Martin YP6M-1 Seamaster


Seamaster model in 1/72 scale
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", eg at sealevel.  Although the design was OK, the project was cancelled after a number of accidents and large costs overruns.
The model is a vacu-form kit from Airmodel from Germany. The 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 YPM6-1 has a wing with dihedral, other nose section and canted engines on the wing. The Airmodel vacuform had no problems to built it although all rough panellines where filled and re-scribed.


 
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!.


The Seamaster prototypes differed as the second type, which the model represents, has substantial changes from the original prototype XP6M-1.

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 a 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. .


 
Recommended 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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3KB back to homeCreated November 26, 2000
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 an old model of the North American Fury FJ-1 from a vacuform Rareplanes kit