ChrisjpB

Mark, if you are going to have the cargo door closed I would think there would be plenty of space to put a weight of some sort. It's funny because most instructions recommend a weight if the aircraft is a tail-setter. I reread the magazine article I mentioned and the author put a lead block inside the cargo compartment all the way forward against the bulkhead with the stairs leading to the cockpit. It's funny because he spent some time detailing the interior and has the cargo door open only to glue a lead weight in there. I'm going to put lead fishing weights in every nook and cranny I can and tape the major air frame parts and see how it sits.

Man, you are just plowing right ahead with this build! I have done the cutting to open the cargo door on mine. I plan to have the door open in the level position with the toes installed. These small parts are starting to give me fits. I have been trying to do sub assemblies and have started the main gear struts, engines, and crew entry door. The hand rail for the door in my kit is broken and I have been trying to piece it together and clean off the flash. I have to walk away every now and then so I don't freak out. A friend of mine has offered to let me do my airbrushing at his house because I really don't have a place of my own here and he has a nice booth set up. I also pulled out my October 2009 copy of Scale Aircraft Modelling that has a feature article on the kit. He went to town inside the cargo compartment of his kit adding ducting, plumbing, etc. Funny thing is he put this big chuck of lead all the way forward just behind the loadmaster station. I do like the engine covers he made for his kit. Have you seen the funky paint scheme on Qatar's jets? Different. Pictures to come shortly I hope.

I have cracked open my kit but I'm going to have the cargo door opened but level with the toes installed. I have a friend who bought the Xtradecals decal sheet he has agreed to let me have the serial number of my choice if I get my kit built. You see I have been more a model collector than a builder. I will get some pictures up when I refamiliarize myself on how to do it. More to come and if you have any questions about the C-17, I still have my aircraft systems book that I got when I went through the maintenance class on the C-17. More to come!

Very nice KC-135 VonL. I have nine years maintenance experience on the Q and R model 135s. An oldie but a goodie.

Mark, I'll join you. I am seeing if a friend of mine is willing to part out his Xtradecals sheet so I can do either the Spirit of Bob Hope, Spirit of John Levitow, or Spirit of POWS & MIAS. Even though I have been retired now for eleven years I work just off the north - south runway here at Charleston AFB and they fly over my shop all the time. They call it Joint Base Charleston here as the Air Force absorbed the Navy's weapon station located nearby.

Mark, What I didn't say was I am modifying the C-121C to make a RC-121D which my Dad flew in as a radar operator in the late fifties. When I am done it will represent the type of aircraft he served on when he was assigned to the 551st AEW&Con Wing, Otis AFB, Massachusetts. It won't fit the cargo plane group build. Out of curiosity, what is your affiliation with the C-17?

You are tempting me to pull out my kit and join you. I'm building the 1/144 Revell Germany C-121C Connie at this time but could probably find the room to start the C-17 too. I was in aircraft maintenance for 18 years finishing my last four on the C-17 before I retired in 2000. If I can help in anyway please let me know.