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C-119G "Flying Boxcar"

by David W. Aungst

Before the multi-functional C-130 was created, the US Air Force used a number of different cargo aircraft. Arguably the most unique in shape was the C-119 Flying Boxcar. I've always thought of the C-119 with fond memories. As a young boy, my Father used to take me to the local airbase where we would see as many as twelve or fifteen C-119's out logging flight time, doing touch-and-go landings.

This model was a contract job for a C-130 loadmaster whose stay in the Air Force Reserve dated back to the days when he was crew on C-119s. He was likely onboard one of the C-119s I watched as a kid and spoke fondly of the aircraft and the days when getting flight time was easy. He told me how he could get flight time practically any time he wanted, at least once every weekend. This is compared to today where he is lucky to get one or two flights per month.

The Testors (Italeri) model is of the last, most numerous production version of the Flying Boxcar, a C-119G. This is good for me since it is the C-119G that I wanted to build. The fit and outline of the model kit are good. I ran into no major stumbling blocks during construction. The model is built mostly out-of-the-box. I made some nearly invisible modifications inside the cockpit, before I realized just how limited the view inside the cockpit would be. I also added the line antenna running from the fuselage to the left tail.

This is the largest model to date that I have finished in natural metal. And, unlike most of the other natural metal models I have done, it is all natural metal with very little in the way of painted areas to reduce the amount of natural metal I needed to simulate. I primed for the metalizer paints by painting the entire model gloss white. Then, I used various name brands of metalizers (about six or seven shades) to accomplish the natural metal finish. I masked off various panels and applied the metalizers in order to achieve a patchwork effect to simulate natural metal. I used Model Master enamel paints for the rest of the painting.

The markings are taken from the kit decal sheet and represent a nondescript aircraft from the US Air Force. I weathered the model using diluted enamel paint washes and shading done with an airbrush.

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