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.
7 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Rob Pollock said on April 30, 2015
Mike, don’t know the type, but thanks for the introduction. A great looking build.
Greg Kittinger said on April 30, 2015
I love obscure subjects! Nicely done.
Jack Mugan said on April 30, 2015
Great looking model Mike…..I do favor those Coast Guard subjects.
bob mack said on April 30, 2015
another fine one mike
Craig Abrahamson said on April 30, 2015
Nice build of a rarely seen kit. Good job.
Simon Whitney said on April 30, 2015
Wonderful build Mike.
Gary Jordan said on April 30, 2015
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 !
Josh Patterson said on April 30, 2015
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!
Gábor Szabó said on May 2, 2015
Great subject and a nice modeling too!
Bernd Müller said on May 2, 2015
Cool looking build, Mike, quite exotic ! Well done
Frank Cronin said on May 2, 2015
Mike,
Knowing what the old AMT kit looked like, makes this all the more impressive. Outstanding workmanship on this beautiful model