The styrene 1/48
scale model is as simple snap-on kit to which I have modified
wings and body with dremel tools. I have fashioned the Dynamic Duo
from other figures and modified the cockpit to now allow for two
pilots. Historically, by Spring 1940 Batman had replaced his
autogyro with the first of several open-cockpit, mid wing,
single-prop monoplane versions. Initially displaying a
water-cooled machine gun mounted on the front, by 1942 his planes
had become an enclosed-cockpit, low wing version that featured
gently scalloped, batlike wings with a conventional fuselage, tail
assembly and retractable undercarriage – which this model
attempts to demonstrate! |
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I find that the
model kit easiest to convert is the Curtiss P-40 or P-40E series.
The shape is consistent with many of Bob Kane’s airplane
interpretations, though admittedly, the version sometimes changes
even in the same story! Here I took the 2001 New-Ray Toys Co.
Ltd., Kowloon, Hong Kong kit #20215F1 to which after dremelling
the body, adding batflaps, etc, I airbrushed deep blue fuselage
with flat black undercarriage. My proudest success is making both
Batman and Robin, who are seated and looking out for adventure! |
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A few weeks
later, I came across a Balsa wood model kit. I have never worked
wood but again I was inspired to convert the Guillow’s Grumman
TBF Avenger Navy WW2 Torpedo Bomber kit #509 into a Batplane. Here
the mid wing design was lowered slightly, and the cockpit was
modified to remove the back gunner’s turret entirely. By also
extending the back rudder design right to a modified cockpit the
fuselage line became aerodynamically pleasing and consistent with
the comics’ designs. Again the period I chose to recreate
represents presumably post 1942 and probably no later than 1946 or
so. The Bathood is actually from a modified Barbie doll swimsuit
support attached to the plane’s nose cowl ! I give credit to my
young daughter for the “donation.” The eyes and
‘face’ line are simply decals cut out from the original
kit’s markings. I gave my version a tail wheel and scalloped
wheel flap covers consistent with the comic book look. To create
the large scalloped wing span I purchased extra Balsa, drew
several patterns until one satisfied me and then scored the design
on the Balsa but only after I had glued the trailing edge. This
allowed to compensate for any wing ribs which might interfere. I
never completed the plane. I chose to leave off the tissue skin
because I found the ‘skeletal’ look actually appealing. I
installed the rubber band to the propeller. The Batman torso is
cut out from the 1989 McDonalds premium and painted blue-purple. |
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