1/72 Boeing C-97 AEW/AWACS concept build

[McColm]

Freightdog has a 1/144 C-97 AWI (AEW) conversion ,but not in 1/72.
I have checked through various topics to see if any one has built one and the idea of using the lumps  & bumps  from a Heller EC-121 Warning Star was suggested .I have one of those in my stash ,but which kit should I used for the conversion ?

I have read the comments made of replacing the engines and it may be feasable to use the engines from the Revell Br 11450 Atlantic .Or Griffon s from a Shackleton .

[McColm]

From what I can see there are two kits.
Airmodel resin C-97 or Academy that covers the Boeing model 377 Stratocruiser
C-97 cargo
KC-97G non jet assisted tanker
KC-97L jet assisted tanker

Of course you could choose to build the Search and Rescue HC-97G
EC -86G  ELINT  as flown by CIA  down the West Berlin corridor

I can remember seeing a maritime patrol version by a fellow Whiffer but I don't know where it is. Another idea was a bomber version not too sure if this got built?

[Captain Canada]

Re-engining with Griffons would sure be a nice change ! I love those big old propliners.....

[kitnut617]

Re-engining with Griffons would sure be a nice change ! I love those big old propliners.....

Only thing is Todd, you'd be down-powering the aircraft using Griffon, even the most powerful ones are about a 1000 hp less the the standard C-97 engines.  Incidently, the Griffons on a Shackleton was the least hp rated version, 1960 hp in normal use only going to 2350 hp for take-off only (according to wiki that is --- )

[jcf]

Re-engining with Griffons would sure be a nice change ! I love those big old propliners.....

Napier Nomad
R-R Eagle or Crecy
Bristol cerberus 3-row 27 cylinder radial 

[McColm]

Two pairs of jet pods from a B-47 should give it enough power.
Or if the plastic in the kit is flexible I can add T-56 turboprops as I did with the Neptune I built .
Another idea I had was to change the wings to pure turbojets using my last Airfix Nimrod from my stash .Ground clearance might be a issue so I won't be any bumps to the underneath of the build .
With that in mind parts from a E-2 Hawkeye looks like a safer bet .
So that's two Academy kits to buy !!

[Captain Canada]

With that in mind parts from a E-2 Hawkeye looks like a water bet .
So that's two Academy kits to buy !!

Now you're talking !

[McColm]

I knew I had seen a maritime patrol version on this site and it was ne of Bungle's builds .

[McColm]

The fuselage looks boat-like , as I have never attempted to relocated the wings to the shoulder position ,a sea plane idea seems more than likely .

[Captain Canada]

Never thought of that....could be a forerunner to the Princess !?

[McColm]

With the Nimrod wings in the shoulder position and the parts from a Airfix C-130 main undercarriage housing amphibious version could be built .

[McColm]

The curve of the Airfix Nimrod wing section fixed to the roof of the weapons bay forms a perfect arch that fits over the top of the C-97A. OK you need to trim the end part that forms a lip. But other than that it is a good fit,as a dry run.

[rickshaw]

Re-engining with Griffons would sure be a nice change ! I love those big old propliners.....

Napier Nomad
R-R Eagle or Crecy
Bristol cerberus 3-row 27 cylinder radial 

Was there such a beastie as the "Bristol Cerberus 3-row 27 cylinder radial"?

[Pellson]

I can remember seeing a maritime patrol version by a fellow Whiffer but I don't know where it is. Another idea was a bomber version not too sure if this got built?

I think this is what you are referring to. A marvellous build, indeed:

>>Supermarine Narwhal<<

[McColm]

Another Whiffer has built the cargo version  in RAF Transport Command colors. His use of the Mastercaster Nimrod AEW resin parts on his C-130 has given me an idea to use one on a future C-97 build .
Managed to get a second hand Airfix 1/72 B-29 from a house clearance .Thinking of a Boeing Washington MR (ASW), different engines.A raid in my spares bin will see some of the defence cannons replaced .