KLM DC-4/C-54 (Papertrade 1:50)

[scon10]

This model is the best!

[chris190]

Superb model Erik, a masterclass in card modelling!

[Mike1158]

A great design and a fantastic build, superb.

[dutchbuilt]

I am very honoured to see the reactions to this fabulous build of one of my last designs! Such great accomplishments by Erik but I hope other builders will not be feared to build one themselves!

[Erik Zwaan]

Hello Yoav, scon10, Chris, Mike and Cor (dutchbuilt), thank you for your kind words, it's much appreciated .

Didn't have much time lately for modelling but nevertheless, the final details are in place now and the build is finished. Herewith a few pictures of the final details and a bit of background.

I noticed that on actual KLM DC-4 pictures sometimes the last two letters of the call sign were indicated on the vertical stabilizer. In case of the PH-TAR these letters are "AR" and pictures exist of this particular aircraft with and without the letters on the tail. No idea why this was changed over time but the pictures that I used most for good reference during the build include these letters and therefore I decided to show them on the stabilizer.

Furthermore a bit of detailing of the small navigation lights at the wing tips. Applied drops of white glue to create the lightbulb effect (apply one, then dry thoroughly and apply another drop). Red = left and green = right.

Then two small pitot tubes at the nose and hydraulic brake lines at the main landing gears. Also a bit more detailing of the door retraction systems.

Pictures are close-ups and some taken with flash light, so every small irregularity is visible and perhaps you have noticed the various modifications and corrections made to the model over time for various reasons. The fate of something that once was intended as test-build....

In the coming few days I will varnish the model but due to its size I intend to do this outside. However, the weather is too windy at the moment so I will have to wait for more favorable conditions. After that, I will post pictures of the fully completed model .

It's been quite a job to complete this model, but it was all worth it. Thank you very much for your interest shown during the build!!!

If you intend to purchase the model but are hesitant because of its scale and size, I'd say go for the download version and rescale it to e.g. 1:72 or 1:100. The model has many detailing options and if you wish to build it on a smaller scale, then you can always consider to use the parts intended for the simpler version. I've been experimenting with 1:72 scale and still could go for the details I liked to see.

Cheers,
Erik

[Petestein]

Once again., congratulations Erik on this DC-4, a model neglected for so many years by model manufacturers both plastic and card. Cor's verion is much MUCH better than the Revell plastic rendition and as built by you, it becomes a museum piece. I've seen that Paper Trade has other liveries such as the Colombian airline AVIANCA which I believe it is also tops. And of course, the military C-54 Skymaster. Here we have a fantastic model, reasonably priced and extremely well made. Hope aircraft card modelers consider building this gem. We just can't wait to see Cor's next aircraft design. And who will tackle a recolor of another livery for the DC-4? This aircraft was used by almost every country in the world both civil and military.

[Isaac]

Congratulations Erik on a fantastic build

Beautiful model and a great kit. Great improvement over the old Schrieber airliners of the 1970’s I built.


How about a Lockheed early Constellation as the next project for Cor???.



Isaac

[scon10]

Isaac, what a great idea!
Another one: the DC-7C where you can use many parts of the DC-4 albeit modified.

[bertus]

Thanks for this nice build, is there any chance this model being displayed in public?

[Erik Zwaan]

Hello gents,

Thanks for your reactions... I already once suggested to Cor and Diderick to have a go at the KLM DC-7C (or F-version, with a different KLM livery) or the Superconstellation. Or, how about a KLM DC-8, the short version, that came into service around 1960. So, please, please, please, take up this suggestion .

In any case, I took the model to the backyard on a sunny day and varnished it with a glossy finish (Talens no. 114). In the process the pitot tubes at the nose got lost and I didn't bother to look for them in the grass.... So, this required a bit of repair and as my most recent build turns out to be extremely addictive, it took a while to actually get the repair done. Now the pitot tubes are metal pins, drilled into the nose and resting against one of the formers in the nose. As a final touch-up, I varnished the exhaust pipes to a matt finish. And that's it, herewith the last pictures of the building process.

Later this weekend I will post pictures of the finished model.

Bertus, the model is on display at my home. I have once participated in a model exhibition in the National Military Museum at Soesterberg and although it was great fun to do, it took a lot of time and transporting models is quite a thing. And I'm still quite a few years from retirement...
Maybe one day in the future...., or otherwise you're welcome to visit me .

Finally, a few of the pictures I mainly took from the internet and that were of great help to add details to the model. Also, a picture of the booklet that contains wonderful information on KLM DC-4s.

Once again, thank you all for your interest in this build!

Erik