The Aircraft

The Ford Tri-Motor, officially known as the Ford 4-AT, is an iconic aircraft that epitomizes the dawn of commercial aviation. Designed by William Bushnell Stout, it was produced by the Ford Motor Company in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The Tri-Motor earned the nickname "Tin Goose" due to its corrugated aluminum construction, which was a novel feature at the time.

The history of the Ford Tri-Motor is intertwined with the rapid development of air travel during the early 20th century. First introduced in 1925, the Tri-Motor quickly gained popularity for its ruggedness, reliability, and ability to operate in various conditions. It was one of the first all-metal passenger aircraft, boasting three engines and accommodating up to 12 passengers. Its robust design made it suitable for both short-haul routes and longer journeys.

One of the most significant contributions of the Ford Tri-Motor to aviation history was its role in expanding air travel accessibility. Before the Tri-Motor, most aircraft were primarily used for mail delivery or by the military. However, the Tri-Motor was among the first aircraft designed specifically for commercial passenger service. It played a crucial role in making air travel more practical and appealing to the general public.

Throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Ford Tri-Motor was a common sight in the skies, operating routes across the United States and in various parts of the world. It was utilized by numerous airlines, including early predecessors of major carriers such as American Airlines and Eastern Air Lines.

However, as aviation technology advanced, the Ford Tri-Motor began to be overshadowed by newer, more advanced aircraft designs. Its relatively slow speed and limited capacity became significant drawbacks as airlines sought to improve efficiency and offer faster service. By the mid-1930s, most Ford Tri-Motors had been retired from commercial service, replaced by modern monoplane designs with higher performance.

Despite its decline in commercial use, the Ford Tri-Motor remained a beloved symbol of early aviation. Many examples of the aircraft were preserved and restored, with some still flying in airshows and serving as living reminders of a bygone era. Today, the Ford Tri-Motor is celebrated for its historical significance and its role in shaping the development of commercial air travel.

The Model

Lots of struts for this model! My recommended order of assembly includes the following:

1. Attach the wing to the fuselage, as shown in the photos.
2. Attach the horizontal stabilizers.
3. Find the vertical engine profile and attach the engine, then propellers. The propellers should take a bit of force to attach but be careful not to bend the blades when rocking back and forth to attach.
4. Attach the horizontal engine profile, being careful to ensure the square slot for the main landing gear is oriented downward and inboard of the engine. Refer to pics.
5. Attach engine assemblies to the wing with a couple drops of glue. Slide the aft strut into its slot first, then the larger vertical one in. Depending on printer settings, this should be a moderately snug fit. Please test first before adding glue.
6. Add wheels to main landing gear struts.
7. Attach main landing gear to horizontal engine profile.
8. The next part is tricky: attaching the main landing diagonal bracing. Attach the connections at the fuselage FIRST, and then slide the MLG connector into place. Try this each side a few times before adding glue. You may even opt to get all components into position, and then add glue to the outside, sealing the joints.