FROM THE ARCHIVES The stories behind items in the LAA’s collection DH89A DRAGON RAPIDE

In and around the LAA HQ there is, as you might imagine, a variety of aircraft models gracing the desks and bookshelves of enthusiastic staff. However, this is one of the more unusual examples.

This beautiful DH89A Dragon Rapide is made from card. It was built and donated to the LAA by former PFA and LAA Inspector Herbie Leverett, who worked at Bodmin and as a BGA Inspector at Perranporth Gliding Club.

The model is thought to have been built from a pack made by Scheiber-Bogen in Germany, with the aircraft being cut out from card sheets, carefully folded and glued with water-based adhesive. It is a true reflection of the skill and patience of a good LAA Inspector!

The model portrays G-AIDL, built as an RAF ‘Dominie’ trainer, then used for many years as the company aircraft for Fox’s Mints at Leicester. It went on to be used as a parachute jump aircraft and for pleasure flying by Caernarfon Air Services, whose livery the model portrays. ‘AIDL is today operated from Duxford, by Classic Wings; like the model, an evocative survivor. Steve Slater