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

[Erik Zwaan]

Gooday gents and thanks once more for your interest in the build. Don, I'm not so sure if it's a complicated model; it's just big and that's perhaps the real challenge.

Continued with the engines, in fact both outboard ones. The cowling leading edge consists of petals and to glue each petal to the other is a very time-consuming process. So I used a circular strap on the inside to connect each petal. Still quite a bit of work but manageable. The cowlings have an internal lining.

Also in place are the carburetor air intake and oil cooler air intake for each engine.

A dry-fit of the various engine components as well as fit to the wings is satisfactory. The only items still missing are the engine exhaust pipes. Next time at least all components will have been glued together to make up the entire assembly of the engines.

Note that based on actual pictures, the cooling flaps (I wonder if that's the correct name) should stand out a bit. For this reason I glued small bits of paper behind each flap to create this effect.

Only issue is that it seems that the blue stripes on either side of the cowling and engine body are not exactly in one line.

The last two pictures are stills from a colorized movie about the first post-war journey of the actual PH-TAR "Rotterdam" to New York, in 1946, clearly showing the details of the engines.

Cheers,
Erik

[Isaac]

Erik


I think you know what I am going to say regarding the petals. I wish there was a better way to build the engine cowls.

Even though conical sections are not 100% accurate, they look much better than petals.


Isaac

[dutchbuilt]

At first let me start with thanking all members who encouraged me in designing this model and all the positive criticism which led to the high standard of this model so thank you for your comments and compliments.
Well I started with the conical shapes but wanted more curvy lines so the petal was a logical step. I know it is difficult to perform it right, but in this highly detailed model I wanted as much rounded curves as possible. I could have added the conical alternative, but for everything there is a choice and there were already far too many options in this model. I apologize for not meeting your demand.

Cor the designer

[yankeekilo]

your model cannot be better! is up to the builder if he wants to learn how to build petal stuff...

[Erik Zwaan]

No need to apologize Cor, petals really provide an almost perfect roundness!

Erik

[yukonjohn]

Hi Cor. What I find most incredible with your petal work is that the colour line mid-petal is so perfectly matched across the petals. That task is much easier when using conicals. This is certainly a testament to your digital painting and design skills. Thank you so much for such an impressive model.



Regards,
John

[Don Boose]

While I understand Isaac's aversion to petals, and I find it almost impossible to do them right, I think that, when done skillfully, they look good and have a charm of their own - showing that the model is indeed made of paper. I think we have a matter of taste here, in which there can be no dispute.

In any event, these particular engine nacelles look terrific to my eye (as does everything you build, Erik, and everything that Cor designs).

Don

[Kevin WS]

Great model!

[Erik Zwaan]

Thank you John, Don and Kevin. With a bit of relief I can tell you now that all 4 engines are finished. A total of 56 cylinders. I originally had the thought of detailing the push rods by using thin plastic rod but that would mean double the number of cylinders, hence 104 rods. I abandoned the idea as it's not really worth doing so. The engines are a relatively minor item in the appearance of the model.

In any case, I'm pleased with the result. Each engine assembly nicely fits within the cowling and nacelle. As you may have noticed before, the outer engine nacelles are finished, now it's time to continue with the inner ones, which are a lot more work.

As you can see in the pictures, each engine sits on a sort of a shallow drum, that slides from the front side into the nacelle. I used the non-used simple flat-faced engine as a former to close off the rear side of the drum. The protruding hollow shaft that will hold the propeller axis, goes through a hole on either side, thereby centering the engine onto the the drum.

Once again, to be continued.

Regards,
Erik

[romanmodels]

good work Erik