Stinson RQ-1 XR3Q-1 RELIANT
Only one Stinson Reliant served with the US Coast Guard, being commissioned during 1935, serving until 1941. The Service used the aircraft as a flying "Radio Test" bed for long distance aerial radio communications, a novel idea in the 1930's.
The plastic kit is an old 1970's era kit offered by AMT and designated as the SR-9 model in 1:48 scale. As the USCG flew an earlier version, the SR-5, I had to replace the kit's gull wing with a flat wing with rounded wing tips. I dug into the spare parts box and used the old Monogram 1:48 scale Piper Cub wings modified for the Stinson. As they were pretty close it was just a matter of fitting them to the fuselage with the appropriate struts. I also had to cut new windows and a new door to make it a little more prototypical. The model was air brushed with Tamiya paints and detailed with decals I printed from my computer. The RDF loop and roof antenna are made from brass.
Mike, don't know the type, but thanks for the introduction. A great looking build.
I love obscure subjects! Nicely done.
Great looking model Mike…..I do favor those Coast Guard subjects.
another fine one mike
Nice build of a rarely seen kit. Good job.
Wonderful build Mike.
Good job Mike , you should think about doing a in progress photo shoot so that we can all see that hoodoo that you do so well !
I never knew Reliants flew with a wing like this. The first thing I think of when someone says "Reliant" is that gorgeous tapered wing with the quirky thick section about 1/4 span. (And a big round engine!) The Cub wings look like they were made for it. Kitbashing at its finest! (I also like the color scheme. Yellow winged pre-war planes are always fun.) Great job on it!
Great subject and a nice modeling too!
Cool looking build, Mike, quite exotic ! Well done
Mike,
Knowing what the old AMT kit looked like, makes this all the more impressive. Outstanding workmanship on this beautiful model