1/72 C-46 Commando BOAC and 1/144 C-46 Transair

Maestro Models

S u m m a r y :
Catalogue Number and Description	Maestro Models Item Nos.: MMD7208 - 1/72 C-46 Commando BOAC MMD144001 - 1/144 C-46 Commando Transair (Sweden)
Price:	Maestro decals available online from Maestro Models
Scale:	1/72 and 1/144 scale
Contents & Media:	Single decal sheet and instructions
Review Type:	First Look.
Advantages:	Great quality, well produced decals and very unique subjects.
Disadvantages:
Conclusion:	These are two very colourful and interesting, perhaps esoteric, decal sheets that should keep any airline modeller happy..

Reviewed by Mick Drover

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Maestro Models are known for producing excellent resin, etch and decal accessories for Swedish military aircraft.

In this review we look at two civil airliner decal sets produced by them.

Named “St Loius” and registered as G-ADGI, this was the only C-46 that operated with BOAC after being sold to BOAC from the US Army in September 1942. It was converted from its original cargo configuration to a 24 seat passenger aircraft. G-AGDI was flown to Prestwick, Scotland in November 1941 after which it began flying long haul routed between Gibraltar and Malta. It was eventually scrapped in October 1943.* (http://www.ww2incolor.com/britain/CW20-BOAC.html)

Printed by Eduard, these decals are a first class production. The colours look vibrant and there’s barely a hint of carrier film. Two options for G-AGDI are supplied. One with and one without a white halo around the large registration codes and the “St. Louis” aircraft nose art. I’ve not been able to find an image of the aircraft lacking the halo on the codes but that isn’t to say that they’re not out there.

This is an interesting set of markings for a civil aircraft particularly with the dark green/dark earth camouflage scheme. If you can find the Williams Bros 1/72 kit, I suggest getting yourself some of these to accompany it. You’ll end up with a striking model when finished. Recommended.

This is Maestro Models first set of 1/144 scale subjects and they’ve certainly chosen an interesting subject that’s close to home. Covered on this sheet are the C-46 Commando’s that were operated by TransAIR Sweden. Looking fantastic in the red and white over metal a finished model in this decals will look spectacular. Decals are provided for 11 aircraft in two different schemes. The red/white over natural metal covers the majority of the subjects while an additional scheme of white over natural metal is provided for SE-CFE that operated on UN peacekeeping duties in the Congo during the early 1960’s.

The decals themselves look first rate. They’re printed by Eduard so those familiar with their decals should have no problems. Carrier film is minimal and the red looks quite vibrant. Compared to some of the photos found on the Transair Sweden reference pages they look close with the colour reproduction. Decals are provided for the windows and the overawing walkway areas. Additionally, all of the red trim is provided as a decal so no tricky masking when it comes time to paint. The only paint matching needed will be for the red propeller spinners.

The odd one out, SE-CFE, certainly looks to be an interesting selection with the white over natural metal. This aircraft carried red spinners from it’s commercial operations before it was used in UN service. The blue ‘ONU’ (Organisation des Nations unies) text also adds some visual interest to the subject.

Maestro suggests checking references for the particular aircraft being modelled as the aircraft had different radio fit outs which meant different antennae configurations.

This is a really nice decal sheet from Maestro of a subject found on the road less travelled.

I can’t find any problems with the decals however one issue that I’ve found in my research is that Transair aircraft used three bladed props. The problem is that the 1/144 Platz C-46 (that these decals would be perfect for) only comes with the four blade variety. After reading some of the suggestions on various forums it appears that a donor set of props will be needed from another kit if using the Platz kit. In most cases it has been suggested that the Roden 1/144 VC-118 will be the best option to source the props. I’ve not found any mention of aftermarket items though I wasn’t going to follow Alice down the rabbit hole looking for some. If on the other hand you’ve got the 1/144 Miniwing resin kit then you should be good to go as it comes with the three blade props. Apart from that, I recommend these certainly colourful decals!

Thanks to Maestro Models for the review sample..

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Mick Drover
Page Created 9 December, 2014
Last updated 9 December, 2014

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