long term project: Tupolev TU-2

[ImpalaSlayer]

My dad just brought back the first piece of one of 2 TU-2 bombers we will be redoing. this piece is friggen ginormous! this plane was build in Russia some time in the early 40s and then sometime after the war,it made its way to china until the late 80s when it was retired. then some time not to long after that it was brought to the states where they sat in the dry desert air. its in remarkably good shape considering this thing is over 65 years old.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/IMG_1214.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/IMG_1215.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/IMG_1216.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/IMG_1218.jpg

internal bombay
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/IMG_1217.jpg

and since im sure almost none of you know what this thing looks like assembled, here is a pic i pulled off the web
http://www.letletlet-warplanes.com/wp-content/gallery/monino-collection/tu-2-photo-2.jpg

i should also mention there are none of these currently flying

[SILVERSURFER03]

Thats going to be a real big plane

[bob6364]

I'm thinking you fellas have a niche market right there...

[n00bkiller944]

Too cool!!!! More pics!!!!

[-Matt-]

Good luck with THAT one!

[Vortex]

Kinda like a Mosquito made of metal.

[Mr. Man]

How long does it generally take to restore one of those Comrade?

[ImpalaSlayer]

How long does it generally take to restore one of those Comrade?

no idea, never done one. prolly a year atleast

[SC Cheesehead]

You restoring it for a customer, or doing it on speculation?

Keep us posted on the progress.

[Mr. Man]

no idea, never done one. prolly a year atleast

I feel a C.A.M. meet at your place may have to happen this summer so we can all see Dplanes. Dosvedanya Comrade Dave :beer:

[ImpalaSlayer]

You restoring it for a customer, or doing it on speculation?

Keep us posted on the progress.
one is and the the second will be sold

[Big Black Beast]

*THAT"S* what you do!?! Can I have your job?

[guspech750]

Thats just way too awesome!! Please post more pictures as it progresses.

[ImpalaSlayer]

*THAT"S* what you do!?! Can I have your job?


yes sir, no you cant :P

[ImpalaSlayer]

Thats just way too awesome!! Please post more pictures as it progresses.


thats the plan, might not get to it for a while but will update as progress is made

[-Matt-]

Wanna hire a A&P Certified aircraft mechanic with his BS in Professional Aeronautics? :):):)

[CBT]

http://www.letletlet-warplanes.com/wp-content/gallery/monino-collection/tu-2-photo-2.jpg

i should also mention there are none of these currently flying

Not even the one in this picture? It looks like it could fly.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Not even the one in this picture? It looks like it could fly.

its at a museum in Russia, the thing you see in the upper left hand corner is part of the worlds largest helicopter. i was told there are none flying, i myself cant be 100% sure.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Wanna hire a A&P Certified aircraft mechanic with his BS in Professional Aeronautics? :):):)

gona move back to DE?

[-Matt-]

gona move back to DE?

Do i get a free alpha jet for an incentive? :)

[ImpalaSlayer]

Do i get a free alpha jet for an incentive? :)

only if you stop by Germany and steal it lol

[-Matt-]

only if you stop by Germany and steal it lol


How about an L-39?

[ImpalaSlayer]

my Dad and my sister just got home with the second center section for the second plane. we really havent done much with the first one yet as we have been tied up with other projects. we are still clearing room to get it into the shop. we added an extra set of axles under the trailer to better handle the load this time.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1317.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1318.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1320.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1321.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1322.jpg

[n00bkiller944]

wow! What does something like that weigh? And what did you tow that thing with?

[ImpalaSlayer]

wow! What does something like that weigh? And what did you tow that thing with?
dosent really weight that much its just so damn big. it only weighs about 5000 pounds

[Blk Mamba]

Doesn't look like there's much corrosion, usually thats your biggest problem, are the engines included.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Doesn't look like there's much corrosion, usually thats your biggest problem, are the engines included.

there isnt much at all which makes this so viable. it is a complete plane.

[Blk Mamba]

Wow, I'd love to do some of that, BTW how many men work for your company.

[ImpalaSlayer]

its me my dad and 2 other guys

[Blackened300a]

dosent really weight that much its just so damn big. it only weighs about 5000 pounds

I would be paranoid driving down the road with it strapped like that! :eek:

[martyo]

Too cool for school!!

[SC Cheesehead]

Dave, is this for a customer, or did you guys buy it on speculation?

[Cheeseheadbob]

Uh, what will she run in the 1/4... and what is the best supercharger for a Tupolev? Trilogy or Vortech? :D

[SC Cheesehead]

Uh, what will she run in the 1/4... and what is the best supercharger for a Tupolev? Trilogy or Vortech? :D

Also, would you recommend going with a tune for the Tupolev, and if so, who has the best one? ;)

[Cheeseheadbob]

Anybody got an opener for the can of worms? All kidding aside, best of luck with the restoration. This one is definitely outside the box! If you need any help with the Cyrillic characters on any of the dials, levers, etc. there are a couple of Russian speaking Marauder geeks on this board. Oh, and for the tune, go with Lidio!
Also, would you recommend going with a tune for the Tupolev, and if so, who has the best one? ;)

[Egon Spengler]

Also, would you recommend going with a tune for the Tupolev, and if so, who has the best one? ;)
I would rather put my money towards go fast mods... brakes can come at a later time... I am not too worried about stopping...

[SC Cheesehead]

Shortys or long tubes for the Tupolev?

[CBT]

Looks like they rotated the tires :shake: :D

[ImpalaSlayer]

Uh, what will she run in the 1/4... and what is the best supercharger for a Tupolev? Trilogy or Vortech? :D

they com factory supercharged, 1850hp per engine

[SC Cheesehead]

they com factory supercharged, 1850hp per engine


That a radial or in-line engine? Looking at the pic in the OP, looks kinda like a radial shroud on the front of the engine.

[ImpalaSlayer]

That a radial or in-line engine? Looking at the pic in the OP, looks kinda like a radial shroud on the front of the engine.

you are correct, i believe they are 14cylinders twin row. they might be 18cyl...

[SC Cheesehead]

you are correct, i believe they are 14cylinders twin row. they might be 18cyl...

Post up a pic whenever you get the cowling off, would be interesting to see.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Post up a pic whenever you get the cowling off, would be interesting to see.

engines or cowlings arnt even here yet. ill be taking lots of pics of this for refrence as the project goes on and ill post them all here as well.

[Joe Walsh]

you are correct, i believe they are 14 cylinders twin row. they might be 18cyl...

Can I mount one of those in my Marauder 'L'...?

BTW: Cool pictures and a BIG resto project!

[ImpalaSlayer]

Can I mount one of those in my Marauder 'L'...?
sure prolly makes over 5000ftlbs of tq lol

[Joe Walsh]

sure prolly makes over 5000ftlbs of tq lol

OK!
Then I'll have to install a CVT behind it.
:rolleyes:

[ImpalaSlayer]

OK!
Then I'll have to install a CVT behind it.
:rolleyes:

4r70 will bolt right up

[SC Cheesehead]

sure prolly makes over 5000ftlbs of tq lol

Not good enough, looking for over 9,000...

[Leadfoot281]

Yikes! :eek:

I think I'm gonna have to quit b!tching so much about my resto project now. :lol:

[ImpalaSlayer]

Yikes! :eek:

I think I'm gonna have to quit b!tching so much about my resto project now. :lol:

yeah you prolly should :P i have 1000s of rusty irreplaceable metric bolts to clean

[ImpalaSlayer]

we got it standing up on its wheels this weekend with a temporary stand for the rear of it.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1335.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1334.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1336.jpg

i can drive the mm under this no problem

[cougar9150]

Wow, very cool Dave. I am so jealous of your job :(.

[RacerX]

Wow, very cool Dave. I am so jealous of your job :(.
??? You would love to clean thousands of irreplaceable rusty metric bolts? :D J/K! That is pretty cool. Must be one hell of a sense of accomplishment to finish and see one in finished condition. Oh yeah, Zack says those inlets are on the passenger side FTW! :lol:

[Egon Spengler]

This is so cool. Please continue to post pics of the progress. My grandfather flew planes in the Navy during WWII and I am facinated by planes and this is a cool project!

[LeoVampire]

Now that is a project and a half to say the least!

But it looks like your busting Butt on it seeing it is already standing on it's own now. :bows:

[ImpalaSlayer]

Wow, very cool Dave. I am so jealous of your job :(.

haha if your ever in town, give me a shout


This is so cool. Please continue to post pics of the progress. My grandfather flew planes in the Navy during WWII and I am facinated by planes and this is a cool project!

will do

Now that is a project and a half to say the least!

But it looks like your busting Butt on it seeing it is already standing on it's own now. :bows:

actually, we have hardly started on it. this is sort of a back burner thing we will do as we have time and other projects finish up. we have atleast 3 to finish before we really get started on this beast and we just took delivery of a fouga today

[ImpalaSlayer]

they moved the center section inside while i was at carlisle

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1347.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1348.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1351.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1352.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1353.jpg

[twin03]

Where did your dad find that at????

[guspech750]

Where did your dad find that at????
And where is the rest of the plane?

[ImpalaSlayer]

Where did your dad find that at????

i could tell ya, but then id have to kill ya

And where is the rest of the plane?
it will be here in a month or 2, plenty to do on this until it gets here.

[ImpalaSlayer]

damn been a while since i updated this. well all the big parts are here now, what we dont have were gona have to make.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1851.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1850.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1849.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1848.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1847.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/TU-2/IMG_1852.jpg

[SC Cheesehead]

Dave, is the new stuff going to hook up to that wing section sitting outside your shop, or is that slated for something else?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/blue%20car/IMG_1834.jpg

[White Knuckles]

This Russian Airboat showed up at the Caffiene & Octane this month.

[Egon Spengler]

Talk about an incredible loading job! That is one tightly packed trailer!

t.w.s.s.

[CBT]

How are yous going to move it once it's all put together? Or do you have a landing strip?

[SC Cheesehead]

How are yous going to move it once it's all put together? Or do you have a landing strip?


His main shop is at the Newark, DE airport...

[Egon Spengler]

landing strip
hehehee:rolleyes:

[SC Cheesehead]

Originally Posted by CBT http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=984416#post98 4416)
landing strip



hehehee:rolleyes:

He said strip....

http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Thumbs/Beavis-Butthead-p21.jpg (http://www.starpulse.com/Television/Beavis_And_Butthead/gallery/Beavis-Butthead-p21/)

[ImpalaSlayer]

Dave, is the new stuff going to hook up to that wing section sitting outside your shop, or is that slated for something else?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blaster250cr/blue%20car/IMG_1834.jpg

yeah Rex, it will all attach to that


This Russian Airboat showed up at the Caffiene & Octane this month.

bad ass


Talk about an incredible loading job! That is one tightly packed trailer!

t.w.s.s.

yeah she was pumped full (just for you)


How are yous going to move it once it's all put together? Or do you have a landing strip?

i have a 3300 foot strip right here, this thing wee need maybe like 700 feet, its got tons of power


His main shop is at the Newark, DE airport...

its actually Newcastle but that is our second shop.

[SC Cheesehead]

As a point of reference for you guys, I initally parked my car next to that engine nacelle, and the car was kinda drawfed by it. Add three more of these, a fuselage, and wing tips, and that's gonna be one big-azz airplane...


yeah Rex, it will all attach to that





its actually Newcastle but that is our second shop.

Oops! :o Right idea, just the wrong name...

[69ranchero351c]

at least it needs less than that dc3 that tried to takeoff at your strip

my dad has one of the props off of it

[CBT]

i have a 3300 foot strip right here, this thing wee need maybe like 700 feet, its got tons of power

Is it paved?

[ImpalaSlayer]

at least it needs less than that dc3 that tried to takeoff at your strip

my dad has one of the props off of it

how you know about that? who is your dad? that was due to engine failure on take off. super charger shredded its self

[69ranchero351c]

how you know about that? who is your dad? that was due to engine failure on take off. super charger shredded its self

yeh i knew it had a problem on takeoff and thats why it didnt make it, i didnt know any specifics just that it had a problem and didnt make it. i think i remember hearing it got fixed and flew outa there? me and my dad are friends with dave brenton. Delaware is a small world. my dad is Dan Towery, Towery Aircraft in Cheswold he only works on Bonanza's this is his personal one

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r108/69ranchero351c/random%20stuff/IMG_0915.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r108/69ranchero351c/random%20stuff/IMG_0905_1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r108/69ranchero351c/random%20stuff/IMG_0906.jpg

[HoleyMoley64]

very impressive, any updates?

[SC Cheesehead]

very impressive, any updates?

Yeah, what's the latest, Dave?

[CBT]

Yeah, what's the latest, Dave?
I think he was waiting to install the shorties. :D Too soon?

[SC Cheesehead]

I think he was waiting to install the shorties. :D Too soon?

http://www.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://www.monstersinmotion.com/cart/bmz_cache/1/115667cfe816b8df439dea5044ea38 12.image.180x83.jpg&sa=X&ei=6XFmTdDZJM6cgQeL0e2MDQ&ved=0CAQQ8wc4Qw&usg=AFQjCNECvg1bF2KF9yGiGeQZ8y 34y7RZug

[ImpalaSlayer]

noting to really look at

[SC Cheesehead]

noting to really look at

Wadda ya mean, that's a big azz airplane IIRC... ;)

[ImpalaSlayer]

progress has been slow, this is a back burner project. not much new stuff worth taking pics of