DO-24T: The forgotten planes

[papermodelfan]

Very much looking forward to a civilian version, if there was one.

[Draco]

Originally Posted by papermodelfan

Very much looking forward to a civilian version, if there was one.

The most "civilian" versions that I can remember were the SAR planes of the Spanish Air Army (Ejercito del Aire Español) and I have already plans to do them.

Well, that and the DO-24ATT, but it is a demostrator that is currently being repaired.

[Draco]

It's a real shame that there are not civilians, but you know, losing side...
Maybe I could make a "what if" version, if there is somebody interested?

A few minutes ago I finished to glue the wing to the fuselage. At first I was worried that the join was going to be weak with so few supports, but it became so stronger that I'm sure it will pass the test of holding the plane from the wingtip (Once the glue is dry, of course)

The first picture is without propeller nor gun turrets, all the others with all the moving parts

[Siwi]

Well it looks magnificent.


A fictional civilian version could be quite plausible. One was converted to a houseboat in Australia in real life so a flying example in private hands could easily have happened. Perhaps one was left behind or captured when Greece was liberated, then repaired and used to fly tourists around the islands? The type was originally ordered by the Dutch so if history was different these might have entered service with KLM before or after the war.


Personally I had a slightly mad idea, which was to purchase two different versions, build one half of each then place a mirror down the centre to make 'two' aircraft. I like the WW2 German scheme but also the dark blue and white Dutch one.

[Draco]

Good idea, Siwi.
Here are four civilian PBYs, one greek, one chilenan one KLM and another french. I could do the equivalent "what if" versions of the Do-24t, once I finish the real life ones.

Today I'm planning to design the hubs, the air intake between the wing supports and glue the mast and the wires.

Then just finishing the instructions and starting the 1-72 to 1-33 resizing!

[Draco]

Merry Christmas!

The Do-24t (except the radio wire, the display stand and the instructions) is finished and painted!

You can see the cleats on the bow, under the stabilizers and two more over each pontoon! Of course a lot of the hardware under and over the wings is optional!

One of the pictures shows my fingers holding the plane from the wingtip as a practical test of resistence, so, it will hold its 30+ years of estimated life (sons and little cousins not included!)

Yes, the propellers are the same RLM70 green than the ground based planes. And you can see that, unlike another designers, the blades grow from the middel of the hub, as it should be! Propellers turn, and gun turrets turn, too!

This particular planes lacked the right radio mast and a pair of cleats just under the trailing edge of the wing. Why, I don't know, but just for your information.

So, enjoy the rest of the 2022 and a happy new 2023!

[Siwi]

Congratulations Draco. Your design and build skills have further improved with this one and we look forward to the kit versions release. Feliz Navidad!

[papermodelfan]

Very good news. Looking forward to the SAR model very much. May blow up to 1:33

[Draco]

Originally Posted by papermodelfan

Very good news. Looking forward to the SAR model very much. May blow up to 1:33

Thanks, Rob!

While I glue the very few wires this model has, I'm drawing the second sheet of the instructions, with a step by step assembly. It will be neccessary because the moving gun turrets require it, and some small subparts like the cleats will require a better explanation.

My next steps are:
1) Finish the instructions.
2) Redraw the DJ+ZM, Seenotstaffel 7 at 1:33 scale
3) Send the 1:33 PDF to a friendly beta-tester while I repaint the model in SAR colors (The one pictured flying over the city, the one in the museum will be done later)

At this point I will be selling it by myself, but I still will need the pictures of a finished color printed model to upload it in ecardmodels.

[Siwi]

Those isometric instruction drawings are another feature that brings this kit up to the level of the 'big' publishers. Looks like more complex former shapes than the London and Stranraer.