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.
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