Northrop BETA 3

[roadrunner2]

hello,
I'm searching Northrop BETA 3 plans and pictures to scratch an 1/48 scale model...

 

[hesham]

Hi Roadrunner2,


please see this site;


http://www.skytamer.com/Northrop_1931(Beta3D).html

 

[roadrunner2]

Thanks,
I know , the photo is from this site.
Any chance to find a better plan anywhere ?

 

[VictorXL188]

Which version are you looking for, the inline two seat Beta 3, or the radial engined, single seat Beta 3D?

 

[Justo Miranda]

Alpha and Beta info

 

[Bernard B]

Alpha and Beta info

Actual, the radial engined plane was eventually modified, so there are three configurations in all. I think that drawing may be from one of those Annuals that were put out from about 1919 and for a long time. It is probably not superaccurate, but good enough for a decent model. There is an article by Bowers in Wings (I think) with good photographs. I thought it was the Beta, and the 3 and 3D is news to me.

 

[Apophenia]

Actual, the radial engined plane was eventually modified, so there are three configurations in all... I thought it was the Beta, and the 3 and 3D is news to me.

It was the Northrop Model 3 Beta in its original, inline-engined form. The Beta 3D thing seems to originate with Stearman. BTW, the radial Beta wasn't exactly a "single cockpit" type (as in Justo's text), it was simply fitted with a blanking plate over the forward position to allow for certification as a single-seater.

Anyway, the "three configurations" you refer to would be:

- 1) Northrop Model 3 Beta: X963Y (NC963Y); the first, inline-engined prototype
-- 1 x 160 hp Menasco C-6S Buccaneer; short, trousered u/c; crashed LA, 12 Aug 1931

- 2) (Northrop) Stearman Beta 3D; X12214; the second, radial-engined prototype
-- 1 x 300 hp P&W Wasp Jr; longer main gear; w/o 16 Jan 1932 at Hicksville, NY

- 3) Stearman Beta 3D; NC12214; rebuilt second prototype for flap testing
-- 1 x 300 hp P&W Wasp Jr; crashed 05 May 1934; structural failure of modified wing
-- https://calisphere.org/item/8b095d1c1db1cbc2ba8917fd6db6ac40/

 

[Bernard B]

It was the Northrop Model 3 Beta in its original, inline-engined form. The Beta 3D thing seems to originate with Stearman. BTW, the radial Beta wasn't exactly a "single cockpit" type (as in Justo's text), it was simply fitted with a blanking plate over the forward position to allow for certification as a single-seater.

Anyway, the "three configurations" you refer to would be:

- 1) Northrop Model 3 Beta: X963Y (NC963Y); the first, inline-engined prototype
-- 1 x 160 hp Menasco C-6S Buccaneer; short, trousered u/c; crashed LA, 12 Aug 1931

- 2) (Northrop) Stearman Beta 3D; X12214; the second, radial-engined prototype
-- 1 x 300 hp P&W Wasp Jr; longer main gear; w/o 16 Jan 1932 at Hicksville, NY

- 3) Stearman Beta 3D; NC12214; rebuilt second prototype for flap testing
-- 1 x 300 hp P&W Wasp Jr; crashed 05 May 1934; structural failure of modified wing
-- https://calisphere.org/item/8b095d1c1db1cbc2ba8917fd6db6ac40/

I haven't seen the crash picture before -- ugly. What I was referring to, and I suspect it happened before the ship was rebuilt by Stearman, was that the cockpit was modified. As far as modelling goes, it looked very cool with both cockpits. I think this would have made the basis for an impressive racing plane.

 

[Stargazer]

Two more photos of the Beta 3D:

 

[Bernard B]

Such a cool machine. That is before the streamline canopy was put on. It looked really good both ways.