The Noratlas was a combination of two different worlds of aviation technology,
representing the old and the new in almost every respect from its structure
up to, and including, its powerplant and electronics. Being a substantial
aeroplane, it provided ample space for radio and electronics, and its fuselage
is often seen bristling with antennae and aerials of every sort. I used ‘STRUTZ’
aerofoil-shaped brass rods to construct all antennae masts.On the fuselage underside at the front starboard quarter, and stretched
between two ‘inverted Y’ masts, are the marker beacon, the radio
compass-I and radio compass-II aerials. These under-fuselage masts
are seen in this picture while in the making. Note the holes drilled in
them, in preparation for the nylon threads to be later glued on (detail A).
Some more equipment was also added, such as the three IFF lights and the
white TACAN antenna located nearby the rectangular radio altimeter antennae,
as well as the circular IFF antennae which are flush with the fuselage skin.The lower UHF antenna black-painted mast and the lower anti-collision
light completed the fuselage underside details. Both upper and lower
anti-collision lights were shaped from ready made clear red styrene.
The fuselage topsides are full of small details. The most prominent of these are
indicated by arrows. Also - front to rear - one may see the pitot tubes (Albion
Alloys) and between them the VOR/ILS antenna; the cabin heater air intake, two
black-painted ADF (AS313/ARN6) antennae housings, and the VHF antenna mast
located behind the wing-to-fuselage fairing (rear) were among the many details to
be modelled.TOP LEFT:The VOR/ILS antenna, a
delicate part indeed was made from
styrene and wire.
FAR LEFT:Special attention was given to
the mast for the HF radio equipment;
brass as usual, with a soldered brass top
and thin wire loops for the aerials to hook
on, it was made strong enough so as to
keep standing upright regardless of time.I made the aerials of 0.2mm dia. Ni.silver
Albion Alloys rod (code NSR1 M); thus I
faithfully reproduced their identical
sagging as seen on the real planes. I
airbrushed the aerials in matt white,
observed in contemporary colour photos.
The aerials on the real planes seemed to
be suspended by a length of wire running
the 1/5th of their total length from the
vertical stabilizers forwards. I used thin
wire to replicate this, and I painted it in
gun metal.