This folder contains a repaint for the Alabeo Beech Staggerwing in the colors of VH-AFP, as it looked in the early sixties. This machine (c/n 357) was originally built as a D17A and registered in the USA as NC20778 to The Armor Institute on 1 November 1939. It took part in their 1940-41 Antarctic Expedition (which I painted as well), following which it was purchased by Connellan Airways in 1941. However, the aircraft was impressed by the RAAF as A39-2 prior to use by Connellan. Post war the aircraft was returned to Connellan where the original 380 hp Jacobs engine was replaced by a 450 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior, bringing the aircraft up to D17S standard. It was first registered as VH-AFP on 19 March 1947. VH-AFP was withdrawn from service on 6 August 1951, however it was stored and returned to service in 1956, being re-registered on 3 April. The aircraft was once again withdrawn from service in November 1957 and was sold to Tadgell Aviation of Toowomba, Qld and used for crop seeding. It struck a tree and crashed on 22 December 1963 while seeding at Springton, near Dingo, Qld. Sadly the pilot was killed. The burnt out airframe of this Staggerwing was located in April 2007 at the remote crash site and collected by Staggerwing enthusiast Cameron Hanley and trucked to his hangar at Caboolture, Qld where he is rebuilding Beech C17B VH-UXP (for which two repaints are available as well).
Repaint by Jan Kees Blom, based on the blank textures by Alabeo.
Repaint by Jan Kees Blom, based on the blank textures by Alabeo.
