Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

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vacant
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Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by vacant »

This model has a history that is getting on for 60 years old. It was first built in the early 1960s as the Superfreighter. In about 1980, the nose was chopped off and replaced by a lump of wood to make a Freighter. By that stage, there was a nasty crack in the starboard wing that had to be repaired. It was painted in New Zealand colours of white and silver. It was, however, painted badly. In the mid-1990s, it was repainted and new decals added, also in the New Zealand white and silver colours. Roll on to 2017 when it was repainted yet again with further repair work done to the crack in the wing. It still has its wooden nose.

So here it is in its latest incarnation. I suspect that this will be its last. It is what it is, i.e. a multiple restoration of questionable quality, but it gave me several hours of harmless entertainment.

Image
Lone Modeller
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Lone Modeller »

As with all of your models you understate the quality. If the image is anything to go by that looks like a very good restoration to me.
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iggie
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by iggie »

Lone Modeller wrote:As with all of your models you understate the quality. If the image is anything to go by that looks like a very good restoration to me.
I second that! It can be difficult enough to get a modern new tool kit to look as lived-in (in a good way) as your restorations; your revivals and builds always have 'atmosphere' :grin:
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Nice, the wear on it mirrors its long, hard life.
I have the SF in civilian scheme with Spin-A-Prop motors; I like your the short nose better.
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by DH-Drover »

Vacant. Do you have a set of drawings for the new nose? I had several "Adventures" with that mark of the "Frightener". (Soiled U/Gs mainly :roll: )

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Clashcityrocker
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Clashcityrocker »

Another beauty. I like that a lot.

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skypirate
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by skypirate »

That is a most respectable and well-deserved restoration!

cheers,

David
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Eric Mc
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Eric Mc »

One of my favourite "ugly" aeroplanes.

Just shows, old models never die, they just keep being reincarnated (in Vacant's house anyway).

Lovely job.
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Old_Tonto »

Love it. What a brute of an aircraft.
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Eric Mc
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Eric Mc »

Oh, the Bristol 170 wasn't a "brute". I would say "stately". The only one I remember operating was Aer Turas' EI-APC which they used to fly horses to and from Britain and Ireland. It used to rumble in a stately manner over my house nearly every day until it was sold in 1972.
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by ShaunW »

Excellent, Vacant and what an interesting history this model has with you. All of my builds from the 70's and 80's have been culled and disposed of, I have to admit that the thought of re-building or restoring any of them never really entered my head.
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Stamford »

Some kits get half built, many kits never get built at all - but your kits get built over and over again! Lucky kits!
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by dollar19 »

Excellent Vacant. I always enjoy seeing your builds. Always first rate quality!
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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Gregers »

That's a stunning build. One beautiful restoration job. Very well done.

All the best.

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Re: Bristol 170 Freighter; Airfix 1/72

Post by Spaceowl »

The un-Dakota. Lovely representation of it too - I used to have the Superfreighter kit when I was a youth and always had a soft spot for it.
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