Jump to content

Beech D-18 -converted RarePlane vacuum-formed 1/72nd kit


Recommended Posts

IMG_8362+%25282%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8363+%25282%2529.jpg

 

This model started life as a venerable RarePlane* vacuum-formed kit, and was converted, with some modifications, into an air show stylized machine. New engines and props, full interior -with restroom, and many other details like diverse antennas and lights were added to bring the standard just a tad higher, redeeming its destiny from tired out-of-the-war-mill, to splendorous crowd-awing aerobatic apparatus.

The step-by-step account of the transformation can be seen here:

The necessary masks and decals were commissioned from Arctic Decals and were to their usual high standards.

This model was built in parallel with another civil conversion of the same type using the Encore half-hearted re-pop of the original PM kit to make an American Airlines plane, and it was an interesting experience comparing the quality, engineering, behavior, and potential of both.

 

I must say that both kits have their uses, but my heart inclines towards the vac, that although being a much earlier effort, has much more to it than the not very well rendered iteration of the injected-cum-so-so-resin-bits sister kit.

 

Still, a great pleasure is found in playing with these old kits and honing those skills with a frill or two, and much is learned, and much is enjoyed, plus the endeavor resulting in not so common renditions with a bit of extra pizzazz.

 

The model represents a present time aerobatic machine used on air shows.Not all kits can be used to portray this particular airframe, only the ones with the shorter nacelles and without the kink (LERX) at the wing roots.

 

*Before his passing, I sustained a very lovely exchange with Gordon Stevens, talking much about kit-making, aviation and life. Wherever he is, I hope I made him proud with this, his creation. 

 

IMG_8377+%25282%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8378+%25282%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8344+%25281280x963%2529+%25282%2529.

 

IMG_8358+%25281280x960%2529+%25282%2529.

 

IMG_8381+%25281280x960%2529+%25282%2529.

 

IMG_8347+%25281280x961%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8349+%25281280x990%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8351+%25281280x962%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8352+%25281280x962%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8354+%25281280x966%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8355+%25281280x1001%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8357+%25281280x971%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8358+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8359+%25281280x964%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8361+%25281280x965%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8363+%25281280x971%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8366+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8375+%25281280x959%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8376+%25281280x944%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8378+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8379+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8381+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_8389+%25281280x982%2529-1.jpg

  • Like 36
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is a real beauty, both the real subject and your model so finely rendered. Its finish is flawless. The transparencies, including the large windscreen which is one of the focal point of the design of this airframe, look just perfect. Being new to the forum, I followed in the second row your build and I enjoyed it greatly.

My best regards,

Daniele

 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

51 minutes ago, Dstream said:

This is a real beauty, both the real subject and your model so finely rendered. Its finish is flawless. The transparencies, including the large windscreen which is one of the focal point of the design of this airframe, look just perfect. Being new to the forum, I followed in the second row your build and I enjoyed it greatly.

My best regards,

Daniele

 

Thanks Daniele

Glad you enjoyed the process and result.

Cheers

46 minutes ago, Space Ranger said:

Excellent. Beautiful. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, even. Gordon would be proud.

Thanks Michael

You are very kind.

Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another beautiful model of a beautiful aeroplane Moa - quite stunning in fact. I don't believe I have ever seen a better finish on a Rareplanes model. Nice tutorial information in the WIP too!

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, busnproplinerfan said:

It's nice when red and black colours work together. She looks good.

It is eye-catching, no doubt.

Cheers

1 hour ago, Baldy said:

Another beautiful model of a beautiful aeroplane Moa - quite stunning in fact. I don't believe I have ever seen a better finish on a Rareplanes model. Nice tutorial information in the WIP too!

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

Thanks Malcolm.

It was an enjoyable build.

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well done, C.  I had a great uncle who wore out two of these flying for a construction company in Burbank.  Seeing one doing aerobatics is a little jarring to my mind.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/16/2020 at 6:36 PM, jeaton01 said:

Well done, C.  I had a great uncle who wore out two of these flying for a construction company in Burbank.  Seeing one doing aerobatics is a little jarring to my mind.

 

On 2/16/2020 at 9:46 PM, dnl42 said:

Bravo! :clap2:

 

On 2/17/2020 at 1:35 AM, Andrew.S said:

Absolutely lovely!

 

On 2/17/2020 at 2:04 AM, Toryu said:

I love the Beech 18. The most handsome 'liner' of the 30s. Became famous again in the James Bond movie 😀.

A wonderful model Claudio!

 

On 2/17/2020 at 4:14 AM, Courageous said:

Another stunner, love the scheme.

 

Stuart

 

On 2/16/2020 at 9:52 PM, Learstang said:

Brilliant work, Claudio! I do believe you would have made the late, great Mr. Stevens proud with what you did with his creation!

 

Best Regards,

 

Jason

Thank you all for your kind words!

Cheers

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...