Anyone Build the Ilyushin IL-76 as a Civilian Version?

Modeling Subjects Airliners and Civil Aircraft
1

Hi guys,

I got the kit the other day for $40. Trumpeter at 1/144 scale (kit #3901) which will still be pretty big when finished. I wanted to get one after seeing a Discovery Channel Mayday about one that was involved in a mid-air collision several years ago over India. Although the Trumpeter one is coming as a military version, I would like to build as an Aeroflot passenger plane.

The couple of builds I have seen on-line shows the kit with Aeroflot livery BUT a nasty looking gun arrangement in the tail. A little overkill for a passenger version I think.

Anyone have any experience coverting this to a true civilian craft. I don’t think removal of the gun turret should be a big job…styrene and putty got to love them…but would love to get some feedback.

I may have a little more time to build this Christmas season. Just had knee surgery after having a little spill in my house. Looks like I may have 6-12 weeks of plastic play ahead of me.

I look forward to any advice!

RODC

2

I seem to remember seeing a couple of those land at SFO when Gorbachev came to visit, surely those didn’t have the guns onboard. I can’t remember the paint scheme, think it was Aeroflot, just remember seeing one roll out on one of the 28’s when I was taxiing out. One of those sights you don’t forget, back then

3

RODC,

There is a civil tail conversion piece made by two different folks.

BraZ Models B4KTI7 (solid piece)

available here: http://www.airline-hobby.com/shop/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=6434

and Dana Kopher (hollow piece)

email order from: dkopher@skybeam.com

Cheers!

Scott.

4

When I daid I had the kit I should have stated that I placed an order for it. Found out yesterday that my dealer can no longer source it. Darn…really wanted to get one of these. I guess I’ll keep looking and thanks for the info on the AM tailcones for the civilian version!

RODC