After seeing the actual aircraft at an EAA event, I just had to build this unusual airplane.  I started with the Revell 1/32 PA-18.  The cockpit was assembled per kit instructions with the following enhancements:  pilot seat, Stokes litter attachment point, instrument panel, fuel switch, headphones and microphone were all scratchbuilt.  The original cabin door was converted from a clam shell opening to a car door opening.  The engine was assembled and detailed with many scratchbuilt items.  The prop hub and spinner were modified kit parts.  I was not happy with the kit tail wheel assembly so I scratchbuilt a new one.  The Stokes litter was scratchbuilt using styrene rod and wedding veil.  The hold-down straps on the litter are photo-etch a/c seat harnesses.

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After the cockpit was completed, I joined the fuselage halves and cockpit glass.  I then re-configured the rear and top glass sections and blended them into the fuselage.  Then I cut out the "turtle deck" section of the fuselage.  I added bracing detail to the underside of the turtle deck using styrene rod.  Decking for the Stokes litter was made using styrene sheet and rod.  A second fuel tank on the upper wing surface was added and both fuel tanks were detailed using styrene strips, photo-etch, and scratchbuilt fuel caps.  The landing light was also scratchbuilt.

I used Tamiya primer and Model Masters paints.  Decals came from a variety of decal sheets and some were home made using press type letters.  I would like to thank Jordan Coffey of the Piper Cub Club for being a major source of information, providing photos, diagrams, etc., to make this project happen.  This model was entered in the 2010 IPMS Nationals at Phoenix, AZ, where it placed first in the conversion/scratchbuilt category.  Enjoy the photos.

Terry Davis

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