De Havilland DH-89 Dragon Rapide ZK-AEC Cook Strait Airways v1.0

De Havilland DH-89 Dragon Rapide ZK-AEC Cook Strait Airways v1.0

This folder contains a repaint for the de Havilland DH-89 Dragon Rapide by Dave Garwood, in the colors of DH-89B ZK-AEC (cn 6334) “Mercury” of Cook Strait Airways. Shipped to New Zealand on “Tamaroa” arriving in early October 1936. Assembled and test flown at Nelson on 07 October of that year and entered service on the following day. Impressed into RNZAF at Ohakea on 15 October 1939 for a cost of 20,500 pounds as NZ555. Converted to navigation and bombing trainer and operated by Air Gunners and Observers School at Ohakea. Dismantled and shipped to Fiji on “Kaiwarra” in October 1940, arriving at Lautoka on 06 November to serve with the RNZAF Detached Flight at Nandi. Transferred to No.4 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron from 08 October 1941, and then to Communications Flight at Nausori on 25 June 1942. Scrapped in Fiji on 19 September 1945 due to airframe deterioration caused by tropical conditions and written off books at Fiji on 19 November 1945. Repaint by Jan Kees Blom, based on the paintkit by Dave Garwood.