Piper L-4 in 1/48

[hawkeye2an]

Terry (Airframes) commented in my J-3 Cub thread that he was thinking of building an L-4 with that kit. Having built one of the Heller 1/50th models a while back and not being very pleased with the results I went out and bought a few kits to try and build a better version. What I intend to do is take the majority parts of the Minicraft 1/48th L-21 kit (a re-pop of the old Super cub kit that was released by at least 3 other companies), modify the clear parts and tail profile slightly, replace the front cowling and engine parts with the Hobbycraft J-3/L-4 ones and should have a much more accurate 1/48th L-4.

Pics 2 & 3 are basicly the same kit. Super Cub/ L-4

Pic 4 is the Heller L-4

Pic 5 compares the Super Cub parts to the L-4 parts. L-4 clear parts are to the right. L-21 fuselage is the white one.



As of now, my plans are to scratchbuild a Stinson L-5 as I have been unable to attain a Sanger vac kit in 1/48.

These artillery spotter/liaison aircraft have been neglected far too long, both in modeling and in the history books. Their contribution to the war was immense.

[Airframes]

Thanks Andy, useful info. I think I might use the Minicraft version as a basis, or go up scale to the Bronco 1/35th kit, with suitable Jeep and figures. It's a shame an old friend of mine hasn't got his L4 theses days, I could have used that for some good detail pics. Got to fly it a few times, and boy, was it fun. Apart from seeing cars below going faster than you were flying!

[T Bolt]

This might be helpful guys:
Piper L-4J (43-330426) Grasshopper Walk Around Page 1

[Lucky13]

Great stuff Andy!

[hawkeye2an]

This might be helpful guys:
Piper L-4J (43-330426) Grasshopper Walk Around Page 1

thanks Glenn, very useful.

[FLYBOYJ]

If you need any detailed information on the Supercub, let me know. I oversee 7 of them at my full time job and at any given time we have one in maintenance. I would glady take photos for you.

[vikingBerserker]

1/50 scale? That's a new one.

Very cool none the less.

[Matt308]

And I never get tired of this vid...

YouTube - Alaska Bush Pilots Short Take Off Competition

[FLYBOYJ]

Love it!

[Airframes]

Brilliant ! Was that a Maule landing, or a modified Super Cub ?

[Wayne Little]

Excellent!