Kit Previews A – D
Ryan XF2R-1 Dark Shark
The Ryan “Dark Shark” was a further development of the FR-1 Fireball featuring a redesigned airframe and introducing turboprop power. Developed during a transitional period when turbojets were not yet powerful enough to propel combat aircraft, the iconic Dark Shark nonetheless never got past the prototype stage during to rapidly developing jet technology which birthed such aircraft as the McDonnell Banshee and the Grumman Panther.
De Havilland D.H. 4
De Havilland DH 4 by Roden 1/48 scaleKit No. Ro 414Price: $34.00Decals: Three versions - Two for United States Air Service; One for United States MarinesComments: Detailed cockpits with interior fuselage structure; detailed engine cylinder bank, twin forward-firing...
De Havilland D.H. 88 Comet
DeHavilland D.H. 88 Comet by SBS 1/72 scale Kit No. SBS 7003 Cost: $40.00 Decals: Two versions, both for aircraft competing in the 1934 MacRobertson London-to-Melbourne air race Comments: Resin kit with photo-etch and white metal parts; engraved panel lines;...
De Havilland DH 108 Swallow
The elegant — and highly lethal — de Havilland DH 108 “Swallow” was a British experimental research aircraft of the late 1940’s designed by John Carver Meadows Frost in October 1945. It originated from a mission undertaken by a team from de Havilland Aircraft which traveled to Germany within two weeks of the end of World War II to interview senior German aircraft designers. While it advanced civil and military aircraft designs, it killed three test pilots.
De Havilland Fox Moth
The de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth was a successful small passenger carrying biplane of the 1930’s, designed in late 1931 as a low cost light passenger aircraft. Flying for the first time on January 29, 1932, it used many components of its more famous predecessor, the DH.82 Tiger Moth which was then being built in large quantities as a military trainer. It enjoyed some success as an export, developing a reputation as a rugged bush plane in Canada.
De Havilland Vampire (SNCASE SE 535 Mistral)
SNCASE SE.535 Mistral (DeHavilland Vampire) by Heller 1/72 scale Kit No. 221 Cost: $9.00 Decals: Two versions - One Armee de l'Air (French Air Force), One Aeronavale (French Navy) Comments: License-built version of Dehavilland Vampire; mix of engraved and raised panel...
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
The De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, often referred to as the “best bush plane ever built,” is a rugged, short take-off and landing utility aircraft ideally suited for bush operations from unprepared airfields, or, when fitted with floats, rivers and lakes. It has been instrumental in developing far-reaching frontiers since it was first introduced in 1947. It was widely exported to multiple nations, including Taiwan, the U.S. and Zambia. It remains in use today, especially in Alaska and Canada.
De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
The DHC-3 Otter is a single engine, high-wing propeller-driven aircraft designed and built by De Havilland Canada, designed to fulfill similar roles as the DHC-2 Beaver, with more power and loading capacity. Like the DHC-2 Beaver, it is a rugged short take-off and landing (STOL) utility aircraft, ideally suited for bush operations from unprepared airfields, or waterways when fitted with floats. It is widely used in remote areas with abundant waterways.
Dewoitine D.333/332
The Dewoitine D.333 was a big, tri-engined all-metal airliner of the 1930’s. With its fixed landing gear, crew of three and a cabin seating 8 passengers, it was specially designed for Air France for service to the French colonies. Leading to the more successful D. 338, it would become an icon of French aviation.
Dewoitine D.510
Dewoitine D. 510 by Heller 1/72 scale Kit No. 102 Cost: $10.00 Decals: Two versions - both Armee de l'Air Comments: Raised panel lines; 1930's fighter, precursor to the Dewoitine D.520 History The Dewoitine D.510 was the technical successor of the D.500 and D.501,...
Dewoitine D.520
The Dewoitine D. 520 was perhaps the best fighter in the Armee de l’Air upon the outbreak of WWII, but was available in too few numbers to win the air war during the Battle of France, It was a match for the Messerschmitt Bf109E, being slightly slower but more maneuverable. In one encounter on June 5, 1940, a D.520 piloted by Lt. René Pomier Layrargues shot down none other than the German ace Werner Molders, who survived to be taken prisoner.
Dornier Do 335 Anteater
Dornier Do335 A-12 "Anteater" by DML 1/72 scale Kit No. 5015 Cost: $25.00 Decals: One version - WWII Luftwaffe Comments: Engraved panel lines, small photo-tech fret included History The Do335 Arrow, also known to its pilots as the "Anteater" due to its long snout and...
Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak
Douglas D-558-I Skystreak by Special Hobby 1/72 scale Kit No. 72159 Cost: $26.00 Decals: One version Comments: Short run kit; injection molded plastic with engraved panel lines; photo etch details for cockpit (instrument panel with accompanying film insert, seat...
Douglas M-2
Douglas M-2 Mail Plane by Aurora 1/48 scale Cost: $10.00 (aftermarket; original price: $1.90) Decals: One version Comments: Early Air Mail aircraft; great historical interest History The Douglas M-2 was an important part of the early days of Air Mail service in the...
Douglas SBD Dauntless
Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless by Accurate Miniatures 1/48 scale Kit No. 3412 Cost: $25.00 Decals: One version - for an SBD-5 of VB-16 aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, Battle of Tarawa, November 1943 Comments: Exceptionally detailed throughout; engraved panel lines; boxed-in...
Douglas World Cruiser
Douglas World Cruiser by Williams Brothers 1/72 scale Kit No. 72-424 Cost: $12.00 Decals: Four versions depicting each of the Round-the-World Cruisers from the 1924 journey Comments: Great kit of early aviation milestone; optional conventional landing gear or floats;...