This build was inspired by one of my pixel projects, the Vega Special (seen here:
http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=1494.45). Instead of the fictional nation of Farralon, this one is in service with the Fuerza Aerea Boliviana, by whom it was used to drop agents in Paraguay during the Second Gran Chaco War (Segunda Guerra del Gran Chaco). Known in FAB service as Vega 5DE (for 'Deberes Especial' -'special duties'), the concept of operations was inspired by British operations of the Lysander IIISD, after Squadron Leader Malcolm Doral (formerly of No.138 (Special Duties) squadron, RAF) was posted as a liaison officer with the Bolivians in 1942. The Vega lacked two key characteristics that made the Lysander effective in this role - STOL capability and excellent visibility. Nevertheless, the Vega was deemed the best available aircraft for the task and was adopted and modified for the role. Modifications included a dorsal gun position mounting a drum-fed .303 Marlin machine gun: this gun was not for aerial defense, but for protection of the aircraft and agents from possible enemy troops on the ground in hot LZs. The aircraft was also modified to carry an external cargo pod which could be airdropped or quickly removed on the ground; it also mounted underwing drop tanks which extended the range without using up needed cabin space. The Vega 5DE was equipped with wing flaps (believed the only Vegas to do so); these were intended both to shorten landing and takeoff roll, and also to improve landing visibility by allowing a less nose-high attitude on approach. Finally, a fixed boarding ladder was mounted to allow quick loading of passengers at the LZ.
The kit was Special Hobby DL-1 "Antipodes Vega" in 1/72. Cargo pod from Swordfish, everything else from the spares box. Hope you like it!
DL-1SD by
cacree, on Flickr
DL-1SD by
cacree, on Flickr
DL-1SD by
cacree, on Flickr
DL-1SD by
cacree, on Flickr
