh, I get it! The flaps, working in conjunction with rudder, induce drag to aid in the turn. Just like a canoe paddle turned broadside. Cool! -thumbs

[willshep]

!gorgeous!


:D :D :D