The Project
I built this model for my friend Mike, who currently flies the C-40 as part of the VR-51 “Windjammers”.
This project was a fun quick job, and the opportunity to work on something I don’t normally work on.
A little bit about the C-40 Clipper
According to Boeing, the C-40 was designed to offer mission flexibility. It’s basically an FAA- certified 737-700 convertible / “combi” aircraft, optimized to transport troops, passengers and cargo around the globe. The aircraft’s versatility allows for a range of configurations, including all-passenger, all-cargo or a combination of both.
The U.S. Naval Reserve operates a considerable fleet of C-40s for logistics and personnel transport. The first aircraft was delivered in April 2001, to Logistics Support Squadron Fifty-Nine (VR-59) at the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.
The U.S. Naval Reserve operates the aircraft at the following bases: VR-51 MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI; VR-56 NAS Oceana, VA; VR-57 NAS North Island, CA; VR-58 NAS Jacksonville, FL; VR-59 NAS/JRB Fort Worth, TX; VR-61 NAS Whidbey Island, WA.
The Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Fifty-One (VR-51) “Windjammers”
Commander Fleet Logistics Support Wing Detachment Hawaii stood up in December 1994 and was commissioned as a squadron in November 1997. The VR-51 is a Naval Reserve squadron that flies C-20G (a modified Gulfstream IV) and C-40 aircraft in support of worldwide fleet operations. In addition to moving thousands of Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and cargo across the globe, the squadron has provided transportation for vital State Department missions and last-minute support for a number of dignitaries.
VR-51 flies thousands of flight hours per year, providing worldwide support for the Department of Defense. In this sense, VR-51 has provided support for numerous Western Pacific and Mediterranean detachments and has supported several UNITAS exercises. Notable missions include flying Under Secretary of Defense Gansler to Singapore, a Congressional delegation to China, and White House staff support visits to several sites in India and Bangladesh.
The "Windjammers" get their name from their unique home in Hawaii and worldwide range of operations out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.
The Model
I used a Hasegawa 1/200 737-700, which is actually a great kit that goes together with no issues. I just painted it in white and light gull grey, both from Mr. Paint (MRP).
Decals are from Draw Decals, which are always awesome, and for the base used a display stand from Skymarks. The VR-51 patch sticker in the base was custom ordered by me.
Project Final Thoughts
These Hasegawa airliners are really cool and well done, and they are always enjoyable kits.
I enjoyed this project a lot and I was happy it made my friend happy. Packing it was a challenge but lucky for us made it safely from Miami to Kaneohe Bay!
I hope you liked this one, if you have any questions, drop me a line below.
Thanks much for reading, and as always, happy modeling!
Comments