Lockheed WV-2E/EC-121L model and L-084 variants

[McColm]

 On a previous topic I may of mentioned that I wanted to build a Long Range Maritime Patrol version of the Lockheed Super Constellation. From my research I've found that the Indian Air Force flew 9 ex-Air India aircraft in the maritime recce role from 1961-1979.
Five had retractable dustbin radar antenna fitted just behind the forward nose gear whilst the others were used in transport and cargo roles. The IAF handed over the Connies to the Navy in 1976 until they were replaced in 1989 by the Tu-142 Bear.
An experimental version of the WV-2 modified to carry a rotating radar dome similar to that of the Boeing E-3 Sentry under went trails and was re-designated the EC-121L. I intend to build this as I've got the rotating radar dome of a Heller E-3A.
As to the LMPA I'll raid my stash for suitable parts.
The jet version will get dropped in favour for an in-flight refuelling tanker. Parts will be donated from a C-135R.

[McColm]

The L-1649 Starliner had straightish wings, I was thinking of using the wings from a Lancaster cut the tips off squre and use the four merlins.

[McColm]

Another idea of mine is a Search and Rescue variant. I  have a suitable rigid inflatable boat similar to the SB-29 configuration.
I could also use the Lindholme Gear from my Airfix BAe Nimrod and house it in a speedpack just behind the nose landing gear.
A water bomber to put out forest fires is another possibility.
I could delve into my spares stash and come up with a 6 engined beast.

[Dork the kit slayer]

An experimental version of the WV-2 modified to carry a rotating radar dome similar to that of the Boeing E-3 Sentry under went trails and was re-designated the EC-121L. I intend to build this as I've got the rotating radar dome of a Heller E-3A.

This is a brave conversion. The radar housing was of a very particular shape and didnt share much in common with the later Sentry  housing. The  Constellation fuselage was also shorter for the original AEW version IIRC.

[McColm]

At present I have a 1/72 Revell Lockheed C-69 Constellation and the civilian equivilant model L-049. I also have an Airfix L-1049 Super Constellation or the C-121/R7V.
I could use the C-69/L-049 for this build.

[famvburg]

        Revell has a 1/72 C-69? I didn't know that! I've been looking at making an L-1649 using the Heller L-1049 & Academy B-29/B-50/KC-97 wings & putting the L-1049s nacelles & cowls, etc., on them. I've looked, altho not hard, for info on the Connies that were for BEA(?) powered by Centauruses but not found anything other than it being mentioned they were offered as options.

At present I have a 1/72 Revell Lockheed C-69 Constellation and the civilian equivilant model L-049. I also have an Airfix L-1049 Super Constellation or the C-121/R7V.
I could use the C-69/L-049 for this build.

[PR19_Kit]

I've looked, altho not hard, for info on the Connies that were for BEA(?) powered by Centauruses but not found anything other than it being mentioned they were offered as options.

It would have been for BOAC, BEA were the short/medium range British airline at the time. If Centauruses (Centauri?) were ever offered on BOAC's Connies they never appeared in reality.

But of course that's no reason for NOT making one. 

[McColm]

Hi,
Just been surfing the net and found resin conversion kits in 1/72 for the NC-121K and EC-121L Warning Star made by RVHP Models Czech Republic. The kits aren't cheap £43.20 and £37.68 respectfully, they also do other conversions although the range is limited.
They also do a Boeing PB-1W "AEW B-17" conversion which will be one of my next projects.
RVHP also do 1/48 conversions for the A-7E and F-8E, all kits come with decals.

[McColm]

Instead of the E-3 style rotordome I could use the E-2 and its' stand.
Another idea is to build a floatplane version ( I saw this on the artwork for the Airfix Ju-52 Junkers kit).

[famvburg]

  Here's something on eBay that I haven't seen before. http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOCKHEED-AEW-CONSTELLATION-PROTOTYPE-HOUSE-FACTORY-DESK-MODEL-TOPPING-PRECISE-/400296873798?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DUPI.GIROS%26its%3DI%252BC%252BS%26itu%3DUCI%252BUCC%26otn%3D11%26pmod%3D200658326697%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8394612191325427430

[PR19_Kit]

That's BIG!

It's pretty much 1/72 scale but AFAIK that variant was never built, although Lockheed did make the two separate variants, one with turbo-props and one with the 'saucer' radome.

[McColm]

Thanks,
I've been thinking of using the smaller radome from a E-2 Hawkeye for a whiff AEW, using two sets of turboprops from the Heritage resin turbo-Dakota conversion kit. The propellers from the kit are tiny so the Airfix/Revell props will be used instead. I think this would look better on the C-69 than a C-121.

[McColm]

Hi Guys,
For those of you that have read my Blog will know that I'm building an AEW/AWACS version using the Heller 1/72 C-69 or L-049. I found the base of a E-3 and the spin top of a E-2, the four engines have been replaced by resin turboprops from the Dakota conversion kit. The EC-69 has a new resin nose from a Camberra EW trainer.
I'ved used filler to blend the new nose for a better fit, and sanded down the raised parts of the original cockpit.
Are there any drawings of the Speed Pack available?

[PR19_Kit]

I've not seen any drawings of a Speedpack but there's quite a few piccies about.

Try this page with stuff concerning KLM's use of the Speedpack :-

http://klmhistorie.forum2go.nl/speedpak-op-de-constellations-t269.html

Plus this shows the structure of the thing, quite a complex shape too.

[McColm]

Thanks Kit,
I'll raid my spares box, for something suitable.