Author Topic: Northwest Airship from an R-100 kit (Read 8709 times)

Brian da Basher · « **on:** February 28, 2013, 06:36:20 AM »

The 1930s could rightfully be called the Airship Era. Dirigibles were seen as ideal long-distance air transport. The United States led the world at least in the number of airships built.

The success of U.S. Navy airships did not go un-noticed by commercial carriers. Northwest Airlines wanted to expand into more lucrative markets across the vast Pacific. While the Goodyear-Zeppelin Co. was too busy with Navy contracts to help, Vickers Canada LTD was more than happy to build an airship for the airline, tweaking the famous R-100 and thus the Northwest Airship was born.

There were great expectations as the new Northwest Airship rose skyward from the Seattle airport headed across the vast Pacific in the early summer of 1934.

The Northwest Airship was on the cutting edge of lighter-than-air technology, featuring six powerful engines which could pivot to aid in both taking off and landing. Able to carry 200 passengers at a top speed of 150 m.p.h. it was faster and more capable than any other dirigible of the day.

There was world-wide excitement as the Northwest Airship broadcast its progress via short-wave on the trans-Pacific odyssey. Three and a half days after lifting off from Seattle, the Northwest Airship arrived in the capitol of the Philippines.

The future of long distance air travel seemed assured and Northwest looked forward to many profitable years flying the great distances across the Pacific.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck on the return trip. Only a few minutes from landing at Seattle, the Northwest Airship was attacked by a flock of pigeons over Bremerton.

The rogue birds pecked away at the airship until it deflated. While there were no injuries, Northwest's embarrassment was made complete as the incident was broadcast coast-to-coast by radio. Still remembered today as one of the most famous moments in radio, the announcer's cry of "Oh the humanity and all those pigeons!" is indeed timeless.

Brian da Basher

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:44:19 AM »

This all started about two weeks ago with the Maquette re-pop of the Frog R-100 kit.

I got this for a song a few years back and finally the time was right to build it.

Of course, mine was going to be a little different. I started by making a new, more streamlined gondola out of half of a vacformed drop-tank and plugging up that hole in the nosecone.

I also decided the kit's engines needed an upgrade, so I made sleeker ones out of small bombs. Chopped up dive-brakes from an Airfix Val were used to attach the engines to the envelope.

As you can see, this is no small model. Especially since I'm used to building 1/72 & 1/144 scale airplanes.

Now it was ready for paint. Getting the main colors on wasn't difficult, but the blue cheat-line was challenging for me. I ended out using some decals and going over them with blue paint. From some angles, it doesn't look too bad.

The markings are a very nice set of Northwest livery and some 1/200 scale 747 decals were used for the windows.

I enjoyed building this airship and I hope you find it and the story uplifting.

Brian da Basher

deathjester · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:51:36 AM »

Very smooth Sir! That really looks the part - how about a carrier airship next?

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:53:39 AM »

Quote from: deathjester on February 28, 2013, 06:51:36 AM

Very smooth Sir! That really looks the part - how about a carrier airship next?

Sometimes it's like you guys can read my mind. I've got plans for an aircraft carrier airship along with a set of small, spatted airplanes to go on it!

The only thing is finding the time!

Glad you liked this one!

Brian da Basher

deathjester · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:56:54 AM »

It's really nice - those engine nacelles sure look a lot like turboprop engines though...

finsrin · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:07:50 AM »

You done NW Airlines proud being only one to model their ill fated airship. No one else has dared model this sensitive subject.
Heck of a build :)
Color scheme is right on. Would not change anything, is cool as is

Guesstimating from appearance of windows; would call it 1/300 to 1/400 scale. You have a scale to claim ?

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:10:48 AM »

Do I claim a scale? Anything that fits.

The box says 1/500, but I like to think of it as closer to 1/600-ish so I can cram in all those passengers.

I'm chuffed you like it, finsrin!

Brian da Basher

Cliffy B · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:29:01 AM »

Slick!!!! That scheme just works man, awesome job

Daryl J. · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:45:13 AM »

Now that's cool!
:) :)
I'm whiffing the same kit (very very slowly) into a 1/48 or 1/35 not-steampunk personel dirigible. And you're right, it's pretty big.

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2013, 10:33:55 AM »

You really have to be careful around those Bremerton pigeons :)

Really nice looking airship you crafted from that kit Brian. The NW livery makes it even more attractive.

Weaver · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2013, 11:52:50 AM »

Nice one Brian - that's a real looker! :)

AND - thanks: I had no idea that kit existed and it might be more suitable for a project of mine than what I was planning....

elmayerle · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2013, 12:12:20 PM »

Beautiful airship and exquisite markings. I'd be tempted to do an upgraded R-100 if it had stayed in use and been upgraded fro RAF use before WW II (if nothing else, it could've had a role in expanding radar development and coverage. Nevil Shute's autobiography, Slide Rule, contains a delightful description of being a passenger on its trip to Canada (he was a stressman on that project as one of his first experiences in aerospace and went on to help found Airspeed).

Dr. YoKai · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2013, 06:55:34 AM »

Mighty snazzy! I missed the chance to score an R-100 when they were re-popped, and have always
wondered what a build-up would look like. Beautiful upgrade, Brian!

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2013, 09:59:46 AM »

Outstanding!

taiidantomcat · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2013, 11:32:08 AM »

Man this is great! Love the modifications you made :)

Frank3k · « **Reply #15 on:** March 01, 2013, 12:01:22 PM »

I really like it, Brian! I saw that kit once and was put off by all the flash. Your version looks very feasible!

Rickshaw · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2013, 01:41:14 PM »

'tis very nicely made and painted.

Out of a matter of interest, how long is the model?

A minor quibble though, it is a rigid airship, with an internal structure and separate gas bags, contained within a (usually) fabric envelope. A "dirigible" is a non-rigid airship, with the envelope containing several compartments with the lifting gas in them (plus "balloonettes" containing air under pressure to maintain shape). Your pigeons would need to peck through the external envelope and then the gas bags, to down such a rigid airship. When I first read it, I was worried that they were going to down it by the weight of their Guano!

jcf · « **Reply #17 on:** March 01, 2013, 02:25:20 PM »

Veddy cool, BdB. The 747 scheme is cool. What's next a Hindenburg in the DC-3 or DC-4 scheme?

Other Brian, a dirigible is any 'powered and steerable' airship, rigid, semi-rigid or blimp, as opposed to a free balloon. From the French 'diriger' to steer.

Claymore · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2013, 04:16:44 PM »

Outstanding! Just how big is it? ...and please don't say 1:1

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #19 on:** March 01, 2013, 06:03:49 PM »

Thanks for all the comments! It was a fun build and something I've been planning for a while.

Claymore, the model is 1/500 scale and a little over 16 inches long. Much larger than the models I typically build.

By the way, those Bremerton pigeons are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Not only did they peck through the envelope, but through the gas bags inside as well.

We need to get someone local to start feeding them I think.

Brian da Basher

John Howling Mouse · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2013, 09:46:09 AM »

It looks good, it looks right, it looks striking in that scheme.
Now, I'm just not too happy with those darned Bremerton pigeons, though.

Great job, Mr. Spats! :)

arkon · « **Reply #21 on:** March 02, 2013, 09:55:30 AM »

just got to say i love all your air ships! big thumb up emoticon.....

father ennis · « **Reply #22 on:** March 02, 2013, 12:08:52 PM »

Now that my internet issues seem to be resolved,I can see just how beautiful it is. I can see what a great job you have done.

Tophe · « **Reply #23 on:** March 02, 2013, 01:12:24 PM »

Yes, great work. Congratulations!


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Author Topic: Northwest Airship from an R-100 kit (Read 8709 times)