1/72 Scale Heller-Humbrol Super Constellation

Challenger350Pilot

Member since
September 2018

1/72 Scale Heller-Humbrol Super Constellation

Posted by Challenger350Pilot on Sunday, September 23, 2018 3:46 PM

This is the 1/72 scale Heller/Humbrol Super Constellation, completed as an L-1049H-82. This particular Constellation (Dutch registration PH-LKN) was entered into service in 1958 as one of 23 Super Constellations at KLM, and one of only three “H” model Connies in the fleet, configured as a “combi” for passenger and cargo carriage. She was christened the “Hermannus Boerhaave”, and could seat 112 when fully configured for passenger carriage. Sometime prior to her retirement from KLM in 1962, she underwent a livery design change, emerging in the later KLM Constellation livery of dark blue stripes over and under her windows. Following retirement, she flew for World Airways, then Flying Tiger Line. She was damaged beyond repair as a result of a fueling accident on Kingman, Arizona, and ended her useful life as a gate guard at the Mojave County Airport there in 1971. Sadly, as has been the finish for most of these beauties, she was broken into scrap in 1975. This model has been a long labor of more than a year, but nonetheless a joy and learning process to finally complete. The additional aprts/pieces used in the kit are the Paul Fisher resin engines and props, Plus Models wheels, landing gear bays and doors, and brass photo etch parts, Dutch Decal cheat lines, livery, and registration decals, F-DCAL details, deicers, and tail "feathers," Vintage Flyer 3D windows, and various gauge copper wire for hydraulic lines and electrical cables, and scratch built antennae. Many thanks to my newly found Canadian friend “radioguy” for his much appreciated and treasured guidance, suggestions, and instructions from his own experience in Connie building…”school never stops!”

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Pawel

Member since
May 2009
From: Poland

Posted by Pawel on Sunday, September 23, 2018 4:07 PM

Hello!

That baby looks really beautiful:

It's so pretty it looks unreal! I sure would like to be able to build this clean.

I would like some day to build the military, early warning radar version of the Super Connie.

Thanks for sharing and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

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GMorrison

Member since
September 2012

Posted by GMorrison on Sunday, September 23, 2018 4:11 PM

Beautiful!

The metal finish is perfect. Did you use Alclad?

Interesting subject- the tail markings are very cool.

Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

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Challenger350Pilot

Member since
September 2018

Posted by Challenger350Pilot on Sunday, September 23, 2018 4:43 PM

Yes! I used Alclad airframe Aluminum.

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jeffpez

Member since
July 2008
From: Summerville, SC

Posted by jeffpez on Sunday, September 23, 2018 5:01 PM

Outstanding job on one of the best looking planes of all time. Thanks for sharing.

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jeaton01

Member since
December 2002
From: Northern California

Posted by jeaton01 on Sunday, September 23, 2018 10:33 PM

Very, very, nice!

John

To see build logs for my models: http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/mymodels.html

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GMorrison

Member since
September 2012

Posted by GMorrison on Monday, September 24, 2018 12:17 AM

I recently read a short story about a scheduled KLM flight from Amsterdam to Batavia in September 1935.

Amsterdam-Budapest-Bucharest-Athens.

Next day- Crete-Alexandria-Bagdad-Basra.

Third day- Jask, Karachi- Jodphur.

Fourth day- Allahabad- Calcutta- Rangoon.

Fifth day- Bangkok- Penang- Singapore.

Sixth day- Palembang- Batavia.

Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

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plasticjunkie

Member since
November 2008
From: Central Florida

Posted by plasticjunkie on Monday, September 24, 2018 6:24 AM

That looks awesome. The metallic tones look just right. Great job!

The Super Connie is my favorite passenger plane of all time. The sleek lines are just super sexy!

I flew in a KLM Super Connie as a kid and still have the Jr. Skipper Wings the pretty young stewardess would hand out to us kids. I’ll try to dig them up and post a picture.

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

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Don Stauffer

Member since
November 2009
From: Twin Cities of Minnesota

Posted by Don Stauffer on Monday, September 24, 2018 8:14 AM

Absolutely beautiful!

Is that kit reasonably available? I have considered looking for one of those for several years, since I saw one that won first place in Airliners at a Nordiccon several years ago.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

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plasticjunkie

Member since
November 2008
From: Central Florida

Posted by plasticjunkie on Monday, September 24, 2018 8:58 AM

Don Stauffer

Absolutely beautiful!

Is that kit reasonably available? I have considered looking for one of those for several years, since I saw one that won first place in Airliners at a Nordiccon several years ago.

They pop up on ebay all the time. Several there now but shop around for pricing.

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

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Challenger350Pilot

Member since
September 2018

Posted by Challenger350Pilot on Monday, September 24, 2018 9:29 AM

Don Stauffer

Absolutely beautiful!

Is that kit reasonably available? I have considered looking for one of those for several years, since I saw one that won first place in Airliners at a Nordiccon several years ago.

Hi Don...

I'm certain you could find an available kit on eBay or some other forum/site that offers vintage kits for sale, but whether you find one at a reasonable cost may be another query. I bought mine many years ago, bought at a hobby shop for the going retail cost then; have no recollection as to what that cost was, but I would guess in the low $20s range. By the time I finisged building the kit, with all of the "extras" purchased for details, decals, PE parts, resin add-ons, etc., this kit was quite spendy. But then...in this hobby, who's counting???

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Challenger350Pilot

Member since
September 2018

Posted by Challenger350Pilot on Monday, September 24, 2018 9:30 AM

Pawel

Hello!

That baby looks really beautiful:

It's so pretty it looks unreal! I sure would like to be able to build this clean.

I would like some day to build the military, early warning radar version of the Super Connie.

Thanks for sharing and have a nice day

Paweł

Hi Pawel...

Thank you for the kind words. When you caught the fist picture posted, I had still not learned how to post properly. Hopefully you'll come back and enjoy ALL of the pictures posted.

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Greg

Member since
May 2013
From: Indiana, USA

Posted by Greg on Monday, September 24, 2018 9:43 AM

You did an amazing job on this Constellation. A model to be proud of, for sure.

Yes Yes Yes

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keavdog

Member since
April 2003
From: USA

Posted by keavdog on Monday, September 24, 2018 9:51 AM

Amazing finish. Very cool subject too.

Thanks,

John

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fox

Member since
January 2007
From: Narvon, Pa.

Posted by fox on Monday, September 24, 2018 7:16 PM

Toast Toast Toast

Jim Captain

Main WIP:

On the Bench: Artesania Latina (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

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DRUMS01

Member since
June 2018
From: Ohio (USA)

Posted by DRUMS01 on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 9:26 AM

You have a fine piece of model jewelry right there, clean and stunning.

Great build

v/r,

Ben

"Everyones the normal until you get to know them" (Unknown)

LAST COMPLETED:

1/35 Churchill Mk IV AVRE with bridge - DONE

NEXT PROJECT:

1/35 CH-54A Tarhe Helicopter

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falconmod

Member since
September 2011
From: Milaca, Minnesota

Posted by falconmod on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 7:14 AM

That is beautiful! Fantastic Job. I see a contest winner for sure.

John

On the Bench: 1/72 Ki-67, 1/48 T-38

1/144 AC-130, 1/72 AV-8A Harrier

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Tanker - Builder

Member since
June 2014
From: New Braunfels , Texas

Posted by Tanker - Builder on Thursday, September 27, 2018 5:29 AM

Well ;

You certainly captured the beauty of what I think is one of the most sensous and beautiful airplanes ever designed and built . Mighty darned Great Job ! ! ! T.B. P.S. I will have to look and see if she's available in paper . Those are usually larger than standard formats .

I have to update this post as well . Do any of you know about a cream product Called " Rub"N" Buff " I used it on a few aircraft with amazing results . You can buff till it shines so much you would swear it's metal ! . I experimented with a Y.B.49 Flying Wing and was truly surprised .If I can find it in the stash I will photo it and post later .

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tempestjohnny

Member since
November 2003
From: Naples, FL

Posted by tempestjohnny on Thursday, September 27, 2018 5:30 AM

Beautiful build of a beautiful aircraft.

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Tanker - Builder

Member since
June 2014
From: New Braunfels , Texas

Posted by Tanker - Builder on Thursday, September 27, 2018 5:39 AM

" G "

That is even more rotations up and down than I subjected any of my planes too . The 25 probably did that once during a volunteer disaster relief effort . Eighteen small airports ( FBOs ) in five days .

There were times I had wished for a restored civil aircraft and if I could've I would gone with a Connie . I did have a chance for a D.C.7C but passed . Too many un - scheduled repairs in her history .

Planes do require one thing , Constant Care . To para-phrase an old saw about boats .in the case of aircraft past ten years of age . "It's a hole in the sky into which you pour money " Like a boat being a hole in the water !

Anyway it was fun while it lasted . I can't even afford an half or full hour in a Cessna 182 now . Oh well , they's fun to look at anyway !

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Pawel

Member since
May 2009
From: Poland

Posted by Pawel on Thursday, September 27, 2018 1:28 PM

Challenger350Pilot
Hi Pawel... Thank you for the kind words. When you caught the fist picture posted, I had still not learned how to post properly. Hopefully you'll come back and enjoy ALL of the pictures posted.

Hello Challenger350Pilot!

Thanks a lot, I've seen the pictures pretty much as soon as you posted them. I still think it's a very nice and clean looking model. Keep 'em babies comin' and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl