Minicraft model kits 1/144 Boeing 377 Stratocruiser BOAC

This is an "ignored airplane" on most of the times... Its... Propeler driven... Complex... A "failure"... But without him, there would be no Airbus... The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser from minicraft.

For its time, the stratocruiser was big, with a pressurized cabin... It was probably the first double deck airplane, which could carry 100 passengers on the top, and 14 on the lower lounge. On the other hand, it was derived from the C-97 Stratofreighter, a cargo airplane. But while it was a luxury airplane, its operating costs were too high to be profitable... The engines required too much maintenance. But although it had gained its place in history, it was further developed as a cargo airplane... And it was enlarged, a lot, up to the Super Guppy. It had an inside diameter of 7.6 m by 28 meter of length... It was the only thing that could carry the fuselage and wings of the Airbus, so that it could be built in several factories and assembled in another one. But that will be another story.

Minicraft model kits is one of the good manufacturers. It has one tradition: while Airfix and Revell usually make airplanes with cut in windows, Minicraft almost allways uses decals to simulate the windows. Some prefere it like this, others, not really...

Another feature is that usually the cockpit is a single "quarter moon" transparent part. This is actually a big advantage, as it is easyer to adjust the clear part to the fuselage, without damaging the transparent windows. Even if most of the times it also supplies the decals to simulate the windows.
The assembly of the model is peacefull... Not very complicated, some sanding should be made, recessed lines as details. The landing gear detail is actually good!

The assembly of the wings can be a little tricky, as it is habit of them, they are "intertwined" inside the fuselage... If there is a slight twist, it can be frustrating to put them in...

Actually, it is not that hard to build... You will need extra weight on the front, it is a tail sitter... But not that much. In the end, you'll get a nice and classic propliner. Can be a nice model with not that much dedication. I do advise to buy it.