I don't collect ID's--But............

[BoeingDriver]

While I don't collect ID models I do have something which may be of interest. The approximately 1/72 scale C-118/DC-6 in United Airlines livery came to me in a Cruver box. There are no manufacturer or ID markings on the belly that I can see. The story was that Cruver painted and decaled some transports in hopes of sparking demand for these old ID's after the war. Maybe someone can confirm that story. The paint is very light and thin while the waterslide decals are quite thick. The landing gear is very stout which is a good thing for a hefty model like this.







I would have included a pic of the box but it is stored in the box vault somewhere and it would take hours to find.

Ladd

[admin]

Ladd, I have heard about these models made by Cruver after the war for travel agency use, never seen one though. Nice piece

[BWBrown]

I have also seen these in the markings of American Airlines. Yours should have a heavy lead weight in the nose to provide the proper balance to keep the nose down on the nose gear. Interestingly, I have also seen this model in flat black, without propeller blades, landing gear, and the nose weight, which makes me think it might have been offered as an ID model, as well. None of the 3-4 that I have owned had any markings. Yours is in wonderful shape! -- Bryan

[BWBrown]

I have seen three of these in American Airlines livery, too. They are 4-piece models, not counting the landing gear: wing, horizontal stabilizer, and 2-piece hollow fuselage. There is a 2-inch lead plug in the nose to keep that long tail off the ground. I took one of them apart to see why it was so heavy and to find out what was rattling around inside it. I have also seen 2 of them in solid black, without gear, and these may have been used for identification training. Whatever the color or markings, they seem to be rare birds!

-- Bryan

[nickmeister]

this is the first time i've ever seen pix and heard about cruver models. i have an AA DC-6 and UA DC-4 that look to be the same maker but no landing gear holes or stand/box on either. until now, i thought i had an item used for an airline/agency window display type affair as the detail was so good.

[BWBrown]

Hi Nick -
Can you post some photos? That would be a great help in learning more about them. Let me know. If so, make sure to include bottoms. Thanks! -- Bryan

[grwebster]

for more photos, go to
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=662&p=7774#p7774