This model
was built from the 1:48 scale Hobbycraft kit with Arrow Graphics decals
representing an aircraft from 402 Squadron (Aux) , City of Winnipeg.
The kit is quite basic although the external detail is fairly good.
There is very little interior detail so the scratch-building skills will
have to be dragged out if you want a full detail cabin and cockpit.
The finish on the model is Model Master enamels and Alclad II Duraluminum.
For some reason, the wings took a nasty droop after everything was finished
but I was not about to try fixing the beast.
The single engine Otter was developed by DeHavilland Canada during the late
1950s and I was working in the control tower at Downsview, Ont during the
period. There were Otters coming off the assembly line in many
liveries including those for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The RCAF
was to utilize the Otter in the Search and Rescue and light transport rolls
for many years with the Auxiliary squadrons using it on wheels, skiis and
floats and some on amphibious floats.
From the photo caption, the Otter
acquired a few nicknames but like its smaller brother, the Beaver, it has
seen exceptional service all around the world and is still in big demand 50
years and more since it went into production.
Many Otters
have been converted to turbine power with the Pratt and Whitney PT6 being
fitted. One of the prime users of the Turbine Otter is Harbour Air of
Vancouver, BC and it is interesting to realize that Viking Air of Victoria,
BC has the Type Certificate for the manufacture of new Otters components as
well as the other Type Certificates for the other DHC aircraft up to the
Dash 7.
