Curtiss-Wright SO3C Seamew – Czech Models 1/48
After more than six months of no new completed builds to share, I've near simultaneously completed three builds... with a few more coming on their heels. The first of them all is a slightly different build, that of a less usual subject from a limited run kit. The aircraft is a Curtiss-Wright SO3C Seamew (often derided as the "Reluctant Dragon"), from Czech Models (Kit #4817).
The aircraft was conceived to replace the Curtiss SOC Seagull, which was widely used by US Navy prior to WWII. The SO3C was a two-seat scout-observation floatplane that was also convertible for land use, much like the Vought Kingfisher. The SO3C employed an inverted-V Ranger XV-770, which ultimately proved to be just one of the Seamew's many shortcomings. Prior to being briefly adopted into USN service, the prototype Seamew underwent a number of enhancements, namely for the sake of improved stability. As such, the service SO3C's gained upturned wingtips, and a larger vertical tailplane which extended over the rear canopy framing. Upon inducting the SO3C for the service, the USN intended to call it the "Seagull" just like its predecessor, but in an odd turn of events, the much maligned SO3C performed so poorly that it was obsoleted, and in some cases even replaced by its predecessor, the SOC.
Despite its lacking performance, poor service record, and quick withdrawl from USN ship-born service, the CW SO3C is still one of those fascinatingly unique aircraft, in my opinion. Perhaps that is why upon finding a good deal on a certain online auction site, I snatched one of these kits for cheap. This was my second Czech model kit (the first being a Ryan FR-2 posted here), and while they are generally clunky limited run kits, this kit was a more composed collection of parts, with better resin quality (True Details) and an injection molded canopy rather than the vacuum form pieces that I expected. The molding quality is still very much that of a limited run kit, with flashing, inconsistent panel lines, and mediocre detail. All that said, a bit of modeling skill goes a long way, and of course I can say, I'm not too unhappy with the results.
The majority of the interior is resin, and once painted, creates a nice representation of the Seamew's bulkheads, radios, rear gun, and cockpit. The engine is also resin, as is the cowling face and lower cowl panel with exhausts. All of these items were carefully cut down, fit, painted, and secured in place as the fuselage halves were closed.
The kit's float was an abysmally bare representation of the real thing, with no detail but panel lines. Using Halberd Model's SC-1 float as inspiration, along with some reference photo's I dressed up both the float as well as the beaching gear. The rest of the airframe went together well, aside from the butt joint of the wings and the wing floats.
For paint, I decided to do the earlier two-tone scheme, rather than the 3-tone scheme for "War Junk" that is also provided by the kit. Rather than redo a custom mixture with Vallejo painted that I've used on previous builds, I decided to use what Tamiya recommends for this scheme, ala their F4F instructions. The upper surfaces utilize XF-17 Intermediate Blue mixed with X-2 White, and the lower surface utilizes a mix of X-2 White and Wood, to get the off-white/gray needed. Some base mottling and post shading was employed. The decals were placed over some X-22 Clear, and then a light oil wash was employed to bring out the panel lines. A matte varnish was then applied, before some additional pastel and oil weathering was applied.
Not perfect, but no build is, right? All the same, once my SC-1 is complete, I will have a Kingfisher, Seamew, and Seahawk to keep each other company until someone releases a good SOC in 1/48 scale. Perhaps a Duck will join them in the interim, too.
The aircraft represented here is SO3C-2 BuNo 4857, from aboard USS Denver CL-58, 1943.
I hope you enjoy!
@pb_legend - Very cool build Andrew! This is a very unique aircraft and has a really interesting silhouette. Nicely done on all counts.
Thanks Brian @brithebuilder, I like that from the side the intake droops and the exhaust looks like scales, kind of like a dragon, however, the rest of the fuselage reminds me of a school bus. Indeed unique.
Outstanding work on an obscure plane, Andrew (@pb_legend). I found this exact kit last week while I was going through a box of models in our storage room and I decided it looked like it might be fun. I had already found and gotten rid of the other Czech Model kits in my stash, so I was surprised to find some really nice resin and an injected canopy in the kit. The flying surfaces still have those dubious flat joins, but it should still be fun. Your success on this kit has pushed mine into the build queue, to be built at some point in the future. Well done.
Thank you kindly George, @gblair. I'm glad this worked as an inspiration for you, and surely you'll make good work of it (I'm really enjoying your Kingfishers). These Czech kits do take a fair amount of work to discern what is the shape of the part, and what is over-molded plastic, but as they say with these limited run kits, "check, adjust, check, adjust, and check again, and again..." and with that & copious amounts of patience, good results can be had. I've actually bought up more Czech kits (cheap) because I kind of enjoy "shaping" their kits into airplanes. I've got an XP-77 up soon, as a matter of fact.
Fantastic job on this challenging kit, Andrew! The result is superb! I like the lines of the Seamew, I find it attractive in its own particular way and you captured its lines perfectly.
Well done!
Thanks Spiros, I believe the looks of this aircraft are rather polarized to people's opinions. I'm glad you like it!
Speechless on the results of this build, Andrew @pb_legend
Everything on this kit is of high quality, especially the paintwork and weathering really stands out.
Thanks a lot John @Johnb, I tried to keep it restrained as the aircraft weren't in service too long, but life on a ship is still life at sea...
Awesome result- first time seeing one of these aircraft and yours is a beauty. Great build, finish, and attention to detail.
Thanks, it is definitely a largely unknown aircraft in general, but perhaps less-so amongst modelers. I know that I had only learned about it through modeling, at least.
I really like this, Andrew, so different and charming in its own way. Those upturned wing tips were light years ahead of the current short haul airliners.
Thanks George! Now, if only the Seamew had winglets as graceful as the modern airliners...
Agree with all the accolades above. A super build and finish. And your cockpit work is truly special.
Thanks Bob, the resin cockpit was the nicest thing about this kit right out of the box. I'm glad you liked the paintwork, thanks.
An outstanding representation of an odd looking aircraft!
Well done. Admire your patience.
Little by little, the kit was not too difficult with some modeling know-how and tools. Thanks!
Excellent work on a really difficult kit! You made it look like a modern Airfix or Tamiya kit.
That, good sir, is too flattering. Thank you for your well meaning praise, however.
Nice Seamew. Gotta get me one now!
@chasbunch, thanks, and good luck on the hunt and build! Ps, just checked ebay and all were way higher than what I paid, doubly so. Perhaps wait for a time until you see one lower than the current going rate. Cheers!
Outstanding work on your Seamew, Andrew @pb_legend. You don't see many of this particular Czech Model built as it got soundly thrashed by reviewers back when it was issued. I really like CM kits for what they are and you have done this one justice. I have one of these in my stash and you have inspired me to move it back on the must-do list.
Thanks @eb801 Eric! I can understand beating up on the kit, and while it is not on pair with modern kits (even by a mile), a bit of elbow grease can turn out a fine example of the subject. Short of Vac kits, I think this is the only game in town for 1/48. Not knowing the price then, I can only say that I've paid fairly for the kit, and had some fun making it.
That looks really nice! I love the unusual, and your paint and finish work is great on this. Well done.
Thanks Greg!
Nicely done Andre, it does look a bit odd design wise.
Rob, thank you! An odd ball to be sure.