The Unofficial Airfix Modellers' Forum

I had picked up a 1/72 Boeing C-97A by Academy at the model show in Marietta, Georgia last month and was inspired to back date the aircraft back to one of the service test prototypes. The six YC-97s were powered by the same R-3350 engines that drove the B-29. Later, they went back to the Boeing plant and had the R-3350s replaced with the more powerful R-4350s found on the later B-50s. As I was already using parts from an extra Enola Gay kit to make a B-50A, why not take the engines and put them on the C-97 and freeing up the Stratofreighter's engines for the B-50 build? So, here is what I have done so far during Spring Break.

That is looking awesome. Can't wait to see the finished model. I have one of these in the stash. Any issues with the build?

All the best.

Greg

Beautiful! I bet it was a handful to fly being so under-powered.
Did you use Alclad for that natural metal look?

Nice work on the NMF Chuck

MDT wrote:Beautiful! I bet it was a handful to fly being so under-powered.
Did you use Alclad for that natural metal look?

Alclad "Airframe Aluminum" was used for the NMF finish and Humbrol Insignia Red for the arctic markings.

Gregers wrote:That is looking awesome. Can't wait to see the finished model. I have one of these in the stash. Any issues with the build?

All the best.

Greg

None at all. Just be prepared to add a lot of weight to get it sitting on the nose wheel. That said, there is a lot of space available for weights.

Chuck Finley wrote:

MDT wrote:Beautiful! I bet it was a handful to fly being so under-powered.
Did you use Alclad for that natural metal look?

Alclad "Airframe Aluminum" was used for the NMF finish and Humbrol Insignia Red for the arctic markings.

Cheers for that! Got a few models in stash that need a decent NMF and yours just looks right. I need some Alclad.

MDT wrote:Beautiful! I bet it was a handful to fly being so under-powered.
Did you use Alclad for that natural metal look?

Not sure about it being underpowered; the listed empty weight for the B-29 was 74,000 pounds and the C-97A was 83.000 pounds. The prototype was recorded as flying 383 mph with a 20,000 pound cargo during testing. (No mention of altitude or tailwind, however.) The 4360 engines had a much better altitude performance and the increased power was probably very much needed for the tanker versions, as they had to try to fly fast enough and high enough to refuel the jets that were coming into service. Even then in the KC-97L, J-47 jet pods were added to the wings to enhance the speed so that jets could safely be refueled.

Mike

BTW, cracking job so far- love the red hi-viz scheme as well- can't wait to see the finished product!

Great work Chuck, that really looks the business!

Looks superb, Chuck.

Looks great so far, well done.

Finally finished, I had to print out the serial number on my laser printer.

Boeing YC-97 Stratofreighter (#45-59588), assigned to the 1st Strategic Support Unit, Strategic Air Command, Kirtland Field, NM 1948.

















*note*
In 1947, the aircraft underwent the Project Chickenpox conversion for the transport, mobile assembly and maintenance of nuclear weapons. In 1950, the aircraft was sent back to Boeing where it received R-4360 engines in place of the original R-3350s.

Magnificent work Chuck; you're going to need an airfield extension now!

Big and beautiful, that is a great piece of work Chuck.

Smart. The contrast between the red and the shiny areas is smashing.