NASA Douglas C-47
- Eric Mc
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
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NASA Douglas C-47
After my foray into racing cars (Airfix Ferrari 250LM), it's back to an aviation/space theme again.
I decided to build this kit as it combines both of my current favourite topics - classic aircraft and space/aircraft research.
The NACA and NASA used a number of DC-3 variants over the decades for all sorts of tasks. NASA 817 was one of the last they used and was employed for a variety of duties - most often as a general "hack" aeroplane operating between the various NASA centres. NASA even used DC-3s to tow early lifting bodies into the air, although I'm not sure if 817 was used for this purpose. I do know it was often used during the X-15 and lifting body programmes to drop off and collect recovery crews at the various lake bed strips in and around Edwards Air Force Base. It was retired by NASA in 1984.
I'm using the Italeri DC-3/C-47 kit although I think this one is actually the Esci version rather than Italeri's original moulds.
I decided to build this kit as it combines both of my current favourite topics - classic aircraft and space/aircraft research.
The NACA and NASA used a number of DC-3 variants over the decades for all sorts of tasks. NASA 817 was one of the last they used and was employed for a variety of duties - most often as a general "hack" aeroplane operating between the various NASA centres. NASA even used DC-3s to tow early lifting bodies into the air, although I'm not sure if 817 was used for this purpose. I do know it was often used during the X-15 and lifting body programmes to drop off and collect recovery crews at the various lake bed strips in and around Edwards Air Force Base. It was retired by NASA in 1984.
I'm using the Italeri DC-3/C-47 kit although I think this one is actually the Esci version rather than Italeri's original moulds.
- iggie
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Looking forward to this! The NASA scheme will look fabulous
Best wishes
Jim
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow"
Jim
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow"
Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Looking forward to this. I have the same sheet and the new Airfix Dak for doing this aircraft.
All the best.
Greg
All the best.
Greg
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
Albert Einstein
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
Albert Einstein
- Eric Mc
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
A dilemma I foresee will be how best to place the window cheat line decals over the passenger cabin windows. The cheatline decals are solid with no spaces for the window.
My current thinking is to insert the passenger cabin glazing as per the instructions
Mask the windows with rectangle of Tamiya tape
Assemble and paint the model
Remove the Tamiya tape
Place the window cheatlines directly over the windows and, after they have settled, carefully score around the window outlines with a sharp knife removing the unwanted section of decal thereby exposing the transparent windows.
My current thinking is to insert the passenger cabin glazing as per the instructions
Mask the windows with rectangle of Tamiya tape
Assemble and paint the model
Remove the Tamiya tape
Place the window cheatlines directly over the windows and, after they have settled, carefully score around the window outlines with a sharp knife removing the unwanted section of decal thereby exposing the transparent windows.
- Old_Tonto
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Sounds like a plan Eric.
2023 - A:0 B:0 C:0
Current Projects:
East German Air Force (1956-90)
South African Air Force (1958-93)
Current Projects:
East German Air Force (1956-90)
South African Air Force (1958-93)
- Eric Mc
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
I'll post up some progress pictures in the next day or so.
- Eric Mc
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Some progress pictures taken over the past couple of weeks -
The basic components as laid out on the sprues -
After some basic priming, the cabin windows inserted and masked.
The interior. Most of it isn't visible so there was no point in spending too much time trying to detail it to any great extent over and above what is supplied. I've put in some basic seat belts made from strips of masking tape.
The main construction now completed with some filling. I use De Luxe Putty which is great stuff. It's water soluble so you can put it on roughly and then, using a damp finger, it can be smoothed leaving little need for sanding.
I've started on boxing in the landing light recesses using thin plastic card.
Finally, for the moment, some components painted and a dark wash supplied. These will be put aside for later.
Getting close to the main painting stage.
The basic components as laid out on the sprues -
After some basic priming, the cabin windows inserted and masked.
The interior. Most of it isn't visible so there was no point in spending too much time trying to detail it to any great extent over and above what is supplied. I've put in some basic seat belts made from strips of masking tape.
The main construction now completed with some filling. I use De Luxe Putty which is great stuff. It's water soluble so you can put it on roughly and then, using a damp finger, it can be smoothed leaving little need for sanding.
I've started on boxing in the landing light recesses using thin plastic card.
Finally, for the moment, some components painted and a dark wash supplied. These will be put aside for later.
Getting close to the main painting stage.
- iggie
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Good start Eric, it looks a nice kit and well behaved too!
Best wishes
Jim
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow"
Jim
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow"
- Eric Mc
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
- Posts: 4813
- Joined: May 3rd, 2011, 8:27 am
- Location: Farnborough, Hants
Re: NASA Douglas C-47
I have the "other" Italeri mould to do and one of the new Airfix ones as well so it will be interesting to see how they stack up against each other. So far, I have enjoyed assembling this Esci version as it seems to go together without much fuss or bother.
- Eric Mc
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
- Posts: 4813
- Joined: May 3rd, 2011, 8:27 am
- Location: Farnborough, Hants
Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Finally got it finished yesterday afternoon.
It's not as perfect as I would have liked but it's nice to have one of NASA's workhorses in the collection now -
It's not as perfect as I would have liked but it's nice to have one of NASA's workhorses in the collection now -
- Stuart
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
That looks superb Eric!
Stuart Templeton I may not be good but I'm slow...
My Blog: https://stuartsscalemodels.blogspot.com/
My Blog: https://stuartsscalemodels.blogspot.com/
- Old_Tonto
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Re: NASA Douglas C-47
What a stunner. Really well done.
2023 - A:0 B:0 C:0
Current Projects:
East German Air Force (1956-90)
South African Air Force (1958-93)
Current Projects:
East German Air Force (1956-90)
South African Air Force (1958-93)
- Eric Mc
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
- Posts: 4813
- Joined: May 3rd, 2011, 8:27 am
- Location: Farnborough, Hants
Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Thanks chaps.
It's actually all a bit too white for me really. the next DC-3 I do will be an RAF D-Day one, I think.
It's actually all a bit too white for me really. the next DC-3 I do will be an RAF D-Day one, I think.
Re: NASA Douglas C-47
Cracking good job and a joy to see.
Re: NASA Douglas C-47
What a beauty. I really want to get mine done now.
All the best.
Greg
All the best.
Greg
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
Albert Einstein
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
Albert Einstein