Promodeler's PBY-5A Catalina (Canso) - this was my second kick at the Cat[alina]! My first attempt was a RCAF post war Search and Rescue machine. It used the Belcher Bits resin tail, and I figured there had to be an easier and better way to get the correct scalloping in the rear end. I decided to use a dremel cut off wheel to make numerous slots between the start of the dorsal fin and the mid-point of the rudder. This area was then squeezed together to get the scallop and filled in using CA and Zap. I was not too concerned about loosing detail, and block sanded the CA to shape. The end result was a corrected tail with minimal weight gain.

The particular machine I wanted to model was going to require some additional hacking away at the basic kit. These were; a fairing over the front turret, and the removal of the blister windows. The nose was a simple fix. Putty and sanding covered the shape corrections. (I offer this work in a resin set) While Belcher Bits offers the rear-deck in their PBY-3 conversion. This was a simple conversion that consisted of cutting out a section of the rear fuse and gluing in the replacement plug.

Buffalo Airways purchased several Canso's from the Newfoundland Government for fire fighting duties. As these aircraft are based in Red Deer, I had an interest in modeling this attractive paint scheme. Photos were taken to assist with the painting sessions. I thought I had enough walk-around shots, but it wasn't until I saw the bird up at Inuvik that I got a shot of the markings on the upper wing. I provided Mike Grant with my collection of photos and asked him to make decals. His artwork was very impressive. Every marking fit in place nicely and responded well to Gunze's decal set. Colours used were; Orange - Floquil, CP Green - Testors 1127, White - Testors, Grey - Dark Ghost. Weathering was kept to a minimum and consisted mostly of engine exhaust and staining. Borate stains can be added, but up north water was the common load. For others interested in making the "peas and carrots scheme" decals can be obtained from Mike Grant Decals.