Modelers, I have many questions concerning a C-47 build.
I have a friend in college who would like to use a 1/48 C-47 as part of his thesis. As far as I know, the only kit is the Monogram kit. A quick look on ebay shows a few around. How good is this kit? Is this a raised panel line affair? Also, what about the interior? There’s a chance he may want the cargo doors open so I may have to cut them open. Is the interior good enough for this?
Secondly, the aircraft should have marking showing African operation. Originally, it would have needed markings to represent operation in Uganda, but he’s allowing some flex in that. Any African country would probably be ok. Does anyone know of marking out there for any of these countires? If nothing else, I need photos to produce my own markings.
Thanks for your help.
The Monogram kit is indeed the only 1/48 scale C-47 you will find. It is an excellent kit for it age, but does have raised panel lines. It has parts to build an “A”,“B” or “C” variant which is basically differentiated in the kit by the engine configuration. The kit does come with the full military style cargo door which is basically a two piece clam shell with a built in passenger door which can be displayed open or closed. The interior consists of canvas bench seats along the walls. This is how the C-47 kit is configured, I do not know how the Monogram DC-3 kit is configured. As far as markings, I built mine about 15 years ago and it came with markings for the CAF’s “Buzz Buggy” which is in U.S. D-Day markings. You may well be able to find aftermarket decals for the country you are looking for. I hope this helps.
Dana, if memory serves, there was an article in Flypast magazine (www.flypast.com) a few years ago entitled something like ‘flying for Jesus’ . It detailed operations in Africa by one specific relief organisation flying DC-3’s & 5’s. You might try for a back issue, or I’ll see if I can find it in the files. I think the aircraft were painted white to make them stand out so they, in theory, wouldn’t get shot down by the local warmongers.
Pete