This canadian workhorse first flew on december 12, 1951, as a high capacity successor of the smaller DHC-2 Beaver. Before its stretched twin engined derivative, the DHC-6 Twin Otter, became De Havilland Canada's best seller during seventies, 466 units rolled off the production line at Downsview, Ontario, plant. Such as its predecessor, the Otter is a "bush" aircraft able to operate in the most demanding environments, both in terms of terrain and weather. For instance, it took a significant part in Antarctic exploration for numerous countries. Old Otters are usually rebuilt and restored to service, and a veritable industry has grown up around this activity, much of it being based in the Seattle and Vancouver areas today. My Otter is the 1/72 Hobbycraft kit, which is of good quality and easy to build, however without too much detail and with heavy engraving, as usual from that producer. Although very attractive, I didn't use any of the two military liveries provided in the box (US Army and Canadian Rescue), but a civilian one from Flighline, enclosed with november 1998 issue of Airline Modeller magazine, featuring a currently operating Points North Air aircraft.
