Convair C-131F 

Kit: Execuform C-131F TC6A6 Convair 440 series
Price: $30
Decals: No options
Reviewer: Carmel J Attard
Notes: Vacuform with metal and resin parts

History
In late 1940 a new generation of prop-driven airliners was emerging that reflected the strides in technology made during WWII. These were namely the DC6 and Constellation L-1049 of which the US Navy made good use of them. The Navy ordered both these in 1950s, as the R6D-1 (C-118B) and R7V-1 (C-121S). Even the venerable DC-3 was produced by the Navy in 1951 as R4D-8 (C-117).

In early 1954 the Navy found itself in need of a larger high-performance, twin-engine transport aircraft for use as short and medium range cargo and passenger runs. With successful operations of the civil Convair 240s and the USAF C-29s navigation trainers and with little competition from other designers the updated version of the Convair model 340 liners was picked.

In December 1953 the Navy satisfied its immediate needs by ordering a single R4Y2 Samaritan under contract No 54-602. The aircraft was converted from a civil version into a military VIP with reduced seating for 24. The airplane entered service as Bu No 140378 late in April 1954 and was based at NAS Anacosta, Washington DC. The aircraft was assigned to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy carrying Navy and government leaders throughout the East Coast area.

Shortly after delivery the Navy assigned a second contract with Convair for 36 convertible cargo/ passenger R4Y-1 Samaritan (Bu No 140993-141028) redesigned as C-131F in mid 1962. The R4Y-1s (Convair 340-71) had 13% increase in wing area over model 340 and carried 44 rear-facing passengers. The Convair had a maximum speed of 275 mph, a range of 2100 nautical miles and service ceiling of 25,500 ft. Noteworthy features with this aircraft was that it was the first twin-engine Navy transport to use tricycle undercarriage, each with twin tires for adding safety. The three blade Hamilton Standard propellers were identical to those used on the 4-engine R6D-1 Liftmaster. It also featured the standard Convair-liner folding stairways in forward main entrance door. It had a strengthened cabin floor for cargo loads and a large left cargo door that swings upwards to produce 6’x 10’ opening.

At one time during the late 1950 all the R4Y-1s were put through a modernization programme that much resembled to Convair 440 standard. This included replacing the twin tubes exhaust outlets (T-29 type) to more streamlined rectangular ones improving engine cooling and cabin noise levels. An elongated “weather mapping” radar nose was also installed as well as standard modifications that increased the airplane gross weight to 53,200 lbs.

In general the C-131B which was in line with Convair 440 series was a stretched and improved version of the model 240 with 16” added forward of the wing and 38” added aft. This increase in cabin length enabled an additional row of passengers to be fitted. The wing area increased 103 Sq Ft bringing 920 Sq Ft. Wing span increased 13’7” to 105’ 4”. Engine nacelle also increased 7” forward of wing. The 400 also differed from the 340 in having more closely fitted engine cowls and with rectangular exhaust outlets as indicated earlier. Other improvements were addition of aileron and flap seals and improved soundproofing.

The C-131F represented in the kit livery was in the shape it was on 23rd April 1964 (50 years to date) while assigned to the Fleet Marine Force Pacific at MCSA El Toro. Since its delivery on22nd March 1956 the aircraft was assigned to MCAS El Toro, Cal; Anacosta; back to El Toro HQ, then to MCAS Kaneohe, Hawaii; El Toro; MASDA Davis-Montan, Arizona and was stricken on 29th June 1978 with 13,329 hours logged.

Both Civilian and military versions of the Convair series aircraft were a common sight in Maltese skies during the 1960s and the following are typical movements of the type landing at Hal Luqa airfield, Malta.

11.5.64 Convair 440 CA-033 Luftwaffe
15.5.64 “ “ “ “ “
28.5.64 C-131 42822 USAF
18.6.64 VT-29B 15118 USAF
21.7.64 Convair 340 PH-CGD Martinair Holland
24.8.64 C-131F 141020 USN Naples model 340-71
27.10.64 C-131F 26892 USN Naples
17.11.64 C-131F 141011 USN Naples
20.12.64 Convair 440 SM-2 mm61899 Italian AF
15.3.65 C-131F 141020 USN Naples
23.3.65 VC-121 2607 81615 Wheelus AB
22.4.65 Convair 340 PH-CGD Martinair Holland
5.6.65 VT-29B USAF HQ 3rd AF Northolt
4.10.65 C-131F 141020 USN Naples
6.10.65 VT-29D 0-25832 USN Naples
21.10.65 Convair 440 YU-AND J.A.T.
9.2.66 C-131F 142822 USN
14.3.66 C-131A 0-25798 cn 53-18
21.3.66 C-131A 25802 cn 53-22
3.5.66 C-131F 141018 US Atlantic Fleet
7.5.66 T-29B13812 USAF
8.5.66 VT-29B 17899 HQ 3rd AF
28.6.66 VC-131D cn 232 Wiesbaden
19.6.66 VC-131D 42822 USAF Wiesbaden

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The kit
This is a vac form kit with metal undercarriage legs and resin props, wheels, and detail parts. A set of comprehensive drawings comes with the kit. These scale plans are highly detailed and accurate to enable one makes the model. Otherwise the kit is as described in detail in review:

http://www.arcair.com/Gal12/11201-11300/gal11274-T-29-Attard/00.shtm 

As at first glance the impression is that the C-131F is a slightly bigger aircraft to its predecessor T-29.

Construction
Again the construction procedure and assembly is practically identical to the sequence indicated on the review of the T-29 and the main difference is that the C-131 has a bigger span and overall length necessitating an additional inside bulkhead but neglecting the added belly radome on the T-29. The engine exhausts were more simplified and the engine cowling varied slightly and which are also among the given kit parts.

Colours and markings.
The C-131F 141019 that I have picked to represent my model carries US Marines markings. It has a white fuselage upper for which I have used Model Master semi gloss white. The lower fuselage and wings were silver using MM1546E. Extensive day-glow areas were applied to tail planes, fin, wing tips and nose and rear fuselage using Model Master 1775E, FS 28915 on a base coat of matt white. Cockpit was light grey and main cabin interior silver.

Decals came from various sources mainly Scale Master and Model Master letters and numerals as well as Micro scale national insignias. Model was given a coat of Klear before and after decaling.

Conclusion
This was another vac kit that I enjoyed building adding yet another type that I have so many times spotted in my lifetime.

Ref: Steve Ginter book Naval Fighters No 14.

Carmel J Attard

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