De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, Barry Clay, 1/72 Heller Kit

The De Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide was probably responsible for successfully setting up more small airlines than any other machine. The reason being that the simplicity of design and operation, coupled with a small monetry outlay, ensured that the company made money. Just as the Douglas Dakota paved the way for the larger airlines, the Rapide was ideal for operation from small fields; even flying from the beach, taking customers from the Channel Islands to the mainland. The aircraft saw wartime service with many air forces and was used, amongst other jobs, as a navigation trainer, crew ferry with the Air Transport Auxiliary and by the Fleet Air Arm.

This is the Heller Rapide painted in the colours of the Automobile Association. This aircraft was used for traffic spotting and congestion solving in the UK, also for aerial photography.

The markings were home made using an Epson printer onto white tissue paper, these were then stuck onto the model and protected with Johnsons clear. There is also full interior detail with home made seats, although you cannot see much of it (at least I know it is there) and there are no voids when looking through the cabin windows.