Hahenn Aircraft Accessories 1/72
DC-6B/C-118 Engine Set

It has been my experience that many of the older 1/72nd scale multi-engine kits still available have good outlines and nicely engraved panel lines, but lack a lot of detail, minimum interior parts, and come with engines that are barely usable. Aftermarket companies like Cobra Company, Quickboost (Aires), CMK, True Details, etc. fill some of the gaps to do upgrades on these kits, but models like the Heller DC-6B Cloudmaster and C-118 Liftmaster suffer from having inaccurate shaped cowlings, lack exhaust piping, and engines that are best left in the box. When David Cooper of Cooper Models (www.coopersmodels.com) began carrying HaHen Aircraft Accessories (produced in Germany) that produce sets for the DC-6B/C-118, L 1049G Super Constellation, and engines and cowlings to convert the DC-6B to a DC-7, I decided to bite the bullet and ordered the set of engines and cowlings for the Heller C-118 Liftmaster, $55 + P&H. I had bought the kit at an IPMS/Houston model show for $15, so spending three times that much for an upgrade set means commitment to this project someday.

As the accompanying photos show, there is a great deal of difference between the kit provided parts and the accurate HaHen resin replacements. The castings are very well done, smooth, no air bubbles, are come ready to install. One of the nicest features are the open air intakes that really improves the look of these engine assemblies. Also included are the multiple exhaust pipes common on these aircraft which have been drilled-out, something that can be difficult to do in this scale.

To view HaHen Aircraft Accessories complete line of products, go to www.hahen.de/. They produce engine sets in several scales, from 1/144th to 1/72nd. Like many cottage industry producers of resin aftermarket parts, this is a one man show, so delivery might be slow at times. Again, Cooper Models carries a limited selection of their products, but not the complete line.