Jump to content

Canadian Dragon, Hic Sunt Dracones (Part II) - D.H.89 Seaplane conversion


Recommended Posts

 

HIC SUNT DRACONES (Parchment II)

(Here be Dragons)

 

IMG_1324+%25281280x969%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1326+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

(The WiP is here:

 

(The companion Dragon is here:

 

This second conversion of a Dragon Rapide to seaplane configuration in Canadian registrations sprouted from the first one, which used (refurbished) EDO floats for an Uruguayan conversion.

In this case, Fairchild Canada floats were needed, and those were procured from an Execufom Fairchild Super 71 vac kit I build long ago on skis.

The floats needed detailing, but the general shape was there.

As with the other seaplane mentioned above, these are the needed mods:

 

1) Getting or fabricating the floats

2) Modification of the bottom of the engine nacelles, removing landing gear and it's fairing, then fairing again the bottom according to photos. Beware that these modifications differed from one plane to the next, depending on the float used and particular machine.

3) Reshaping the fin extending it as per photos of the original plane.

4) Researching and fabricating all the associated float struts.

5) Adding a mirroring door on the other side.

6) Deleting/painting over back windows, depending on model.

7) Reducing the number of seats.

😎 Modifying exhausts to match photos (they vary)

9) Modifying props as needed (some were metallic Fairey-Reed, others seem to be wooden ones. The kit's prop spinners are the wrong shape for any version and need correcting.

 

The decals were commissioned from Arctic Decals, and I used also their "metal" window frames set (self-adhesive pre-cut chromed vinyl) and their painting masks.

 

I have built a few Dragons before from the venerable Heller kit, but was taken by the photos showing them on floats, where it looked so smart. I had to build them!

 

Now, being these floats also used by other planes (and kits), would we at some point be graced by some cottage industry-fabricated EDO Yd-6470 / Ya-6235, and Fairchild 5500 floats? Some (nice, please, not ridges-ridden trash) 3D printed ones? Or resin?

 

IMG_1327+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1328+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1329+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1334+%25281280x959%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1335+%25281280x944%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1336+%25281280x949%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1337+%25281280x941%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1338+%25281280x941%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1341+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1343+%25281280x995%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1344+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1346+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1349+%25281280x972%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1351+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

 

IMG_1354+%25281280x960%2529.jpg

  • Like 29
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, dogsbody said:

Wow! That's real beauty, right there.

 

As a Canadian with a life-long interest in Canadian aviation, thank you!

 

 

 

Wowzers!

 

 

 

Chris

Glad you enjoyed it, Chris!

I have a lot of respect for Canada, and the US could take a page or two from it.

Cheers

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Moa that is flippin gorgeous, great work as usual, I coul quite happily watch you dragon builds all day long.  At least now you have done these versions someone will likely make a kit now for us mere modelling mortals.  

Always a pleasure to look at your work

All the best

Chris

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Chanex said:

Incredible Moa. The floats and beaching gear are a work of art in their own right. Beautifully captured too!

I'll happily second that and add the photography is superb as well.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

55 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said:

Moa that is flippin gorgeous, great work as usual, I coul quite happily watch you dragon builds all day long.  At least now you have done these versions someone will likely make a kit now for us mere modelling mortals.  

Always a pleasure to look at your work

All the best

Chris

Thanks Chris!

All is needed are floats for the Heller kit, either Fairchild Canada and / or EDOs of the proper type.

AND a sound strut arrangement provided so that the modeler is not left with yet another problem.

24 minutes ago, Chanex said:

Incredible Moa. The floats and beaching gear are a work of art in their own right. Beautifully captured too!

Very kind, sir.

A bit of work, that's all 😉

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, busnproplinerfan said:

Fear the Dragons. Very hard to find good pictures of Canadian Dragons, at least for me it is. These look great.

You are very kind.

By the way: many dragons live in books and movies. I guess they eat paper and film? 😄

11 hours ago, Courageous said:

Best one of the two. Beautiful.

 

Stuart

Thanks, Stuart!

(But it is debatable 😉)

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Moa said:

You are very kind.

By the way: many dragons live in books and movies. I guess they eat paper and film? 😄

Thanks, Stuart!

(But it is debatable 😉)

Cdn dragons are used for heating homes in winter.

  • Haha 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...