Portuguese DH-88 Comet ‘Salazar’. Kovozavody Prostejov, 1/72
Portuguese DH-88 Comet ‘Salazar'
History
The de Havilland DH.88 Comet is a British two-seat, twin-engined aircraft built by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. It was developed specifically to participate in the 1934 England-Australia MacRobertson Air Race from the United Kingdom to Australia.
Development of the Comet was seen as both a prestige project and an entry into modern techniques. It was designed around the specific requirements of the race. Despite being made of wood, it was the first British aircraft to incorporate all the elements of the modern fast monoplanes in one airframe.
Three Comets were produced for the race, all for private owners at the discounted price of £5,000 per aircraft. The aircraft underwent a rapid development cycle, performing its maiden flight only six weeks prior to the race.
The Comet went on to establish many aviation records, both during the race and in its aftermath, as well as participating in further races. Several examples were bought and evaluated by national governments, typically as mail planes.
G-ACSP Black Magic
Jim Mollison and his wife Amy (born Amy Johnson) were both famous aviators in their own right and were the first owners of G-ACSP Black Magic.
Black Magic was later sold to Portugal for a projected flight from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro by Costa Macedo (military pilot) and civilian pilot Carlos Bleck .
Re-registered CS-AAJ and renamed ‘Salazar' (after the dictator ruler of those years) it was damaged on its attempted takeoff at Lisbon Cintra Airport for the Atlantic crossing when the landing gear collapsed.
The kit
This is a somewhat rare subject, so I had to buy a kit from an (for me) unknown company called kovozavody prostejov.
I can't say it is a good kit, far from that, but I had no choice. At certain point I just wanted to have it finished…
As I had no decals to this Portuguese version, I had to paint almost everything and the rest is home made/printed decals.
Can't say is my best, but it's done ☹
Cheers,
Manuel
That’s a great subject, nice work. I never knew Black Magic ended up in a Portugal.
Thank you! She was repaired and flew again. Some years ago was resold to UK 😀
Great craftsmanship by you of a really beautiful plane!
A real racer.
Thank you for showing.
Thank you for your kind words.
But she is a beauty, indeed
Beautiful build of a beautiful aircraft!
Thanks Rob!
Manuel, I know the brand KP, a model brand that dates back to the iron curtain times, could it be the same brand as your DH-88?
You did a very good job out of a lesser kit (the canopy looks mediocre), and painting the codes and insignias...uau!
Já agora, creio que existem decalques para fazer “Salazar” em 1/72 no mercado e também me recordo de pelo menos 1 kit nesta escala.
I believe it is the same brand, Pedro @holzhamer.
Thks Pedro! Meanwhile I've discovered one from SBS, in resin with Portuguese decals:
https://sbsmodel.com/model/SBS-7004/de-havilland-dh-88-comet--blacks--full-resin-kit-limited!
🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
Nice work, you gave this rare subject LIFE.
You worked with what you had and it look's good, well done Manuel.
Thank you! Yes, it's a rare subject with a nice history. Meanwhile I've discovered another kit, so this will not be my last 🙂
That's a real nice build of a racer, Manuel.
You don't see these kits that often.
Thks John! Yes, that's a different subject. Refreshing I would say
An excellent effort and an equally excellent Comet, Manuel.
I liked a lot your historical background, too: so many new things to learn!
Thanks so much for the kind words Spiros! You're a true friend
These Comets never stop to inspire! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! My pleasure
Very nice bird and build! I built several Comets in 1:72 and one in 1:48 and the best kit is out there is the SBS version. I have this kit in my stash but vhen I saw the "details" I took it back deep into the stash. KP missed the oportunity to create a fine new mold modern mainstream kit of this beautiful aircraft - this is clearly a short one kit and not too good.
Thank you! recently I found the SBS kit and got one, so "I'll be back" 😉
KP kit didn´t look as bad as it is when in the box but after start building it...
I've just read your articles on yours DH-88's. They ate great, congratulations! I'm sorry for not having saw them before ...
Looks great! I'm not much for civilian aircraft, the the comet is standout that I've always admired.
Thanks Greg! I 'm not too, but the Comet is something especial and this one in particular had a story that I had to tell.