1:48 Beaver AL.1

The real subject

The Beaver is a Canadian single-engine high-wing aircraft with a radial piston engine, built shortly after the Second World War as a working aircraft for rough country. Its designers gave it a rugged airframe, large cargo doors and powerful high-lift devices, so it fits onto a short unprepared strip and carries an assorted load. As needed it could be set up on wheels, floats or skis, and it was exactly this versatility that made it an aircraft which has reached every continent to this day. The AL.1 designation was carried by machines in British army service, where the Beaver flew as a liaison and observation aircraft and wore military camouflage instead of a civil finish.

The kit

This is a Dora Wings plastic kit in 1:48 scale, that is in a size in which the glazed cabin of an aircraft of this class can be worked out honestly, and that is the main part of what shows on a finished model. The exact composition of the package, the number of parts and the color schemes offered are given in the manufacturer instructions.

• A plastic kit in 1:48 scale
• Subject: the multi-purpose Beaver aircraft in the AL.1 version
• Suitable as a basis for the military camouflage of British army service
• The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted

Building and painting tips

What calls for the most attention is the wing struts and the glazing. Glue the struts only once the wing is seated, and make sure that after drying the machine stands symmetrically on a flat surface. Mask the glazing before you reach for paint, and finish the cabin before closing the fuselage. On a working aircraft it pays not to overdo the wear: worn places belong mainly around the cargo doors, the walkways and the area around the engine.

Who it is for

For modelers with experience of building aircraft who are looking for a less usual subject. Paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.