SJMc Engineering Harlequin C.1 with photos

[McColm]

 This is based on the Fairchild C-119 and C-82 using the fuselage of a 1/72 Lockheed C-130K. Having stripped the 1/72 Lockheed Cardinal Heavy lift Helicopter for parts, I'm left with the fuselage which I think when added to the wings and twin tail boom from the Hasegawa C-119 Flying Boxcar should fit after a bit of bodging and PSR.
A pair of scratch built TF33s turbofans should provide ample power for STOL take off and landings.
I did try something similar using the Mach2 Argosy which ended up in the bin but the wings from the Boxcar are a good fit for this kit.

The backstory could be that the USNAVY were looking into the replacement for the Grumman Trader C.O.D. Trials using a Lockheed C-130 had proved that it could be possible but due to the size it wasn't a practical option so something smaller. Fairchild had proposed a naval version of the C-119 Boxcar before the decision to use the Grumman Greyhound.
Across the pond SJMcColm Engineering Ltd were working on Project Flying Pallet-truck for the Royal Navy, if successful this could also be a carrier-on-delivery,  air-to-air refuelling tanker, ASW, EW and AEW platform with a short to medium range cargo/freighter for the commercial side, another option was a airliner combination for regional companies.
 Monies were set aside for three flying prototypes; military , commercial and experimental research.
The experimental research aircraft was aimed at new technologies that could be used for the production model, different engines and oversized cargo.
The Flying Pallet-truck's name was changed to the Harlequin, did have a limited success with Canada and Australia using them as bush-cargo aircraft replacing the Bristol Type 170 and the Douglas Skytrain although they never made it into service on board an aircraft carrier the British Army and the Royal Air Force had use of them.
NASA keeps the V/STOL for test purposes with rumours of these being used by other agencies in the USA on Black Ops.

[Diamondback]

Something like a navalized XC-120 then?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_XC-120_Packplane

[Rheged]

Something like a navalized XC-120 then?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_XC-120_Packplane

Or perhaps a Miles M68 Boxcar?  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_M.68

[kerick]

Something like a navalized XC-120 then?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_XC-120_Packplane

Or perhaps a Miles M68 Boxcar?  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_M.68

I've never seen the M68 before, very interesting.

[PR19_Kit]

I've never seen the M68 before, very interesting.

A fascinating little thing, I saw it at a Farnborough show a zillion years ago. I was very young then and it looked to me is if the plane itself was a kit! 

[Later] Hmm, maybe it wasn't the M68 then. It seems it was was scrapped before the Farnbrough shows started, so it must have been another of Miles' wonderful machines that caught my interest then.

[McColm]

The Italeri Fairchild C-119 wings and twin tail-boom are a good fit for the 1/72 Lockheed C-130 although I have trimmed back the rear tail section for some clearance upto the upper loading ramp hinged area.
I will probably use the Rolls-Royce Tyne engines from the C-160 but with different propellers.

[Gondor]

When I read the title I thought it was one of THESE with wings.

Gondor

Don't think I am putting your build down, it looks good, just the title made me think of that.

[McColm]

When I read the title I thought it was one of THESE with wings.

Gondor

Don't think I am putting your build down, it looks good, just the title made me think of that.

I can always change the title at a later date as its a work in progress.

[McColm]

I've gone back to the twin turbofan engines as the main landing gear wheel-well doors have bulges which could double up as the jet exhaust pipes.