Monogram 1/48 DC-3 vs. C-47 kits

I'm reasonbly sure that they are from the same molds with some additions and deletions.
The DC-3 will have seats facing forward in two rows while the C-47 has seats that line the sides facing each other. Does that make sence?
I have the C-47 but not the DC-3, so I am only speculating on the DC-3.

Randie

The DC-3 is the civilian version of the C-47. The military made only minor internal changes to suit the missions that they were doing. As for the kit, I believe they are the same with different decals.

Carpet bombing in a B-52 at 50,000 ft is very accurate. The bombs allways hit the ground!

Drew

I think the big difference between the C-47 and the DC-3 is the C-47 has the 2 piece
cargo door on the port (left) side while the DC-3 had a passenger door on the starboard
(right) side. There also may be differences with the carburator air scoops but, I'm not
sure about those. Anyone?
Ray

According to an article I have from Scale Models international, Dec '96, I can give you the following gen;
Pre WW2, no DC 3 had the freight door, & only some, notably American Airlines, had a door on the right, probably a hangover from the DC 2.
Pre WW2 most DC 3's used only the single row Cyclone engine, the twin row R 1830 was introduced on the C 47, though some of those used R 2000's. (Check out the South African R R Dart turboprop conversion !) I've even seen pic's of a Trimotor DC 3.
Side windows can vary, and the US Navy R 4 had a different fin &, I think, a fuselage 'plug' forward of the wing. this was used on some DC 3's too.
Russia reverse engineered the C 47/DC 3 to produce the Li 2, probably using the same engine as used in the An 2. And how about this for versatlity, an article in
Aeroplane Monthly or Flypast a while back, showed how Czech film makers altered an Li 2 to produce a very convincing Wellington! I don't think it flew though.
So yes, Quagmyre, it's probably the same kit, though the engines/cowlings may be different.
And if anyone is interested, the SMI article compared the Airfix, Italeri & Esci DC 3's in 1/72nd. All have faults, but it turns out the Esci is most accurate, except for the props.
Also, yes, the WW2 luftwaffe used DC 2's & 3's, usually ex KLM. Japan had them too, they used them as transports & used the wing design for a Bomber.
Pre war, China airlines had an accident in one of their DC 2's, and replaced one wing using the bigger one from a DC 3, it still flew fine!
There is only one replacement for a DC 3, & that's another DC 3.
Hope this helps.
Pete

DrewH,

Sorry to be picky, but the C-47 is the military version of the DC3, not the other way round!

I used to have a holiday job when I was younger working doing cleaning jobs etc for a small airline and they had 3 "Daks". Wonderful old birds!

G'day Folk's,

If I may add this corection to the DC-2 with the DC-3 wing section, the DC-2 was Operated by an Airline based in New Guinea, the outer starboard wing was from a China Airways DC-3, which had been damaged in the region. This particular aircraft was dubbed a DC-21/2 as it flew Refugees and Personal into Australia.

Rob.

The DC-3/C-47 with the different fin was also designated as the C-117. I think the Navy
called both versions the R-4 or R-4D
Ray

Lobbie, it's at least 30 years since I saw the photo of the wingswap, yet I do still remember the DC 2 1/2 reference, so it must have made a big impression.
Anyway, we're all chuntering away about this superb aircraft, quagmyre started it all, but where is he?
Are you there?
knock once for yes, & don't if you're not....
Pete

Still here. Just watching the fire I started!

My questions were answered.

Ah, Good, another happy customer for the FSM braincell swapping service!
A smile, a song and a distant memory. (plus, maybe, a photo & an obscure reference)
Pete

Got a great photo of an Aussie Dak with the front half of the fuselage painted, and the rear half highly polished bare metal!!