I see there is a new 1:48 Beech Staggerwing featured in the latest Squadron flyer. I’d like to do a civilian version. Anyone know how extensive the mods are in the military version over the civil one? How hard would converting the model back to a civil model be?
I have a book with one picture of a civil 17 and comparing it with the art in the Squadron ad, it looks like changes are minor, but of course the ad is not terribly high quality graphics.
Hey Don!
There won’t be a lot of difference you’ll have to worry about. The military interior would be less fancy than the civilian, and there may be some antennas on the military bird that the civilian version wouldn’t have. Truth be told, I’d bet that the model is based on a civilian airplane with just decals and painting instructions to “militarize” it. My wife and I are restoring a UC-61A back to its military configuration, and the only difference we have found so far is the installation of a military voice radio set and DF equipment, and a full gyro panel that was only offered in the “deluxe” civilian birds. Plus, the upholstery is military spec for color and texture and they put a skylight in the upper cabin where the civilian had a full headliner. Post pics!!!
The military Staggers were essential civilian ones in military colors. These aircraft were the commuter aircraft for senior staffers. The US Embassy used them in many countries around the world for their travel needs.
Modifications were primarily radio equipment and possibly upgraded instrumentation for IFR flight.
How about doing a clear one? This one was at AirVenture many years ago. It was covered not with doped linen but modern clear synthetic film. The other is an Embassy ship.
!(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/hawkeyes_bucket/Real Aircraft/staggerclear.jpg)
!(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/hawkeyes_bucket/Real Aircraft/100_6212.jpg)
!(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/hawkeyes_bucket/Real Aircraft/100_6213.jpg)
Darn you, Gerald! Here I am thinking, Not gonna’ buy any more kits, and then I see this pic of a Staggerwing covered in what looks like Saran Wrap. Too cool for words …
That ain’t no Staggerwing, its one of them there Wacos!