As you all know, Roden released a little while back a 1/72 scale 2-seat trainer version of the Sopwith Camel as used by a number of training squadrons in England. The two seat camel was converted by removing the guns and ammunition, moving the pilot forward, relocating and reducing the fuel tank, and installing a second cockpit behind the first. The idea was that pilots could be trained in the Camel's vices with the helping (yet cramped) hands of an instructor, however, of course the handling qualities were somewhat different between the single and two seat variants. There was at least one in service with 5SQN Australian Flying Corps, which piqued my interest:
This scene shows the disassembly of two seat Camel F1946 of 5AFC at the end of hostilities. I decided that the above scene would make the basis for a nice little diorama.
As far as I am aware, there is no commercial conversion or kit of the two seat Camel in 1/48 scale. So I have decided to convert the Eduard 1/48 scale single seater kit. So far all I have done is the cockpit openings. The conversion was reasonably simple, using the two kit pieces supplied, I cut, spliced and filled until I had the basic shape - the front cockpit was moved forward, a second placed behind, and the headrest fitted. Bulkheads were added, as were windscreen brackets and coamings for both cockpits. Anyways, here is what it looks like before paint.
And after:
Here is a comparison to the kit parts, showing the differences. I have not yet added the locating holes for the cabanes.
Next is onto the cockpit itself. Does anyone have any schematics or pics of the two seat camel's cockpit? I am thinking that the seats would have been raised slightly to counter the cramped leg room. Anyone know where the fuel tank was relocated to? I am thinking it was probably forward of the front pilot where the ammo cans may have been, or perhaps under the rear seat? Anyone?
Cheers!
BC
