Thunderbird Models

1/72 Queen Charlotte Airlines Stranraer decals

Product # 72-001 for Revell/Matchbox kit

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Nov 17 2016

 

      

This new decal sheet from Thunderbird Models includes markings for a choice of one of two Supermarine Stranraers from 1948 in Queen Charlotte Airlines markingsThe Queen Charlotte Islands are off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada and is now known by it's native name of Haida Gwaii and is populated by the Haida native people and when I was 18, I did do logging on the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Queen Charlotte Airways was founded in 1943 by Jim Spilsbury and partners as an outgrowth of Spilsbury’s radio business. Born to service the rugged British Columbia coastline, QCA used a wide variety of types. Known locally as “the Queer Collection of Aircraft”, QCA grew into the third largest airline in Canada, knitting together otherwise isolated BC communities. QCA was leveraged out of business in 1955 by Russ Baker and his smaller Pacific Western Airlines. As a result, much of the archival material was destroyed and any QCA employee who had ever crossed Baker’s path was fired.

The Supermarine Stranraer: first flew in 1935 and was designed by RJ Mitchell of Spitfire fame. Canadian Vickers began building Stranraers in 1938 to fill an RCAF contract for long range patrol aircraft. After the war many Strannies began to appear on the civil register and Queen Charlotte Airlines operated five of the flying boats (affectionately known as the “Whistling Shithouse”). CF-BYM and CF-BXO were the longest serving boats with BXO today residing at RAF Hendon. BYM was destroyed in a fatal crash in 1957 while in service with PWA.

The instructions are clear and include 2 side views.  The decals are beautifully printed on 1 decal sheet.  One complete set of stencils is included on this decal sheet with a choice of building 1 of 2 QCA Supermarine Stranraers aircraft.

The Supermarine Stranraer is a very interesting flying boat from WW2 and it's good to see these decals for Queen Charlotte Airlines.

You can buy this decal sheet and many other decals and other modelling products from Thunderbird Models.

Steve Bamford

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford