Martin YP6M-1 Seamaster
Airmodel


Seamaster model in 1/72 scale : Airmodel vacuform

real seamster real seamaster
The Martin Seamaster was an unique flying boat as it was equipped with four jet-engines on top of its wing. The 1956 project of the Martin company was done for the US Navy that wanted a fast, large range flying boat that could strike anywhere in the world from remote bases on sea. The Seamaster was capable of flying almost Mach 1 "on the deck", e.g at sea level. The Seamaster prototypes differed as the second type, which the model represents, has substantial changes from the original prototype XP6M-1. Although the design was pretty good, some redesign was done, mainly on wing sweep and engine fairings. The YPM6-1 has a wing with dihedral, other nose section and canted engines on the wing. Further manufacturing was cancelled after a number of accidents and large costs overruns. It was the only long distance jet powered flying boat that was used although in small numbers. 

The model is a vacu-form kit from Airmodel from Germany. Airmodel was founded by mr. Schadler in Germany, who died in 1980. But the moulds were taken over by Frank Modelbau. Although the accuracy of many vacu models is questionable, Airmodel at the time provides unique subjects to the modeller.

airmodel instructions seamaster

The Seamaster kit is very basic but the overall shape is OK. The model is over 22" inches in length and wing has a span of over 16".

The Airmodel vacuform had no problems to built it, although all rough panellines where filled and re-scribed.  The usual vacuform techniques are needed: sanding and removing the separate parts, alignment, loads of putty and sanding. And finding your own markings...


 
The model has no cockpit interior and no gear. The Seamaster had a special made beaching gear that enabled the aircraft to be towed/go ashore. As I wanted the model to be in my cabinet without "water", a gear had to be made. The yellow beaching gear was made from scratch from rod and cart. The floats were made on old ballpens!
dolly




The gear gives a nice color effect on the rather grey aircraft. Contrary as what is to be expected, the Seamasters where painted very Gloss Dark Sea Gray (FS36118) with white under surfaces. (See reference 1)

The view from the rear; note brake and rear turrets.


Another view of the gear .

The upper view with white spoilers and elevator in the tail.

The cockpit area has to be faired in with the glass section. The cockpit was fully detailed with parts from the scrap box and cart. 

seamaster


upper view  

tarmac

Note: a short run kit was released by MACH2 in 2009 and a full resin kit by Anigrand in 2006

 

References:
- Navy Air Colors, Volume 2, Squadron Signal publications USA
 - Martin aircraft 1909-1960, Breihan / Piet / Mason, ISBN 0-913322-03-2 
     
 
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Created this page  November 26, 2000

 an old model of the North American Fury FJ-1 from a vacuform Rareplanes kit