I recently purchased another model for my collection, the DC-3 Dakota made by Authentic Models. After purchasing the Tri Motor awhile back, I always wanted to purchase the DC-3 as well. As with all the Authentic Models pieces, the aircraft is very expensive but the detail is incredible. Below are some photos/comments about the model.
The model comes well packaged with the wings unattached for shipping. Attaching the wings is simply putting the wings onto the aircraft and putting two screws into the wings. This holds the wing on via internal supports. Although this is not difficult, the line up must be done correctly or the screws will go in crooked or strip. The screws hold the wings on tightly. The aircraft features an aluminum skin covering with panel lines and wonderful accent details. The landing gear and skin is well done but expect some minor blemishes as these are finished that way to illustrate an antique appearance. For anyone curious about the access door being on the right side of the aircraft, I was as well until I did some research. Early DC-3's had the door on the right side of the aircraft. Later on, it was customer option which side the door was on and finally it was standardized to be on the left side of the aircraft.
The landing gear does not retract nor is the cockpit or passenger area accessible. One curious issue on my aircraft was that a slight error was made at the factory and the one side of my propellers were not painted (they are sending me replacements). Although the propellers should be silver from the factory I decided to give mine a coat of black paint to see how they looked. I will either keep these on or use the replacements when they arrive. The model measures out to be about 1/30 scale and is the same size as the 1/24 Trimotor. Since both aircraft use the same shipping boxes (but different inserts) and the same display stand, no doubt the DC-3 was made a bit smaller in scale to utilize the packing material and display stand.
The model comes with a heavy duty metal display stand that is the same display stand used for the Ford Trimotor. The stand is so large it comes in a separate box. The stand is sturdy, well made, and holds this aircraft well. I like the metal antique look of the aircraft. The bare finish would certainly make it customizable if one desired. Overall, a really nice model of one of the most iconic aircraft ever produced.
More photos to come when I can get it outside.
Enjoy
Corey
; And the thing is there are buyers who say they may get the 2nd one ... 