Introduction

The Canadair North Star was the Canadian development of the Douglas DC-4 during the 1940’s entering service in the late 1940’s, early 1950’s. The main difference between the two aircraft was the North Star used the Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engines as opposed to the radials. Beginning service with Trans-Canada Air Lines, and soon to follow service with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Some North Stars entered service with the 412 Squadron for VIP duties as well as other transport duties. The aircraft soldiered on through the 50’s and 60’s with most converted into cargo aircraft entering the 1970’s deployed to the 426 Squadron out of CFB Trenton.

The Canadair North Star was mostly made from C-54 parts acquired directly from Douglas. This make the Revell 1/72 scale release of the C-54 a good starting point for a conversion for the Belcher Bits Canadair North Star conversion.

Contents

13 Resin Parts
12 Metal Parts
Decals Sheet
Clear Plastic

Review

The Canadair North Star Conversion set from Belcher Bits comes in a clear plastic bag, so even before open I saw the loaded decal sheet and bits of resin and metal to complete the conversion. The set mostly converts the engines to the Merlin engines from the kit provided radials. The conversion set is stated to be used with the Revell C-54D Skymaster(04877). The set also includes a small wing section, that would be mounted onto the top of the aircraft as used for de-icing research on the “Rockcliffe Ice Wagon”.

As for the resin parts, an inspection shows some nice casting, which are clean and include recessed panel lines. The main part of the nacelles is cast in two parts showing some nice details on the intakes. For the exhausts, they are cast in metal, as well as the air outlet at the bottom of the engine. The details on the metal parts are not as clean and will need a little clean up. Including drilling out the exhaust ports, if desired.

As mentioned, a small wing section is included for those who wish to build the de-icing research aircraft. There are also two clear vacuum formed bubble canopies for the observation blisters. For those wishing to build something different, this is a nice option included in the set from Belcher Bits.

The instructions are printed on plain yellow paper and look to be straight forward. There will be some cutting of the existing nacelles on the kit, but again should be straight forward, and it is explained well in the instructions. Painting and marking options are included for the North Star during it career with the RCAF to include:

• 17514, 426 Sqn, 1948
  
• 17514, 426 Sqn, 1951 (Korea War)
  
• 17516, 426 Sqn 1959-65
  
• 17511, 426 Sqn, 1962 (UN Service)

The decals look to be very well printed, nice color, and all in register.

Summary

For fans of the RCAF, this conversion set from Belcher Bits for the Canadair North Star looks to be a great set to convert the Revell C-54D kit. With good looking resin cast nacelles and a great looking sheet of decals. A little cutting and sanding will be needed, but this set should produce a great looking North Star to display, and I would definitely recommend it.