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Ya Know!
In all the years they've been making Airliner kits, you'd think the Decal Companies and Plastic Dudes could get it right! I have always had that window/decal problem, no matter what scale or manufacturer! Or what kind of plane. Even My S.S.T had mis-aligned windows on the Decals
missileman2000 That kit can produce a really great model. I know folks who pass it by because it has a reputation of being a lot of work to build. Heller sometimes has the same reputation of several kitmakers today- never mold a piece as a single piece when you can mold it as a three or four piece assembly. but they produce great results if you are patient.
That kit can produce a really great model. I know folks who pass it by because it has a reputation of being a lot of work to build. Heller sometimes has the same reputation of several kitmakers today- never mold a piece as a single piece when you can mold it as a three or four piece assembly. but they produce great results if you are patient.
The same can be said of the older Airfix airliner kits. I suffered through one of their 1/144 DC-9s, wasn't really happy with the end result, so naturally, went right out and bought another one!
mfsob missileman2000 That kit can produce a really great model. I know folks who pass it by because it has a reputation of being a lot of work to build. Heller sometimes has the same reputation of several kitmakers today- never mold a piece as a single piece when you can mold it as a three or four piece assembly. but they produce great results if you are patient. The same can be said of the older Airfix airliner kits. I suffered through one of their 1/144 DC-9s, wasn't really happy with the end result, so naturally, went right out and bought another one!
Well, I'm busy filling and sanding the windows on the fuselage. I expect when it's finally finished the airplane will look really nice. And you're right, Missleman, patience is the key with a build like this.
Yeah, mfsob, a few years ago I stumbled through a build of an old Airfix 1/144 Boeing 314 Clipper. After it was finished, I went right out and picked up another one. Both Clippers are still displayed on the shelf and still looking good.
After I finish the windows, I'll have some more pictures.
OK. In the stash: Way too much to build in one lifetime...
I like kits that have clear decals over window openings. Or, if decals are not for window areas and the kit has open windows I use Micro Scale window material. Unless the kit is very large scale it works fine (1:72, 1:144, 1:200).
Finally - An Update on the Connie.
I'm trying to wrap up as much of 2022 as I can before I begin builds for 2023. Not going too well. Once again I've overwhelmed my self with unfinished builds.
So, I've made a little more progress on the Connie. Just a little. I finished the two outboard vertical tails. They are painted with AK Polished Aluminum and AK Aluminum for contrast and Tamiya Rubber Black for the deicer boots. The decals are from Vintage Flyer.
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I filled the windows on the fuselage with Bondo and then CA glue then sanded and polished the windows. Now I need to shoot some primer over the windows to check to make sure they are filled and smoothed OK.
. I still need to polish the wing roots and finish the engines. Thanks for looking in.
I still need to polish the wing roots and finish the engines. Thanks for looking in.
Looks good, Frank.
John
To see build logs for my models: http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/mymodels.html
Thanks, John.
This has been a bit of a tedious build, but I know the Connie will look great when it's finally finished.
I know I’m going to really enjoy the finished picture, but I love this plane and following the build is fun. Thanks for posting your WIP.
Looking sharp!!
Hey!
You know why we do that? Because we know in our heart we can make it better. I must've had four or five of Revell's old clunkers around till I got one looking, Just so, Just Like the one sitting on the Tarmac at the Airport. Took a few back then!
Hi Frank! This is going to be exciting! I always perk up when someone tackles a large Connie. Such a beautiful and classic airplane. I built a L-1049 a few years ago and posted a build progress on Britmodeler. I've attached the link below that includes the build; if you'll scoll to the end of the post there is an additional link to the finished model. Perhaps there will be some useful info there for you to use as you build. So far, your work looks stellar!! Really anxious to see how to the after market parts will look too!
Cheers!
Paul
Building a Heller 1/72 Connie - Work in Progress - Aircraft - Britmodeller.com
Jeepers, Paul, I looked over your build progress photos and WOW! I certainly hope my build measures up. The airplane has been sitting on the back burner for a while while I finish up some other builds that have been sitting around near completion, just to get them out of the way.
When I saw the underside and the wheel wells with P.E., I thought "Where am I going to find the P.E. for this build?" Well, I found the P.E. on eBay and promptly ordered the set. Should have it next week.
I need to finish the resin engines and modify the nacelles to accept them and I may order aftermarket propellers rather than build the resin propellers that came with the engine set.
Oh yeah, Paul, thanks for the motivation. More soon.
I saw that post on BM, Paul, as I said then, Outstanding. I hope to get to one some day, I have an Extratech PE set and will have to look for some nacelles.
jeaton01 I saw that post on BM, Paul, as I said then, Outstanding. I hope to get to one some day, I have an Extratech PE set and will have to look for some nacelles.
John, I had to get my engines from HLJ.com in Japan. No place stateside had the set.
https://www.hlj.com/1-72-scale-correct-engine-set-for-c121-constelation-plmal7022
Thanks, Frank.
The P.E. arrived today for the Connie. Looks like there's a lot that won't get used. I really only bought the set for the gear wells. We'll see.
Today, the Connie's engines are ready for primer. I attached the tiny exhaust stubs and buffed the surfaces to make sure every thing is ready for paint. I'll paint the cowl flaps separately then attach them later.
Exciting when a plan comes together! And the work has only begun. All the best as you tackle this journey; the wheel well will take time and patience. Fit could be an issue as you go...make sure you dry fit EVERYTHING, before gluing, priming, or painting. Brush painting might be a good choice, so as to add some grime in there. Never seen a Connie gear well that wasn't grimy...including the cleaned up museum displays.
Looking VERY good so far! Keep up the posts and the good work!
Anyone interested in TWA Connie history?
My Dad & two brothers all flew them left seat for TWA. Dad's last flight was in a near-retirement porthole Connie, 1961.
I've some stuff stuffed away in my head......
I think the "Connie" was the plane that began my facination with aircraft. It was 1959, Dad and I took a relative to the airport, stood at the gate while the engines started, the plane slowly moved away, and we all were "dusted with prop wash". I've been hooked ever since. I have the Heller kit finished in TWA livery and it looks great in my display case.
Saw a neat video on Youtube last night. It was a restored C-121 (military Connie) starting up, taking off, a neat flyby, and landing. High quality video. The restoration was exellent. Only markings were stars and bars and UFAF, leaving large areas of nice natural metal finish.
I am looking for a set of these engine sets for my Connie. I checked the site referenced here but did not see them. Does anyone know where I may find a set?
Doug
Flightpath makes EC-121 cowls which are almost the same as the 1049.
https://www.hannants.co.uk/manufacturer/flightpath-uk?product_type_id=1819&search_direction=asc&scale_id=956
BNA Modelworld has the PlusModel set for the C-121:
https://www.bnamodelworld.com/model-planes-engine-details-plus-model-plus-al7022
If interested in jeaton01's link above from Hannants, suggest not dwadlling, they now have 2 left in stock.
jeaton01 Flightpath makes EC-121 cowls which are almost the same as the 1049. https://www.hannants.co.uk/manufacturer/flightpath-uk?product_type_id=1819&search_direction=asc&scale_id=956 BNA Modelworld has the PlusModel set for the C-121: https://www.bnamodelworld.com/model-planes-engine-details-plus-model-plus-al7022 Thanks for the link. Placed the order
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