NASA Rocket Chaser 1/72 Shorts Skyvan - DONE

[Dermo245]

So I'm in with this one!

 

IMG_1957 

 

Which is actually this kit inside 😀

 

IMG_1958 

 

Build will be out of box in the NASA scheme for a Skyvan operated from NASA Wallops Facility used to catch payloads from sounding rocket launches apparently.

 

Thanks for looking and good luck with your builds!
Cheers,

Dermot

Edited October 20 by Dermo245
Completed!

[modelling minion]

Welcome to the GB Dermot and with such a fantastic aircraft, the Skyvan is instantly recognisable and I have been lucky enough to see the type flying and at air shows quite a few times.

The kit is an AIrfix classic from what of their best periods prior to the current run and I very much look forward to seeing how you get on with the build.

[hakkikt]

4 hours ago, Dermo245 said:

So I'm in with this one!

 

IMG_1957 

You got me. I looked at the image of the Aerosan and thought "how the hell is that a twin?!"😄

[TheyJammedKenny!]

2 hours ago, hakkikt said:

"how the hell is that a twin?!"

The two guys on the thing just happen to be twins, so...

[81-er]

I have to confess you confused me for a moment there as well, Dermot  Welcome to the GB

 

James

[Dermo245]

Sorry for the confusion everyone!

The kit was bought as a bargain, no box and photocopied instructions.

 

 

[bianfuxia]

Looking forward to this one, as it's a kit I've always wanted but never found at a decent price. 

 

I've flown on a Shorts 360 which I suppose is the later descendant of this one. I enjoyed the flight but my wife got air sick! 

 

Good luck with this one!

[Dennis_C]

On 29/07/2025 at 23:56, hakkikt said:

"how the hell is that a twin?!"

There are two aerosani on the picture  

[Dermo245]

So on we go!

Our local IPMS club have a Sci-Fi/Movie models display table every year at Dublin Comic Con - so took advantage of the quiet time before the show opened to get started on the 'Van.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_1 

 

Almost as old as me!

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_4 

 

I don't know what interior is on the NASA version so went with the cargo seats option. A bit fiddly and the plastic was a little brittle. There's also 10g under the cockpit to match the instructions.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_2 

 

A wee bit of warpage over the years - will need clamping and gluing in sections!  Exhibit A

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_3

 

And on the bottom/sides..

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_5 

 

Thanks for looking, good luck with your builds!
Cheers,

Dermot

[modelling minion]

Off to a great start Dermot, I'm sure you will sort the warping out easily enough.

[81-er]

You're off to a great start there, Dermot. I'm sure the warping won't cause you a big problem

 

James

[Dermo245]

So here's the latest with the Flying Shed/ Loaf of Bread...

 

Interior painted up and installed. I've also started on assembling the wings and flaps which are quite detailed for a 70's kit. Lots of clamping and tape owing to the warpage.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_6 

 

And then the roof added - again, a fair bit of slow gluing and clamping.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_7 

 

Think I might leave the rear ramp open...

 

Cheers,

Dermot

[81-er]

That's really looking good, especially for such an old kit

 

James

[modelling minion]

Very nice progress Dermot, she's taking shape nicely.

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

Nice start, very interested in how this turns out. I have one of these in the stash but unsure of the decal options. I think I will need to dig it out and find out!

[Dermo245]

So been working away on the Skyvan. Finally into paint. The canopy-to-fuselage fit was an absolute bear, most likely due to the very warpy top part.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_8 

 

Then masked and sprayed lower surfaces with Barley Grey (or the closest I had)

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_9

 

Masked again for the blue stripe on the sides..

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_10 

 

And mostly happy with that. The windows will be finished with micro krystal klear.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_11

 

Thanks for stopping by.
Take care and happy modelling.

Dermot

[modelling minion]

That looks superb Dermot, very neat job on the cheatline, especially getting the thin white stripe along the bottom edge. 

[81-er]

Very nice work with the paint, Dermot. Like Craig, I'm really impressed by how sharp the cheat line is

 

James

[Dermo245]

Thanks all and in the home stretch now. The canopy fit was really bad so have tried to fix it as best I can. It's not  that great but i can live with it.

 

Also made a start on decals. These are the Airfix originals - very delicate but thankfully not many of them.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_12 

 

Thanks for looking, happy modelling.

Dermot

[modelling minion]

I think that she looks great Dermot, really neat paint work and the decals certainly look like they are going on very nicely for their age. 

[bootneck]

That looks very good indeed. Is that kit still available anywhere?

 

cheers,
Mike

[Dermo245]

2 hours ago, bootneck said:

That looks very good indeed. Is that kit still available anywhere?

 

cheers,
Mike

Thanks Mike.

I couldn’t find it 2nd hand anywhere apart from online auction sites.

Hope Airfix might re-release as part of their Vintage Classics series- it’s a lovely, unusual little kit!

[bootneck]

Thanks Dermot, I shall try to find one at a show.  I'm looking forward to the next phase of your build. 

 

cheers,

 

Mike

[81-er]

She's shapimg up very nicely, Dermot, the decals really make her "pop" now. You're making a fine job of this vintage tooling

 

James

[Dermo245]

Thanks all and here's the wrap up.

 

Tails added with some paint jars to keep them straight.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_(14) 

 

Last small decals added, some pencil panel lines and a Satin coat.

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_(13) 

 

And with the wings added (fiddly), she's done. 

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_(30) 

 

Airfix_Shorts_Skyvan_(26) 

 

Will post some more pics in the Gallery, thanks for all your comments and thanks to @81-erand @modelling minionfor a great group build.

 

Take care and happy modelling,

Dermot

Edited October 21 by Dermo245
updated