Although not the first kit of the Globemaster II in 1/144 scale, this is the first injection molded C-124. Roden’s release is of the initial production version, the C-124A, although it looks as if there will be later versions to come, judging by the wingtip heater pods (no, they aren’t tip tanks) and the nose radome included in the sprue map of the instructions.
My first impressions of the kit were good, with reasonable detail included in the engine fronts and landing gear. However, closer inspection reveals the true short-run nature of the molding. Each part had to be checked for fit, sanded, and seams removed prior to assembly. The fin and rudder are molded separately from the fuselage, requiring much trimming, filing, and filling to get a good join. Plan on using some sandpaper, as the mating edges of the fuselage and wings are very roughly molded with no even, flat attachment surfaces. I felt as though I were preparing a vacuum-formed kit — and treating the parts in this fashion produces reasonable fits between the major assemblies. It also helps to thin the trailing edges of the flying surfaces for a more scale appearance. These are not skills beyond even the most inexperienced modelers, being more akin to rough carpentry than finish work.
After assembling the major airframe components — you remembered to add a ton of nose weight, didn’t you? — the seams are filled and the engines added. Unfortunately, Roden has made a mistake on the engine cowlings, as they appear from the front to have the “double smile” of the earlier C-74 Globemaster I cowlings, rather than the uninterrupted circles of the C-124. Also, the instructions imply that each engine has a rear bulkhead — but only the inboards have them for the gear wells.
Speaking of landing gear, I was worried that it wouldn’t be up to the task of holding up this hefty hauler. Super glue works wonders, however, and in no time Ol’ Shaky was on her feet. The wheels and gear legs exhibit good detail, but the main landing gear doors are grotesquely thick and out of scale. Roden does a good job with all the other items on the underside, with clear instructions to drill out holes for the flap fairings on the outer wing as well as a host of antennas and fairings. Also, according to my references, Part 14, the scoop just below the fin, should be added, even though the parts map has it labeled “not for use.” Also incorrectly ignored is Part 15, the tail bumper. Instead, Roden should have shaded the other halves of the wingtip heater pods, Parts 17 and 18, to indicate “not for use.”
There is only one decal option included in the kit, in natural metal with high visibility red markings on the wings and tail. Masking took a bit of time. But the result is a colorful bird. The decals worked well, with the only issues being a slight translucence of the yellow that shows any air bubbles, some problems with smudged print in the word Service on one side, and a bit of the same on one of the tail bands. But those things were not that noticeable.
Roden’s C-124 is something of a mixed bag. It shows good molding and design in some instances – like the wheel hubs and engines – and yet is let down by other poorly molded parts and incorrect engine cowls. Still, it’s the easiest way to build a C-124, and, with some work, it can be made to look the part. I spent a little more than 21 hours on mine, but could easily have taken more. I’ll recommend it to experienced modelers — but be ready to work.
A version of this review appeared in the December 2012 FineScale Modeler.