I just recently completed a Canadair CL215 Waterbomber that was part of the “It Floats, It Flies” Group Build…but I was two weeks late completing it.
The plane is a 1/72 scale Heller (shudder!!!) kit that I had some measure of misery with - poor fits, very slight plastics, warping, etc., etc. Nonetheless, after some perseverance, I think it turned out OK. Although not a big fan of Heller, they do turnout some kits that cannot be obtained anywhere else. Amazing amount of raised relief on this one that caused some serious problems for decal snug-down.
The color scheme I chose represents the actual livery of the Waterbomber force in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are Government-owned and maintained and replaced the dependable Canso (PBY-5A Catalina) several years ago. A picture of sister airtanker #285 is below:
I finished the plane with Model Master and Humbrol enamels. The orange red color was Pactra Competition Orange from a rattle can. The decals are Leading Edge Models (thanks Dave…) and otherwise the kit was built OOTB.
Here are some pictures…
Below are a couple of pictures I took with big brother CL415 that I built a couple of years ago…quite a colorful pair.
Looks pretty good-wild color schemes are one of the things that make this hobby for me.Did you hear about the converted 747 that is being used as a water bomber?
Hey guys, thanks for the nice comments. I don’t know why but I have always loved building anything that has the bright colors…usually SAR and fire-suppression stuff. I still have a bright yellow CH113 Labrador sitting in a box waiting to be built and can’t wait to build it. This chopper is undoubtedly my all time favorite but sadly was recently replaced by the Cormorant by the Canadian Armed Forces. I guess they were just getting too old.
Allen109, I have heard about the converted 747 but what even more impressive is that there is even the bigger Ilyushin IL-76TD that has been converted to a fire supression role (42,000L per drop)…drool…love to build that one in bright yellow. There are even two Martin Mars flying boats based in BC also for fire fighting. Great subjects to build if you are into Air Tankers.
A couple of links for these two behemoths are below:
I’ve had the pleasure of getting up close and climbing around on the Alberta government 215s and they are an impresive aircraft just sitting on the ground. They have that “I’m ready to go in an instant” look about them.
Colorful is an understatment. I loved the colors of the Mars.
The orange waterbomber is about the same color as my mom’s 77 Ford Bronco. You don’t lose it either. In my family the cars are blue, brown and green, boring. The Bronco is orange(either regular or Yellow Orange I’m not sure) and my sister’s S10 is a rasberry color.LOL
That is a unique colour scheme, it looks great! The only thing that would improve it the University Of Texas Longhorn logo on the side - GO HORNS!
College loyality aside it is an outstanding paint job.
Cheers,
Eric
