1/72 Revell Douglas DC-3 Swissair  

by Pierre Christian Baudru

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VERSION:

The Douglas DC-3 is one of the most famous airplanes of the world. I have decided to do the SWISSAIR version. I think this DC-3 is still in good flying condition.

THE KIT AND CONSTRUCTION:

The Revell kit is good and has good basic details, so no problem if you want to build it "just out of the box".  Just one modification is needed for the SWISSAIR version, you have to "join" the last two windows on the right side of the fuselage and the 3 and 4 windows on the left side of the fuselage.  The bad new is that you will have to build new transparent parts and fit them to the new windows size.  The cockpit details are good, but you will not be able to see them after close the two fuselage parts, unless you decide to do a brand new canopy.  The engines have basic details, but you still can add some cables on them.  I had no problems when putting fuselage and wing parts togheter.

COLORS:

When looking at the Swissair DC-3's pictures, I realised that a "chrome finish" DC-3 in the 1/72 scale would look like a "toy", so I deciced to paint the DC-3 using the "natural alluminium" finish.  I used the acrylic natural alluminium from AEROTECH.

Picture above : my DC-3 just after applying the decals. I've decided to cut out all clear film from the decals, this way no chance to see the clear film when decals apllied.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

CONCLUSION:

I strongly recommend this kit because it is easy to construct and all basic details are represented. It's an excellent base for the experts. I have decided to construct another DC-3 to try to do better than this one.

Pierre 

Photos and text © by Pierre Christian Baudru