Monogram 1/72 UH-16 Albatross
My contribution to the Water Wings group build is this ancient Monogram kit introduced in 1957. Props that rotate, gear that retracts,and a little life boat with downed crew. What kid wouldn't want to build this. Grumman built over 400 Albatross aircraft for the USAF, Navy and Coast Guard, and several are still operating in civilian use today. The USAF retired their last one in 1975 and it is currently on display in the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio. Not bad for an aircraft that began production in 1946.
I was able to acquire the Navy version decals from another modeler after inquiring about them on another site. Really liked that version the most. I also cut out the molded engines and added some after market ones, and used tires from the spares box as the kit wheels looked woefully small. The many rivets were sanded down or eliminated. Paints are Tamiya from rattle cans and the antenna is nylon thread. I may build another one if I come by another kit, but in Coast Guard colors.
Love it Tom. Those old Monogram kits can hold their own. Really pretty markings. As an old Coast Guard guy I can't wait to see your next one.
Thanks Jack, it was a fun build. BTY, thanks for your service
Tom, I love the Navy paint scheme. I remember wanting this kit but I never got one. I've always admired sea/float planes. Great work!
Was my favorite for this A/C. Just needed the decals and of course they"re out of production. Fellow modeler came to the rescue.
I remember havin' that exact kit, Tom...no doubt it looked no where near as nice as this one, though. Another kit that leaps to mind after seeing that old box art is that PT boat with the raft and the scuba guys, remember that one?
Absolutely. Never got it though
I had that UDT boat model. There was a swimmer included in the kit with SCUBA gear on that ended up in a new home in my Dad's tropical fish tank!
Ditto on the Navy scheme, I think you usually see the A.F. or Coast Guard versions. Great job!
Thanks Robert.
Tom, great work on the old warhorse. Shame nobody has done a replacement kit. There is a 48th, which I hear has "issues".
Nice clean build, and with rattlecans! Also great to see a "different" scheme. The old girl got around, the only limitation being decal availability.
Roger that. Did the paint in sections, I'll add a pic to show it.
Great-looking Albatross - love the scheme as others have mentioned, and the extra work you did to clean up the rivet-heavy kit. I've also got this one in the stash...
Thanks Greg, now open that box and build that Albatross.
Great looking model. Reminded me of the old ComPatFor7thFlt "Admiral's barge" I had some passenger time in.
Thanks Tom, didn't realize how big this A/C was until I looked it over in the USAF Museum
Very nice!
Albatross !, really nice looking model Tom, well done. do you get wafers with it ? lol.
Hello Tom,
Nice and colorful build.
Famous aircraft that was sold also to Norway and Italy. Especially in Norway it had to operate under very harsh conditions.
Very reliable.
Very nice! This kit was one of my first self-builds at the age of 10 or so, I still remember the riveted skin felt like sanding paper at times 🙂