Boeing 40b-4 Universal/Robertson - Modified CMR 1/72nd resin

Here is the second Boeing 40B-4 mailplane model, in the livery resulting of the merging of Universal Air Lines System and Robertson Aircraft Corporation. It began life as a 40C but was converted to 40B-4 by upgrading to a P&W Hornet. I was attracted to the unusual color scheme and commissioned a set from Arctic Decals to have something a bit different.

Yet again the superbly detailed CMR kit -that was released quite some time ago- was used. Although a kit with many pros, some issues also need to be taken care of, so I recommend that you visit the step-by-step building threads of both models:

https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2021/04/boeing-model-40b-4-cmr-172nd-resin.html

https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2021/04/robertson-aircraft-corporationuniversal.html

For the completed article on the first model (United Air Lines) that preceded this one, please go here:

https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2021/05/boeing-40b-4-united-air-lines-cmr-172.html

As with the first model, the engine was replaced with an aftermarket Hornet "kit" from Small Stuff. The CMR kit provides two different engines, a very beautiful one that is a just a smidgen (about 1mm) under scale, and a bigger one that unfortunately is not good enough.

Other details were added, like the landing lights under the lower wings and lights in the cabin, or replaced (the two small windows on the right fuselage side, and the prop -that was a tad undernourished).

To add some interest, and as well as with the other model, the mail compartment at the front was opened and a cover fashioned for it, "mail cargo" provided, and a service foldable step was cut out and added to the fuselage on the left side, including in its recess the crank as per photos. The left step was engraved on the right side, as both were missing from the mold. For this particular plane a double exhaust was fabricated, as the plane kept it from its "C" configuration.

An applause to CMR for the level of detail in the kit and the research. However, some things will be a bit frustrating and will need fixing, but, as we know, hardly any kit is perfect. At any rate, it's a pleasure to be able to model such beautiful and historically significant types from the Golden Age of Aviation Glamour. 

I can't but think that dearly missed friend and modeler extraordinaire Jim Schubert would have liked this one. To you, Jim, then; one of your beloved "Boings" 😉

Avro 643 Cadet MkII - 72Topia resin

 

Here is the handsome figure of 72Topia's Avro 643 Cadet II. What a delightful little thing.

This is one boxing -there are other boxings with different variants- released by this Argentinean manufacturer, and the kit is incredibly detailed being a pleasure to build thanks to its good fit and very clever engineering.

You get a fully detailed engine and interior, and a jig to align the wings while you add the multiple struts. The casting is very clean and the depiction of the many details is peerless.

I can't stop wondering how this one-person enterprise, with all the many regional limitations and hinders, and with near 0 budget, can still painstakingly produce these jewels of exceptional detail and absolutely masterful crafting. A link to 72Topia is the first one on the side bar where the other links are.

For further elaboration on the kit and build, please visit the step-by-step construction post here:

https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2021/01/72topia-avro-631643-cadetcadet-mkii.html

I wanted a reg not provided in the kit's decal sheet, so a set was commissioned from Arctic Decals in Finland.

Of classic figure and elegant lines, the Cadet was (and is) well loved and can still be seen in the skies, a testament to its endurance and circumspect charm.