Cessna 180/185 in 1/48

[30sqnatc]

Inspired by Harryone's outstanding Cessna builds in 1/72 I wondered just what it would take to build C185 or C185 in 1/48th scale as the only offering of that type even close to 1/48th is the old Monogram C180 in 1/41 scale. Obtaining a few outline drawings of the net I realised that the C172 with some modifications could be back dated to the taildragger version. With a pair of 1/48 C172 in my stash I was off (Minicraft and PM Model which are the came kit just different decals). The list of changes in not extensive:

- fill in roof windows

- build up raised top of fuselage behind rear of wing

- new tail fin

- reshape rear of tail cone

- don't fit nose wheel and fill in resulting hole in engine canopy

- construct new front landing gear

- remove C172 front landing gear provisions from fuselage

- need larger front wheels

- construct new tailwheel

- Minicraft C172 has STOL wing tips which I chose to replace. Could be left in place

- The diameter of the C172 prop seems to be significantly too small for C180/185. Is this actually the case?

I'm sure I will find more as I go along.

With an unexpected few days at home I have started into the conversion. The photo shows new fuselage top in place with numerous layers of plastic card and lots of filing and filler, and wing tips cut off. Unfortunately in holding the fuselage during all the filing I managed to push in the cockpit windows which were only held in place with Micro Kristal Klear. I'm not sure how i'm going to get them back in place.

35D83C61-5417-40CB-A6CB-851DA58CB1B1_1_201_a by tankienz, on Flickr

[Dave Homewood]

This will be interesting.

[markrogers]

Certainly looks interesting, looks like you've got quite a number of modifications to do.

[30sqnatc]

The only two that have me thinking are the front landing gear strength and the ribs on the rudder. I'm considering making the legs from a single 'U' piece of brass. The rudder ribs

[harrysone]

Your off to a Great start! You’ll need another engine, longer/broader cowls too the prop is longer and broader because of the larger engine…you could see what else there is in 1/48 that could donate? Perhaps an Islander or bonanza ? Maybe a Mentor?

Rudder/ribs can be done with plastic sheet and stretched sprue for crenellations

I’m in process of doing reverse of what you are doing in 1/72…building Cessna 172B out of a 180.

[ZacYates]

I'm excited to see this one!

[30sqnatc]

Jun 24, 2022 17:18:35 GMT 12 harrysone said:

Your off to a Great start! You’ll need another engine, longer/broader cowls too the prop is longer and broader because of the larger engine…you could see what else there is in 1/48 that could donate? Perhaps an Islander or bonanza ? Maybe a Mentor?

Rudder/ribs can be done with plastic sheet and stretched sprue for crenellations

I’m in process of doing reverse of what you are doing in 1/72…building Cessna 172B out of a 180.

Thanks for the pointer. I had already looked at Bonanza to provide wheels. The prop is almost large enough as well.

[30sqnatc]

Undercarrage legs and cross piece to set into the fuselage as a single piece. Cut from 1mm thick brass sheet. A lot of filing to get to this point and lots more shaping to do. 1mm axles will be soldered for the wheels.

DB44E171-46E1-4670-B088-AF5E755850CE_1_201_a by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

Standing on its new legs and tail fin in place. The rudder with ribs added is drying in the foreground. Once the glue is dry they will be rubbed down. The tailplanes were cut from spur prior to reshaping the tips.

22F3D649-8E80-47E6-A48A-5A1CE6C3AC88_1_201_a by tankienz, on Flickr

[Dave Homewood]

That looks great.

[ZacYates]

Very, very cool!

[30sqnatc]

The canopy is just sitting in place and I've still to make the tailwheel assembly but I am making progress. Prop and main wheels from Minicraft Bonanza.

79E36464-1728-409D-9B61-B3AA4786A422_1_201_a

050347DB-5B2F-4E10-8AFD-0B6261D378E2_1_201_a

[30sqnatc]

It's now a true three wheel tail dragger. The tailwheel comes from a later version Airfix Spitfire. I hope I don't regret that repurposing.

7A42C59C-380C-445F-823B-1A4A5196DE33_1_201_a by tankienz, on Flickr

[30sqnatc]

It's now a true three wheel tail dragger. The tailwheel comes from a later version Airfix Spitfire. I hope I don't regret that repurposing.

7A42C59C-380C-445F-823B-1A4A5196DE33_1_201_a by tankienz, on Flickr