Another RCAF Harvard Re-paint

**MacSongLi** · #1 05-25-2019, 02:51 PM

I'm doing yet another Harvard build. This will be my third AirDave Harvard. This is another re-paint of AirDave's AT-6. This time I've done a lot more research on this particular bird.

Photo 1: My first step was to see which aircraft my father Actually did his first solo and the date. So I consulted my most sentimental item (my step dad's log book) and low and behold! At least now I have the correct aircraft. So this time I have the correct bird.

Photo 2: The next step was to dig out another book, RCAF Aircraft Finish and Markings 1947-1968 by Patrick Martin. Page 167 showed me the best I can find as to what markings and colour scheme I would be dealing with in 1957. I have to confess that I took some artistic freedom and added the squadron badge which probably wouldn't have been added at that time.
There are some photos of this aircraft on the internet, but they were taken much later than February 1957.
I did finds this photo seemed pretty close.

Photo 3: This RCAF photo says that it's a Harvard Mk IV from Canadian Car and Foundry. That works for me.

Photo 4: So here's a shot of the fuselage parts and the wing parts. The emblem and marking sizes at least match what Patrick Martin's book indicated.

I will update soon.

Thanks for checking in.

Gary

**Butelczynski** · #2 05-25-2019, 02:57 PM

I use know few guys in Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association-they had and likely still have planes marked much like this.i haven't seen them in years.

Very nice recolor-looking forward to seeing one build.

**airdave** · #3 05-25-2019, 03:04 PM

are you sure about the position of markings?

Fuselage roundels are a designated location, the codes are usually positioned in whatever space is available.
So the right side needs to move forward.

Underside roundels also need to be in the proper position on the wings
and the code would be "OJ" under one wing, and "303" under the other.

I have no info on this...purely speculation based on the patterns I know.
If you have photos, I stand corrected.

...
yeah, I just checked...and it looks like underwings should be split codes up to about 1951.
After that, the entire code was positioned on each underside wing, but the roundel is still positioned in its normal place under the wing.
With one code facing forward, one facing backwards. (The number squeezed in the outer space, between roundel and wing tip).
(rough diagram attached)
I think your roundels are too large(same with lettering) and too far inwards.

The fuselage code reads "Unit" + Roundel + "last three digits of registration" in that order, on either side of the aircraft.
The roundel is a fixed position, with the lettering/numbers moved to accommodate (positioned as necessary in the available spaces).
So the right side does need to move forward.
When "RCAF" came into play, replacing the Unit ID, it is always put forward of the roundel on either side.
With the reg. numbers aft of the roundels.

**MacSongLi** · #4 05-25-2019, 03:59 PM

For the most part, I will be following Dave's build technique (as best I can). However, the order might be a little different.
AT6 Texan Build - Photoset

First, I started with the stand, and not the aircraft. I modified the plaque as you can see. The second photo shows the 1/16 balsa that I used to re-enforce the stand base.

Back in a bit!

Gary

**airdave** · #5 05-25-2019, 04:18 PM

yeah, those stands definitely need some strengthening!

hey wait a second...you can't start with the stand?!!!!!

**MacSongLi** · #6 05-25-2019, 04:28 PM

The stand is already occupied. It's just the wrong Harvard.

Gary

**MacSongLi** · #7 05-25-2019, 08:19 PM

The next step was to cut out all of the formers. My fingers hate cutting formers, so I tried the 1/16 balsa wood tip that I saw on the PM forum. WOW, it is so much easier, and sanding is a breeze. They are a little thicker than 1mm, but my fingers aren't killing me. I highly recommend it.

Thanks,
Gary

**yukonjohn** · #8 05-25-2019, 11:39 PM

Great start. Did your Dad solo on 20303 at Rivers? Patrick Martin's books are wonderful resources. Looking forward to watching your build.

John

**MacSongLi** · #9 05-26-2019, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukonjohn

Great start. Did your Dad solo on 20303 at Rivers? Patrick Martin's books are wonderful resources. Looking forward to watching your build.

John

John,

The logbook says Moosejaw. To me, Patrick Martin's book is a bible, a lot of details in that book.

Thanks,
Gary

**Isaac** · #10 05-26-2019, 09:57 AM

Gary

Have fun doing the research regarding the Harvard your dad flew.

Solo in this aircraft? Hopefully he flew a Tiger Moth first to get some stick and rudder time.

I remember you bringing your yellow 412 Harvard to my place in Toronto when we got together in 2017.

DSC_0018.JPG DSC_0021.JPG

Will you have a clear canopy this time?

Isaac