MAC Forum

Bryan and others,

Does anybody have one of the smaller Bronzart C-46 Curtiss display models that is complete and unrestored? These have the stepped windscreen. I now have one in the shop and it will need a restoration. Someone filled on the belly holes and I would like to see what an unrestored belly might have for configuration before I begin any surgery. I would also like to see what type of stand it was displayed on. It has about a 10" wingspan so about 125 in scale?

Many Thanks,
Tom

Here is mine. I can see some gold color in the nose area so mine might be a repaint also, so please let me know what color you find underneath yours.
Let me know if you need any more pics, etc.

Terry.

More pics:

Propeller diameter is exactly 30mm, blades are 3mm at widest and 12.5 mm long ( each) Holes underneath are 4mm in diameter.

Terry.

Great Terry,

Thanks for the response and great pictures. Now I can work on a plan of attack!

Tom

I have never seen a C-46 with a C-47 nose before. They were made out in Buffalo. I also once read about a twin-tail version that flew with Imperial Airways (or BOAC?) before WWII. This information can also be found on web sites such as Ruud Leeuw and Air Vectors.

The Stepped Windscreen Version-
Here are a couple of views. Not many were made but oddly enough, they had some this way early in production then to the iconic "clean nose" version and then back to the stepped windscreen to pitch to commercial airlines. The Bronzart model was probably produced to give to prospective commercial buyers. Not many commercial companies flew these with Pan Am and Eastern using them for cargo. The Pan Am ones were flown a couple of years and then the Korean War started. Juan Trippe turned his in to the USAF who reconverted them back to military configuration.

The C-46 was a strong beast but you paid for it in thirst. Just not enough revenue to keep them flying with Buffalo Air one of the unique operators.

Tom

I bit the bullet and finished my Bronzart C-46 (and Boeing Stratocruiser) without having a stand. Due to the weight of these castings, I decided on something more secure, easier to manage and a bigger footprint to compensate for the mass. Both stands have a metal "spine" on the backside of the arm for better durability. Each has a nameplate using period corporate makings and logos.

The C-46 had both engine centers bored out for fat shaft plastic props and holes in the landing gear doors for some weird wire and wheel combo. I have since put it back to its original style with period paint and props along with its new special display stand. I did the same for the beat-up Stratocruiser and put back to stock as well. Now there is a coordinated appearance with the two together. This C-46 model, although missing its original stand, is now as good as new.

Many thanks to Bryan Brown for his knowledge and inspiration in both overhauls!!

Tom, Sandman Overhaul

Beautiful restorations!

Many Thanks Mark!
Tom