Revell's 1/144 Bombardier Challenger USCG C-143A By Bruce Simard

Introduction

Several years ago Revell had released the Bombardier Challenger CL601/604 Business jet, in 1/144th scale, kit #04207. I had mixed emotions about the release but picked up several anyway. Revell had released another jewel in 1/144th. The problem was, of course, the markings. They weren't really bad, just "ho hum". To me, the best of the supplied markings was the Rega Air Ambulance, but even that did not really get me going. Now advance several years, I'm reading an issue of International Air Power review, and there is a color photo of a Challenger being leased by the USCG as a test....Whoa!!!! Now we have some Color! It turns out the USCG leased one aircraft on a trial basis, as a Homeland Security C & C bird. I haven't read anything further about the program, but the color scheme was just what I needed.

Right ..... now where do I get 1/144th scale US Coast Guard markings? I searched through my spares folders several times, but came up empty handed. But that is when Exact Decals and Details of Pittsburgh, PA. came to the rescue. He had just released a "generic sheet" of USCG markings in several scales and eras. Now the master plan was starting to come together......Right. (Did I ever mention how much I REALLY dislike white glossy paint jobs?) Well, now I had color photos and markings, so it was time to build something a little different for my collection.

The Build

As for the build, what can I say? It is a recent Revell 1/144th scale release, and quality wise, fits right in with their other fine kits. Extremely fine engraved lines, and the fit is very tight, no problems there. There is no cockpit or cabin interior. This did not bother me since it is a small business jet anyway. The generic markings and stencils, etc. are on a very nice Cartograf sheet. The build went fairly rapidly, but there are a few suggestions for other builders. The forward part of the engine nacelles, (with the fan disc attached) should be left off until one of the final assemblies. This will aid in painting and handling. I installed the Landing Gear struts without the wheels to aid in painting. (Did I ever mention how much I REALLY dislike white glossy paint jobs?) I also removed the forward blade antennas to make it easier for masking the Coast Guard "Racing Stripe". I also installed plastic sheet stock as a backing strip to the cabin windows, and filled them with epoxy. I did this because I knew I would use window decals for the cabin area. The cockpit windows were painted black on the inside and installed. Although the fit was not absolutely perfect, it was close enough for me. With the build about completed, I planned to use my normal wood base, with a "modified" Preiser figure simulating a Coast Guard VIP Aircrew. Next came the real fun....the painting!

Finishing

OK then....we all know the Coast Guard Aircraft are essentially flying "Pabst blue ribbon beer cans" color wise. The white is no problem........right. (Did I ever mention how much I REALLY dislike white glossy paint jobs?) Actually my reasoning for this is simple. My hobby room is in the basement, and far from being a dust free zone. White glossy paint jobs act as a magnet to any particles, hairs, "Fuzzies", etc. within a 10 meter area! No matter what I do, I always find out about this after spraying the coats of white, hence my love affair with white paint. But the real problem with this scheme is the Coast Guard Red and Blue. As far as I know, this has never been reproduced in any model paint line. After searching around quite a bit, I settled on Model Master's Acryl paints of Cobalt Blue and Italian Red, but neither are perfect. They both seemed to dry darker than in the bottle, but I was satisfied with the results. Another fun thing with USCG models is the angle of the racing stripes on the various airframes. I just matched the color photos as best as possible, and let it go at that. The readers are the best judges when all else is said and done.

Next came the markings. Exact decals provide various sized USCG shields and backing color, and here was a problem. But this was MY error, not the manufacturer. The Italian Red is a very intense color. When I applied the white backing to the shield, I did not take this into consideration. I should have applied at least 2 backing sheets, then the shield. Since I did not, you can see from the photos, the shield markings are very dark, this was my error. At least I learned this before I do another Coast Guard aircraft.

Conclusion

Overall, this was an enjoyable project. (Except for the white paint ......Grrrrrrr!!) Revell has since released kit # 04212, the Challenger 601/604 with markings for The Royal Danish Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and German Air Force. Plus Bill Burns of Canada (CanMilAir models) has released 4 sheets of Canadian markings for the CC-144. In addition one of these special markings is the 2004 scheme with the D-Day Invasion stripes. Needless to say, this will be a popular little bird and makes an interesting addition to your model case. As always, any and all comments and critiques are welcomed. "Till next time...