Speaking of Winged Thingies

I think the hobby lacks good DC-3 kits, especially in 1:72.  I mean a real DC-3, not a converted C-47.  The latter can be converted to a DC-3 with some work, but is not a DC-3.  There is the Roden kit in 1:144, but the hobby needs a good 1:72 kit.

Similarly there is no decent Ford tri-motor in any scale!

Hello!

Don, could you sum up the differences between a DC-3 and the C-47?

tankerbuilder - that's advertising at its finest. Somehow people want accurate models, but they also want them pretty and durable - that can't be done 100% and all at the same time, and that's how you arrive at the ready made models that can be bought for not so much money. But there's a market for them too, so no wonder they are being sold.

Thanks for reading and have a nice day

Paweł

In terms of whats available on the market at 1/72, it's the cargo door. Airliners didn't have them.

The new-tool C-47 from Aifix is very nice.  Maybe they will do a DC-3 variant. 

I solidly agree, there are no more signifcant commercial aircraft than the DC-3. Some rival it in terms of era/signicant performance and construction advancements, but the Doug is among the top of the field that resulted in MAJOR aviation improvements.

Another that I consider significant but not well recognized, the Boeing 247. Huge structural advancements and significant performance increase, but a little late and found itself pitted against the DC-3. Understandably it was not heavily produced, but a really good airplane it was.

I had the opportunity to see the 247 at the Seattle Museum of Flight, while it was undergoing some restoration work. Partially dis-assembled it was clear that the structure was really stout, very robust and strong. Just too small and couldn't compete adequately, when going up against the -3.

Probably not sufficient interest among modelers to warrant producing a quality 247 model, but I'd sure like to have a few.

Patrick 

Agree, as a United brat. Williams Bros. made the only one I know of.