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The De Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 ( Dash 8 ) is a regional turboprop airliner designed and manufactured by De Havilland Canada. It was first introduced in 1984 as a successor to the earlier Dash 7 model. Development of the DHC-8 began in the late 1970s in response to a growing demand for a faster, more efficient regional airliner. The De Havilland Canada design team focused on creating a highly reliable and versatile aircraft that could operate on short airstrips, in remote locations and in a variety of weather conditions. The DHC-8-102 is the original version of the Dash 8 and features two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120A turboprop engines. It has a maximum capacity of 37 passengers and a maximum range of 1,224 nautical miles. The first flight of the Dash 8 took place on June 20, 1983 and the aircraft entered service with NorOntair in 1984. It quickly became popular with regional airlines for its fuel efficiency, reliability and ability to operate in challenging environments. Several variants of the DHC-8 have been developed over the years, including the more powerful DHC-8-200, the lengthened DHC-8-300, and the largest type: the DHC-8-400. More than 1,200 Dash 8 aircraft have been produced and have been used by airlines and operators in more than 100 countries around the world. In 1992, De Havilland Canada was acquired by Bombardier and the Dash 8 became part of Bombardier's regional aircraft program. In 2019, the Dash 8 program was sold to Longview Aviation Capital, a Canadian aviation company that also owns Viking Air, another manufacturer of turboprop aircraft. Today, the DHC-8-102 continues to be flown by airlines and operators around the world and is renowned for its reliability, versatility and low operating costs. It has been used in a variety of roles, including passenger transportation, cargo operations, and even military applications. I myself have flown with some regularity with the Dash 8, (but only with the Q400 variant) with Austrian Airways and especially FlyBe. I will definitely make the completely purple version of FlyBe, but for now first the -102 version. Why? Because Schreiner Airways has flown with it and I enjoy building aircraft that Dutch operators fly or have flown with. The kit is from Eastern Express and is excellent! The fit is pretty good, the panel lines are accurate and the overall shape is rather nice. Two minor nitpicks are the clear plastic front part as per usual is a pretty poor fit and this small kit is made up to quite a lot of parts (nine parts to build the front wheels is a little bit overdone I would say). Nothing serious, just something to keep in mind. Also I used some extra details from Metallic Details (who, by the way, are located in Dnepropetrovsk, just a few kilometres from the front line…) The windows are from Authentic Airliner decals. The livery decals are from V1 decals, which I'm very pleased with. They are quite sturdy, fold easily around irregular shapes, come off quickly when put in water, and dry quick also. I especially liked the added details. They are printed light grey to make them less obtrusive which makes for a more realistic finish (take note Nazca). At any rate the pictures: Next up is the 1:144 Roden C-47 kit in KLM colours. Thanks for reading and see you next time!

Oldmodels Decals announces the following additions to its Digital range: NAC F27-100 “Friendship” scheme 1 (BXA-BXD) NAC F27-100 “Jet Prop Friendship” scheme 2 (BXA-BXH) NAC F27-100 and -500C “National Airways” scheme 3 (BXA-BXI, NAA, NAB, NAF, NAH, NAN and NAO) NAC F27-100 and -500C/F “Wings of the Nation” scheme 4 (as for scheme 3 plus NFA-NFC) These are available in 72nd and 144th scales. Other scales remain available through the Inkjet range. Recently updated decals in the high quality Inkjet range: DHC-3 Otter Vulcanic Air Safaris (now has older and newer markings and general improvements) in 1/48, 1/72 and 1/144 DHC Dash 8 – 100/300 Ansett New Zealand (both schemes) in 1/72 and 1/144 DHC Dash 8 – 100 Ansett Newmans in 1/72 and 1/144 Piper PA31-350 Chieftain Ansett Regional in 1/72 Piper PA31-350 Chieftain Tranzair in 1/72 Dornier 228-100/200 Tranzair – Austral in 1/72 and 1/144 The Ansett NZ / Tranzair decals have been updated with new information provided by the Ansett official historian. Improvements to the B737-100/200, F27-400, Bandierante, Beech 99 and Jetstream 31/32 schemes are under action. As always these decals are available through my website and TradeMe (NZ customers only). John Oldmodels Decals www.oldmodelsdecals.com