1/72 RCAF CC-115 Buffalo

Gallery Article by Steve Schwarz on May 26 2014

 

The Dehavilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo was based on a re-design of the earlier, and more numerous DHC-4 Caribou. Buffs (CC-115) first entered service with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1967, and are still in use in the role of Search and Rescue. This more represents RCAF Buffalo (CC-115) # 9462, one of six still in use, in distinctive search and rescue markings circa 1976 to 1983, based in Comox British Columbia, Canada. 

 

Click on images below to see larger images

This model was started 12 years ago, and was delayed by a couple of house moves, new jobs, a couple of kids, and was finally complied in March 2014. Like the original, the model was based on the DHC-4 Caribou. A vacform Formaplane DHC-4 Caribou (kit G10) and scale plans photocopied to 1/72 were used as the base. As shown in the in progress photos, scanned from negatives, the fuselage, wings, rudder and tail were modified. The fuselage was made more ’boxy’, rear fuselage cut off and built up with strips of plastic. Wings were also modified, and parts from the scrap box were used for the rudder, and tail (Hobby Craft 1/72 DHC-8), propellers from C-130, and engines were scratch built. 

After countless coats of putty, the model was airbrushed with Model Master Enamel Insignia Yellow, and CanmilAir decals (Product ID: 142) were used 

canair

      

Photos and text © by Steve Schwarz