general melchett Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 (edited) Hi all, one of the great things about working for Airfix Model World is the chance to build some really off-piste subjects that I would never normally attempt. Such is the case with the Basler BT-67 Turbo-Dakota conversion I built for the October 2017 issue. The base kit is the excellent Airfix Dakota III while the conversion set came from Alley Cat. There are several variants to be had in the range but in this case, we chose the single Mauritanian Air Force example, serial 5T-MAH, mainly due to its natty colour scheme. As was to be expected the Alley Cat parts fitted the kit perfectly with only the extra side windows needing to be made from clear acetate. As the BT-67 has a revised semi-glass cockpit the whole nose interior needed to be upgraded and this was done using parts from the Airfix kit, scratch-built panels and bulkheads, instrument panel, revised yokes, dials, via Airscale and the usual throttles, pedals and fire extinguishers. This version also featured a Star SAFIRE FLIR system for surveillance operations, and while the under-nose turret was included, the operator's area, seat, table and FLIR screen had to be scratch-built and fitted. True-Details resin wheels replaced the kit parts as these had a far better level of detail and the rear boarding ladder had railings fitted. The cargo interior also received new bench seats along with all strapping.The top of the forward fuselage was festooned with aerials and sensors that needed to be scratch-built and added along with the new oblong window added above the pilot's position. The model was painted using Lifecolour and AK Interactive Air-Series acrylics and weathering a mix of Abteilung502 oils, AMMO-MIG pastels and AK Interactive oil and grime washes. Good fun and highly recommended. Hope you like it... Cheers Melchie Edited February 14, 2018 by general melchett 69 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolphin38 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 I like this alot, great work, I have the Colombian version in my stash I might have to give it a go now 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vultures1 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 That's beautiful work and a really great result. I like the combination of the classic Dakota lines and the modern turbo-props, set off nicely by the perfectly executed camouflage scheme. Well done! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildeSau75 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 Top notch build - Love it with Turboprop engines - suits the type. Your scratch build cockpit and the nicely made camo is great. Cheers, Michael 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 Beautiful Turbo-Dak love the paint and detail work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearmatt Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 Melchy...gosh. You did it again. This is beautiful 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzby061 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 Lovely job. A good kit has been raised to another level. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zebra Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 Lovely Turbo Dak. I read your piece in the Airfix mag, will be useful when I build mine - will be building the SAAF Turbo Dakleton later this year and I’m looking forward to it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janneman36 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 Love your build and i like your job on the inside.. Very inspirational, i have this one in the stash as well and your pics makes me wanna built it Cheers, Jan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted February 13, 2018 Author Share Posted February 13, 2018 Thanks chaps, very much appreciated as always...I must agree, it does look right with the turboprops fitted plus they greatly improved the STOL performance giving the old girl bags of power. Youtube Quote will be building the SAAF Turbo Dakleton later this year and I’m looking forward to it. Now that's a great looking version too. It would be great to see others builds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 Like it. I love it! Unusual and an African air arm, and a great build! Martin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelh Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 The only replacement for a DC3 is a DC3! Very nice model. A survey version visited here a couple of years ago and was based at the airport down the road. Impressive beast. Even more impressive was it scooting along at 300 feet on the survey flights. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev67 Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 Excellent modification Andy, might look a bit out of place on the Bomber Command stand though LOL 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted February 14, 2018 Author Share Posted February 14, 2018 Thanks guys, Noel, I imagine it was an interesting site and sound. Quote might look a bit out of place on the Bomber Command stand though LOL Good point Kev, might just stick out against all that Dark Earth and Green! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev67 Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 Going off topic, but I imagine you have or are going to build the Airfix Wellington, something that I would like to have a go at, its a Vickers aircraft after all lol 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted February 14, 2018 Author Share Posted February 14, 2018 I couldn't possibly say Kev...but must admit to really looking forward to that one. Quote something that I would like to have a go at, its a Vickers aircraft after all Be extremely rude of you not to... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBaron Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 Not having any idea regarding the existence of this Mark I've had a goggle - if not a downright gander - at the (typically) refined job that you've made of this mon general. The frontal view in particular does give off a strong impression of a breeding experiment between two different eras of aviation doesn't it? Kudos and calvados. Tony 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted February 14, 2018 Author Share Posted February 14, 2018 Quote Kudos and calvados. Thanks Ze Baron, ah yes, two fine aftershaves, cheap at half the price... True, It does look like a slightly haphazard collision of technologies, but it seems to work. Now maybe if they could do the same with an Argosy and some turbofans! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 It’s not an aircraft I’d ever get round to building, but it looks superb in that scheme with a sprinkling of Melchie magic applied. Looks like a Dak on steroids! Great build thread int magazine too 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k5054nz Posted February 15, 2018 Share Posted February 15, 2018 Oh, that is nice! The conversion, the camo scheme, it's all gorgeous! I want one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bedders Posted February 15, 2018 Share Posted February 15, 2018 Really interesting sub-type and you've made a great job of the conversion. And I really like the paint-job too. You wouldnt think the design was some 80 years old! Justin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted February 15, 2018 Author Share Posted February 15, 2018 Thanks chaps, Quote not an aircraft I’d ever get round to building, Normally, me neither, but being given these projects certainly pushes you outside the 'comfort' box and helps develop more techniques. The same goes for the 1/700th warships, it's useful to get outside now and then and have a bash at something a little different. Quote The conversion, the camo scheme, it's all gorgeous! I want one. You should Zac, I don't think you'd be disappointed. The Airfix kit's excellent as is the quality of the conversion set. Something I forgot to point out, was the differences between the BT-67 and the standard Dak...it's more than you might think. Revised nose shape, new 'panoramic' windscreen, addition of large oblong overhead window above the pilots, extended forward fuselage with the addition of four extra windows, new engines, props, exhaust ports and squared off nacelles, upgraded cockpit, new wing-tips and leading edge extensions, replacement flying surface, (metal ailerons, elevators and rudder), re-positioned nav light on fin leading edge, FLIR turret, (some versions) revamped cargo bay and front floor mounted hoist and comprehensive aerial suite. Fuel dump pipes are fitted below each wing, outboard of the engines and these were scratch-built. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viking Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 I've got a soft spot for the old Dak (an Airfix/Esci one is on the workbench right now) and I think I want one of these as well! Like Neil says, it has had the 'Melchie magic' applied and looks stunning, not to say totally realistic in those photos. Award yourself another medal General, you have earned it with this beauty! Cheers John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted February 16, 2018 Author Share Posted February 16, 2018 Thanks John, appreciated. look forward to seeing what you do with your Dakota. I'm very lucky here at Melchett Towers, being on the approach to Waddington we get some interesting types flying over the old pile on a daily basis. In the summer months, we often get the Memorial flight over from Coningsby including the old Dak performing circuits, always a stirring sight and sound. I'll take a look in the war cabinet a bit later and pick out a particularly gaudy medal to CA to my army issue night vest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight_Flyer Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 Excellent build, not used to seeing a Dak with that type of engine. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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