Cyclone Tracy Airfix F-27

[hrtpaul]

Hi guys. After watching "Blown Away" last night on the ABC about Cyclone Tracy (a very hard thing for me to do ), I've been doing a little research. I was 1yr 4 mths old when Tracy hit Darwin 40years ago tomorrow. I don't remember anything but it still freaks me out and it's hard to see stuff about it to this day. Hence why I had so much trouble watching the program last night Myself and my Mum (RIP) left Darwin for Alice Springs on the 27/12/74 with 37 other evacuees onboard the DCA F-27-100 VH-TFE


I really need to build this aircraft. Can 1 of you knowledgeable fellas tell me the difference between a 100 and a 200. All I can find is they had a different model RR Darts but that's all. So if that's the case then I could use the 1/72 Airfix F-27-200? And where the hell do I get one as all my usual haunts have come up empty. Thanks peeps

[tor lives]

I don't wanna stress you out to much Paul, (especially this time of year), but if you are up for it there is news article tonight on CH7 about Tracy. Look for a cameo appearance of our Qantas retro-jet.
TOR

[hrtpaul]

She'll be right mate. I couldn't find it on CH7 but there's one on ABC News 24 @2130AEDT. I might give that a crack Ta for the heads up mate

[hrtpaul]

I found a couple on ebay so fingers crossed

[VH-WAL]

I flew in VH-TFE from Essendon via Mildura and Adelaide back to Essendon back in 1975. I was on my civil ATC course, Fraser was blocking supply and we didnt know if we were going to be paid that week.
TFE was known in DCA / DOA as a MK 1 and a half Friendship, it was neither a stock 100 or a stock 200, for the life of me though I just can't remember what the difference was, all I remember is that TFE didnt climb as fast as the 200s, perhaps it was not water / meth equipped (that rings a bell actually). Anyway I will do some research for you and I will make the decals for you. If you have pictures as it was in yourdesired time frame, sling em over this way

cheers
wal

[VH-WAL]

hi Paul,
the only difference 100 / 200 was different mark of Dart engine (one incorporating water meth perhaps?) I don't know of any external differences, so I would be good to go with the Airfix Fokker, though that isn't entirely accurate anyway.. you will need to enlarge the dorsal fin / fillet and add an intake on the rear right fuselage side.

cheers
wal

[Graeme H]

Hi Paul

This is the best site to tell you all about modeling F27's

http://designer.home.xs4all.nl/models/f27/f27mod.htm

[hrtpaul]

Thanks Wally and Graeme. A HUGE help. I found that site today Graeme. Makes for some interesting reading. Been doing a lot of that today. Wally I have 8 pics from Dec 1974 through to Feb 1978. This was when it wore a modified DCA scheme. It should be pretty simple for someone of your talent to make decals for it mate. Thanks heaps and I'll get the pics to you ASAP

[VH-WAL]

First cut:
g4132 by wallycacsabre, on Flickr

lots of tweaking to go yet

[hrtpaul]

You're a freakin legend Wally. Looks awesome