Roden 065 - 1:72 Fairchild C-123J Provider

Plastic model kit of the Fairchild C-123J Provider transport aircraft in 1:72 scale

Roden 065 is a model for self-assembly representing the American Fairchild C-123 Provider tactical transport aircraft in its C-123J version. This was the variant adapted for Arctic operations: two auxiliary Fairchild J44 jet engines were mounted on the wingtips and the landing gear was fitted with skis. Aircraft of this type were used among others by the Alaska Air National Guard to patrol and resupply remote stations.

The model consists of plastic sprues and is intended for self-assembly and painting.

In the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues
• Decal sheet (4 marking options)
• Assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Reference: 065
• Manufacturer: Roden
• Assembled length: approx. 323 mm, wingspan: approx. 466 mm
• Marking options: 4 (per the instructions)
• Difficulty: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The model is aimed at builders with some experience. As with typical Roden kits, expect to spend time on careful fit and clean-up (removing gate marks, possibly filling and sanding seams). The wingtip auxiliary-engine nacelles and skis specific to the C-123J call for accurate assembly.

Painting the transport will call for natural-metal shades along with the high-visibility day-glo markings worn by aircraft operating in Arctic regions. The exact colours and schemes are given in the instructions.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers to remove parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic cement
• Putty to fill seams
• Brushes and/or an airbrush and modelling paints
• A wash and, optionally, pigments to emphasise details

About the aircraft – Fairchild C-123 Provider:

The Fairchild C-123 Provider is an American tactical transport aircraft developed after World War II and produced by Fairchild Aircraft. It entered USAF service in 1955 and was also used by the Coast Guard and civilian services. Its high-wing layout, rear cargo ramp and landing gear suited to unprepared strips allowed operations from short, improvised airfields.

The C-123J version was adapted for Arctic conditions — it received auxiliary Fairchild J44 jet engines on the wingtips and skis on the landing gear. Providers served in many roles, notably and intensively during the Vietnam War.

Original aircraft specifications (C-123 Provider):

• Type: tactical transport aircraft
• Crew: 2–3
• Length: approx. 23.1 m
• Wingspan: approx. 33.5 m
• Height: approx. 10.4 m
• Powerplant: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines; the C-123J adds 2 auxiliary Fairchild J44 jet engines on the wingtips
• Maximum speed: approx. 360–370 km/h
• Range: approx. 1,600 km
• First flight: 1949; in USAF service from 1955

About the manufacturer – Roden:

Roden is a Ukrainian maker of plastic model kits specialising in aircraft, military and historical vehicles in 1:72, 1:48, 1:35 and other scales. Its range often features subjects less common among other manufacturers, including transport aircraft, designs from both world wars and utility vehicles. Roden kits are aimed mainly at modellers who already have some experience.