I'm gathering references on the Pe-2 at the moment, and I've run into something that I can't seem to find confirmation on. Can anyone confirm that there are two styles of lower gun positions? I'm not in a location to check my references well, but if memory serves me correctly, there is one that is more streamlined and tapered at the rear that appears to open to the rear to allow direct line-of-sight for the gunner back along the 6-O'Clock low. The other style is more blunt in shape, and includes a trough for the gun to sit in while stowed, and two doors which open downward to allow the gun to be lowered where it was aimed using a periscopic sight. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Matt

Hi Matt

According to the Crowood book, there were several variations - an OP-2l Machine gun with a 160 degree periscopic sight on early aircraft, twin 12.7 mm UBT guns on later machines, and a 20mm MB-2 cannon installation. Unfortunately the book doesn't really help much with the external appearance from a modelling point of view.

All the best

Rowan

Hi Matt,

While not a Pe-2, maybe these pix from a TU-2 can provide some insight:

http://gallery.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php/cat/21340

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping that someone would have the magic answer, but it seems as if I'm more in the dark than ever.

@ Rowan:

Would you recommend the Crowood book? It's a bit pricey these days, but I have seen copies for sale.

@ Frederick:

Thanks for the thought. I do appreciate it.

Matt

Matt, I'm not sure how much it will help, but I have The Illustrated Book of Fighter Aircraft by Francis Crosby. It has a page on the Pe-3, but in the photos on the page it also seems to have a couple of Pe-2's pictured.

I can try to email a scan of the page to you of you want.