DH Comet
|
|
De Havilland DH106 Comet (1952)
This sleek British-built airliner was the World’s first jetliner to enter service. On the 2nd of May 1952 BOAC began the world’s first jet passenger service with the revolutionary De Havilland Comet 1, on the London to Johannesburg route. SAA leased two Comet 1 aircraft from BOAC in 1953/4 for use on the Springbok route between Johannesburg and London. Due to structural problems the aircraft were withdrawn from service in 1954.
All the Comets used by SAA were on lease from BOAC and remained in their British registrations, although two aircraft, G-ALYY and G-ANAV, carried the Flying Springbok on their nose and fin in addition to the BOAC markings.
Normal passenger load: 36
Modelling
The following kits have been produced over the years that will allow the modeller to build a model of this aircraft.
The aircraft leased by SAA from BOAC were the earlier Comet Mk1. You will need kit number from Welsh Models to build your SAA Comet. This kit is in 1/72nd scale.
Note that the Frog kit in 1/96th scale as well as the Airfix 1/144th scale kit(kit number 03170) are of the later Comet Mk4B. Welsh models have a conversion set available to allow the modeller working in this scale to convert the base kit to the earlier version.
Colours
Standard BOAC colours of natural metal overall with a dark blue cheat line at window level dividing the fuselage. The fuselage and tail fin were white with BOAC logos. The two aircraft leased by SAA had South African Airways painted on the nose as well as the flying springbok on the nose and vertical tail fin. The SA flag was also carried behind the springbok on the tail.
Decals
Draw Decals This sheet, although for BOAC, could be used as a basis for the markings required. You will need to do your own flying springbok and SAA titles though.