helicopter truck

[downscale model art]

hi chaps, got myself the pe set for airfix 1.350 hms daring and it includes a nifty little transporter truck that tows the helis on the flightdeck. any idea what colour to paint it cos i cant find a reference

[eddiesolo]

Hi Rob, not too sure myself and hopefully somebody may know better. I would personally go with two colour choices, either a grey or white.

Si

[flyjoe180]

A search showed up grey and white vehicles, but I'd say the tug would be a similar grey to the Merlin (a guess). If you can't finda definitive answer you could always do away with the tug as these guys did in real life: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-royal-navy-merlin-helicopter-survives-freak-deck-mishap-223955/

[eddiesolo]

I did find this Rob, scroll down for the green RN one. http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234923203-royal-navy-flight-deck-tractors-in-172nd-and-148th-by-phantommodels/

Si

[flyjoe180]

I found this, a modern tractor unit which was used on the RN carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible and is still apparently in use on HMS Ocean. There is no mention of it having further use. Looks a bit chunky for towing a Merlin on the small deck of a Frigate or Destroyer I think.

[ATTACH]70293.IPB[/ATTACH]

[eddiesolo]

I found this, a modern tractor unit which was used on the RN carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible and is still apparently in use on HMS Ocean. There is no mention of it having further use. Looks a bit chunky for towing a Merlin on the small deck of a Frigate or Destroyer I think.[ATTACH]69422[/ATTACH]

Same one that is shown in the last pic on my link Joe, I too was thinking it maybe a tad too big but you never know. What we need is Rob to let us know if the model looks like this one.

Si

[flyjoe180]

Yeah I think it's a carrier tractor. This is a more likely system, but difficult to know without seeing the plans for the PE set. Although the Merlin in the 'over the side' link I posted above shows a definite tow bar attached to the nose wheel which this unit does not feature.

RAM Handler

RAM is an ultra low profile battery-electric unit designed specifically for deck and ground handling ofmilitary helicopters and fighter aircraft, especially the new generation low ground clearance aircraft such as the Lynx Mk8.

Multi Aircraft Matrix Acquisition System allows RAM to handle all current and proposed fighter aircraft and helicopters including: Lynx Mk8 Merlin, Harrier, Apache

Brief Specification:-

Low profile 350mm height with 70mm ground clearance

Multi aircraft comparability with no modifications

[eddiesolo]

Yeah I think it's a carrier tractor. This is a more likely system, but difficult to know without seeing the plans for the PE set.RAM Handler

RAM is an ultra low profile battery-electric unit designed specifically for deck and ground handling ofmilitary helicopters and fighter aircraft, especially the new generation low ground clearance aircraft such as the Lynx Mk8.

Multi Aircraft Matrix Acquisition System allows RAM to handle all current and proposed fighter aircraft and helicopters including: Lynx Mk8 Merlin, Harrier, Apache

Brief Specification:-

Low profile 350mm height with 70mm ground clearance

Multi aircraft comparability with no modifications

I agree Joe for that size ship something like a RAM handler would make more sense. Of all the pictures of the hanger area I have not seen any tow tractors or anything.

Si