Douglas DC-7 in 1/400 Scale
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Updated: October 2017
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The DC-7 was a direct result of American's close relationship with Douglas, which had already been instrumental in the creation of the DC-3 and the DC-6. American wanted an answer to TWA's Super Connies and an aeroplane that could fly nonstop coast to coast in both directions. The DC-7 introduced the turbo compound engine but pushing piston engine technology to its maximum made the Seven less reliable than the trusty Six. Even so the Sevens were faster and longer ranged keeping AA ahead of the competition until the first turboprops arrived.
Before we take a look at the situation in 1:400 let's take a look at the standard DC-7 (the term DC-7B was used as a marketing term at first and later 7Bs were externally similar) in real life:
Before we take a look at the situation in 1:400 let's take a look at the standard DC-7 (the term DC-7B was used as a marketing term at first and later 7Bs were externally similar) in real life:
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An early model DC-7 with short nose
A long nose DC-7 with radar fitted. Photo by Connieman from Wikipedia
Aeroclassics 2009 Mould
As of October 2017 in 1:400 scale only one manufacturer has created a DC-7 mould and unsurprisingly that is Aeroclassics. I initially thought that the mould was the same as the excellent DC-6 mould but actually when I measured them I found the DC-6 was 8cm long and the DC-7 8.5cm. This makes sense since the DC-7 had a fuselage 108ft, 11in (33.20m) compared to the DC-6B which had a fuselage shorter by 40 inches at 105ft, 7in (32.18m).
This mould has been used 23 times and represents the later DC-7s with the radar nose and larger spinners on the props.
As of October 2017 in 1:400 scale only one manufacturer has created a DC-7 mould and unsurprisingly that is Aeroclassics. I initially thought that the mould was the same as the excellent DC-6 mould but actually when I measured them I found the DC-6 was 8cm long and the DC-7 8.5cm. This makes sense since the DC-7 had a fuselage 108ft, 11in (33.20m) compared to the DC-6B which had a fuselage shorter by 40 inches at 105ft, 7in (32.18m).
This mould has been used 23 times and represents the later DC-7s with the radar nose and larger spinners on the props.
The Aeroclassics DC-7 actually predates the current DC-6 mould, but only just. It shares most of the characteristics with that mould i.e it is awesome. The nose and cockpit region is perfect, whilst the long thin nosegear bay doors and nosegear itself are finely detailed and remarkably robust. No stupid rolling gears here and the aircraft is better for it. There is a small seam line (as this is a cradle mould) but it is discrete and not an issue. The wings are great and as Aeroclassics commonly does with its props the engine cowlings are plastic addons, which allows for greater detail. Lastly the rear fuselage and stabilizers are pretty much perfect. There really isn’t anything substantial to complain about. As with the DC-6B it is one of the best.