Beech 18 AT11

[moon puppy]

I'm in with a Beech 18

Cindy's dad trained as a bombardier in 1942. I have his class book, will pull as much info as I can from it.
Long story short he told me that he got crossed up with a "Yankee" lieutenant and knocked him out. He got busted and didn't graduate, stayed in Texas for the war. I don't think I need to tell you guys that that punch probably saved his life considering the survivability of bomber crews in 1942/43.

Last time I built this kit was in 1:72 scale, I did print out this serial number for the aircraft. The colors on the cowl I painted black and white but I do not think that would be correct.

not sure what kit I have, it's a bag kit, I'll get a shot of it later today. I know the windows on the kit are square and the real ones are round. I really don't think I'll correct that but we'll see.

 

[moon puppy]

It's a Battleaxe brand kit. I hope that brand name is not for telling.

 

[Sharkmouth]

It's a Battleaxe brand kit. I hope that brand name is not for telling.

Nah, the owner simply named it after his mother-in-law after her incessant complaints about his toys!

Read a review:

 

[moon puppy]

One reason I hate shows...get caught up in the excitement of the deal.

At least I didn't pay that much, think it was $10.

 

[Rhino]

Beech Model 18 by Fotios Rouch (Battle Axe 1/48)

hsfeatures.com

This review doesn't impart much confidence in this kit. Forewarned is forearmed, I guess.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Beech Model 18 by Fotios Rouch (Battle Axe 1/48)

hsfeatures.com

This review doesn't impart much confidence in this kit. Forewarned is forearmed, I guess.

@Rhino, I guess you didn't click the photo in my reply?

 

[moon puppy]

Well if this thread goes MIA you know I did some dry fitting and said

 

[jeaton01]

The 1/48 ICM/Revell kit is a gem. Toss that sucker and get one of them instead! Though neither it not the Battle Axe is the AT-11, I think only Pioneer has done that, in 1/72.

 

[RichB]

Well if this thread goes MIA you know I did some dry fitting and said

If you do take the leap, here is the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE USAF AT-11 KANSAN fact sheet. It has similar black and white cowls.

Cheers,
RichB

 

[Skinny_Mike]

Cool! Don’t see many of these getting built

 

[sharkman]

Very cool subject Bob! I hope you are able to tackle it!

I have 1 Battle Axe kit, a French Bloch 174. It is a kit that is going to take a lot of extra work but I think it's doable!

Mine actually had the canopy missing but was able to order a new one from Mach 2 as they acquired the molds from Battle Axe.

 

[Heavens Eagle]

This is COOL! Will be watching Bob!

 

[moon puppy]

If you do take the leap, here is the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE USAF AT-11 KANSAN fact sheet. It has similar black and white cowls.

Cheers,
RichB

Thanks for that Rich, check the S/N on that one, was build in the same series.
BTW, when I was researching the previous build like 12 years ago I found that the Beech 18 that was used in "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" was on the assembly line as this one. The numbers were only like 4 off. The one that Frank Tillman flew through the billboard.

Mad Mad World Twin Beech - Aero Vintage Books

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World Beech 18 The Tallmantz Twin Beech is best known for the spectacular scene in the 1963 film It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World where it flies through a billboard, as well as for several other notable scenes in the same film. The Tallmantz Twin Beech was, specifically,

www.aerovintage.com

Notice 37440 has the round windows but 37444, post war conversion probably?

 

[moon puppy]

The 1/48 ICM/Revell kit is a gem. Toss that sucker and get one of them instead! Though neither it not the Battle Axe is the AT-11, I think only Pioneer has done that, in 1/72.

Yes Sir! I'll go shopping now.

 

[moon puppy]

Our ol' pal Stoneboat took this on a while back. Correction he did not build the Battle Axe.

Beechcraft 18

The Beechcraft 18, aka the Twin Beech, aka the Bugsmasher, began life in 1935 and production continued until 1969. Over 9000 of them were built for both civilian and military markets. In Canada some were equipped with floats and straight skis or wheel/skis. There are a handful of them still...

modelersalliance.org

Reading through that thread reminds me what a craftsman he is, anyone know what happened to Stoneboat? @Stoneboat

 

[RichB]

Thanks for that Rich, check the S/N on that one, was build in the same series.
BTW, when I was researching the previous build like 12 years ago I found that the Beech 18 that was used in "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" was on the assembly line as this one. The numbers were only like 4 off. The one that Frank Tillman flew through the billboard.

Mad Mad World Twin Beech - Aero Vintage Books

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World Beech 18 The Tallmantz Twin Beech is best known for the spectacular scene in the 1963 film It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World where it flies through a billboard, as well as for several other notable scenes in the same film. The Tallmantz Twin Beech was, specifically,

www.aerovintage.com

Notice 37440 has the round windows but 37444, post war conversion probably?

I believe just the AT-11 had the porthole windows. It may have been a structural thing with the addition of the bomb bay and upper gun turret/observation dome. The write up for 37444 says the porthole windows were replaced by the standard rectangular Beech 18 windows when it was demilitarized in 1947.

Cheers,
RichB

 

[moon puppy]

Looking around, not seeing an AT11 version of the Revelle kit. This thread is close to disappearing.

 

[moon puppy]

On further review, the kit I have is not AT11, doesn't have the bombardier nose. Think I'll be a punting this!

 

[moon puppy]

Not deleting this thread but moving it, maybe something will come of it one day.

 

[sharkman]