C-47D Skytrain

This new kit, a C-47A (not C-47D), from Hobbyboss joins several others in this scale from several kit makers, but is an improvement in many areas concerning shape and level of detail. It has the long type carburetor intakes associated with a two stage supercharger, but they are separate pieces leading open the possibility of other types of C-47/DC-3 variants being released. The oil coolers below the engines are also separate pieces, and they included Photo Etch brass screens for them. The PE also includes a boarding ladder. Detail is finely etched and the control surfaces are roughened up to simulate fabric, but the servo/trim tabs are as well and they are supposed to be smooth metal. The engines are molded in two separate rows of seven cylinders with a separate nose case, and the props are paddle bladed with separate forward hub pieces, all correct and with nice detail. The landing gear is finely detailed and the gear wells feature complete detailing and are built of separate pieces fitted in the wing and nacelle, making super detailing much easier to do. In addition, the cockpit features a complete upper and forward panel with a throttle and trim quadrant as a separate piece and a complete radio operator/navigator compartment, with a full interior for paratroopers with bucket seats, seatbelts and overhead lighting in the main cabin. The tail cone is missing as it would be for glider towing on most C-47 aircraft. One disappointment is that the tail wheel with its strut is molded as one piece. Generally, though, the kit is a major improvement over many of the previous kits, although the more recent Airfix release is also a huge improvement. Either kit will make a fine model, so the choice might break down to availability and/or price.