Boeing 221 Monomail - Dekno Models 1/72nd resin kit conversion + Arctic Decals transfers and masks

 

Finally the Monomail conversion is ready to fly to the modeling skies. The Dekno Models Monomail 200 kit is well known by now,  it required some adaptations of course to become a model 221. I used the superb Arctic Decals masks set I have used before for my first Monomail, plus a special decal set catering for this version.

My thanks to John Newcome for facilitating the kit that was used for this conversion. The details and step-by-step build can be consulted here:

https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2024/07/boeing-monomail-model-221-dekno-172nd.html

My first Monomail build can be seen here:

https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2022/12/boeing-model-200-monomail-dekno-172nd.html

Among other details needed for this 221 type conversion:

The fuselage was extended

The nose details were modified changing from stiffeners to louvers

A compartmentalized interior was created including a passenger cabin and mail hold

The fuselage was modified opening the windows, tree hatches and a cabin door

The fairing after the cockpit was scratchbuilt as it was different

Wheel fairings were also scratchbuilt as they were different

Landing lights were home-made

The exhaust fuselage guard was added

A Pitot tube was fabricated

An Arctic Decals set was used + their painting masks

The 221 was a handsome machine of relatively big size and imposing figure, from a time when Boeing’s name wasn’t yet tarnished due to putting profit over safety and quality, as reported variously on the news and in documentaries.

It would be nice to see a kit of the stretched 221A version.

The Monomail didn’t reach the success it was expected of it, a fate suffered by many designs ahead of its time, but was nonetheless the precursor of much modern types based on its features. Elegant and projecting speed and power, it’s one of the classics of the Golden Age of Aviation. I know that the late Boeingite Jim Schubert is looking and smiling from his cloud. 

Syndikate 3D-printed engines and diorama accessories

 

Thanks to the heads-up from fellow modelers Mark Davies and Matt Bittner I got to know this Polish outfit, Syndikate, which produces beautiful 3D-printed accessories ranging from engines to diorama objects such as varied suitcases and their transport trolley, ag. accessories, food containers, etc. I went to the website, followed the instructions, and in a relative short time I got a well-protected package with the goods, all printed at high definition and secured in their cradles.

Now we modelers are learning the art of separating these 3D-printed parts from their cradles, as we learned before to extricate resin parts from their pouring blocks, vac parts form their backing sheets and injected plastic parts from their sprues. The same applies: clearly identify what is the part and what is not, separate it carefully and gradually with sharp instruments and appropriate tools, and with patience and care. I had my parts out and clean in hour, the trolley being the accessory that needed most care. Any breakage can be superglued back. I am very happy with the service and quality of this outfit and hope they produce more civil Golden Age accessories.

Here are a few links to the parts that caught my eye:

 https://syndikateco.wixsite.com/my-site-1/product-page/suitcases-and-transport-cart

 https://syndikateco.wixsite.com/my-site-1/product-page/engine-clerget-9-1-72

 https://syndikateco.wixsite.com/my-site-1/product-page/engine-siemens-halske-sh-22-1-72

 https://syndikateco.wixsite.com/my-site-1/product-page/engine-walter-nz-60-1-72

 https://syndikateco.wixsite.com/my-site-1/product-page/agricultural-accesssories-1-72

 https://syndikateco.wixsite.com/my-site-1/product-page/latrine-1-72

 https://syndikateco.wixsite.com/my-site-1/product-page/cart-food-containers

 

Primed:

One of the engines already painted:

Base colors applied, you can pick up details later like fittings, handles, straps, etc.:

The definition of the printing is truly remarkable:

And every airfield needs one of these...

 In any format...

More goods came in the mail, well protected in separate boxes:

The printing is precise and has excellent definition:

A nice assortment of diorama elements can be bought from this vendor:

The glassware is fantastic and several types of bottles are included. Notice the already separated two that have the straw weaved around their base:

In general it's very easy to detach the parts from their 3D-cradles, but sometimes a little thing may break. Repairs are easy enough, though:

The detail is really good, even the very small handles of the milk containers, for example, are printed. Notice that the "wood" items are printed in a brown color:

Market day assortment, diverse, well-printed and creative:

A little bit of paint:
 

In the process of painting more accessories: