1:144 Scale DC-3

Szdfan

New Member
I have started attempting to work on an 1:144 scale DC-3. I'm using the Fiddler Green kit scaled down 42%.

Last night I attempted a test build and it was a disaster. The pieces are so small (especially the nose section) and I hard time folding and gluing them together, even with super glue.

Would it make sense to redesign the nose so that it is one piece? My sense is that the FG model is designed for a larger scale where it's hard to shape the nose out of card stock. At 1:144 it might be easier to shape the nose than glue a lot of little pieces together.

What do you think?
 

Szdfan

New Member
So I played around with the pieces digitally and I don't think that I can redesign the nose. I guess it's practice, practice, practice.
 
Z

Zathros

I am not a fan of those models personally. They are for the most pat cartoon-ish and for the effort put into a model, I would rather try and do something more accurate. That is just my opinion.


Bob sCard Models DC-3 it is FREE. There are a lot more planes there too, and I mean a lot!! This is the link to the page where the DC-3 is on:

http://www.bobscardmodels.net76.net/page3.htm

PHOTO1_DC3.jpg
 

Szdfan

New Member
I am not a fan of those models personally. They are for the most pat cartoon-ish and for the effort put into a model, I would rather try and do something more accurate. That is just my opinion.


Bob sCard Models DC-3 it is FREE. There are a lot more planes there too, and I mean a lot!! This is the link to the page where the DC-3 is on:

http://www.bobscardmodels.net76.net/page3.htm

PHOTO1_DC3.jpg
Do you think it's a more accurate model than the FG model? I've been noticing a number of "weird" things about the FG model, like the absence of the "suicide door" on the front fuselage.

I'm pretty open to trying different things.

Unfortunately, the download link for the model doesn't work.
 
Z

Zathros

Good news!! I got in contact with Bob, he's going to see what's going on with his website. He is doing fine and is doing R/C planes! :)







.
 

Bob43

Model Designer Extrodinaire Cornerstone Member
Found the problem! My old .com site was still working until a few weeks ago. What I did not know, was that when you clicked the download button for planes on my new www.bobscardmodels.net76.net site, it actually downloaded the models from the www.bobscardmodels.com site! The latter became redundant a few weeks ago, thus the problem. I have now correctly re-linked to the files on the .net76.net site and all's well that ends well!
Sorry, no more paper models for the moment as I am very occupied with my RC Canadair CL415 plane, which has to have its maiden flight when I get the courage.
 

Szdfan

New Member
Thanks! I got the model.

Bob, just FYI, you still have some broken links on the second page --

The links for the following all direct to http://error404.000webhost.com/?

  • Antonov KT
  • Airbus A300-600ST
  • Bristol Blenheim Bomber
  • Mitsubishi A5M4 1:30
  • Avro 696 Shackleton MR Mk 2
 
Z

Zathros

He's working on them. He is aware of the problem. It's just a hobby, so take what you can get!
 

Szdfan

New Member
He's working on them. He is aware of the problem. It's just a hobby, so take what you can get!
I understand -- I wasn't complaining. I just didn't know if he knew. I'm grateful for folks like Bob who do such great work for the rest of us to benefit from.

Now back to the DC-3....
 
Z

Zathros

Well, when I say, take what you can get, I really mean it. I have been into this hobby a long time and sometimes, sites just disappear, so literally, take what you can get! :)
 

Szdfan

New Member
Didn't have time to print the Bob's Card Model today, so I played around some more with the FG model. It occurred to me that at 1/144 scale that cardstock might be too stiff and inflexible for a model with a lot of curves like the DC-3.

Would it make sense to try using normal copy paper? Any thoughts about how I might give the model some support with copy paper?
 
Z

Zathros

Cardstock comes in a lot of weights and thicknesses. I wouldn't think regular paper would do. I might try 67 lb.. I don't know what you are using now, or how you are forming the parts? :)
 

ted181

New Member
I did the FG C47 on regular copy paper. For the fuselage I packed facial tissues so as to give rigidity to the body. Worked pretty well
 
Z

Zathros

When you take the time out of your life to do these models, time ou will never get back, it is important for yourself that the model becomes a work that you can say "I did the best that I can" , and it looks it. I personally would use nothing less than 65 lb. cardstock and roll all pieces with a round pencil or wooden dowel. The pieces should fit on the model and need minimal pressure to hold them onto the formers.

So you shape each piece accordingly, then dry fit till it fits. then glue into place. You should never have to stuff a model full of anything. How could you put an interior in it! :)
 
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