Beech Kansan ZK-AHO

[Bruce]

Time to start another model to unwind with when I'm not busy with the Homebuilt...
As I'm concentrating on some major stuff on the "big" plane at the moment I have decided on a nice, simple 1/72 beech AT-11 Kansan in NZ Aerial Mapping colours. I have always loved the classic look of ZK-AHO and I vaguely even recall climbing inside it during an airshow at Hamilton when I was really little (1977 I guess).I also have a Monospar ST25 kit so it will eventually have a mate - ZK-AFF!.
The kit is by PM Models, a Turkish producer. The molding quality is very good, although detail is a little sparse. The most annoying bit is the engine cowls are molded as part of the wing halves, which make painting the cowl trims a bit tricky.

Although I have photos of it during its wartime career in polished metal with red trim (from the period it and AFF carried out the first complete photo mapping of NZ Circa 1943) due to practicalities with inkjet printed decals, I'll go for the later white scheme that 'AHO still wears at MOTAT. I have scanned the fuselage halves of the model to layout the decals for printing. I do have one query that someone here may be able to help with. AHO has a Maori name Manu .... Something. What is the last word? I know AFF was "Manu Rere" (flying bird). I can see the name on the photos I have, but I cant make out what it says.... Manu Rangi (Sky Bird) perhaps?

[Richard Wesley]

I think the aircraft is named ZK-AHO ‘Manu Ruuri’...

"In service betwwen 1942 and 1980. Imported by NZ Aerial Mapping Ltd to replace their first aircraft, ‘Manu Ruuri’ has seen and photographed much of NZ during its 7800 hours in the air. It was retired from service when a wing spar modification was deemed uneconomic."

[Bruce]

Excellent Richard, Thank you for that. I have been learning a bit of Maori recently so was interested what the name meant. Ruuri is not a commonly used word and difficult to find in the dictionary, however the double vowel is the old way of writing a lengthened vowel sound - nowadays written with an overscore above a single U. It turns out that Manu Ruuri means "Survey Bird" which is very appropriate!

The photo is also quite handy in that it shows the antennas and other bits n bobs under the fuselage. also the unusual way of marking the prop tips.

[Dave Homewood]

Who were the wartime pilots of this aircraft? Were they ex- or current RNZAF? Or airliner pilots? I'm sure they must have had some sort of background when this important work began.

[Dave Homewood]

How's the model coming Bruce?

[Bruce]

I've been a bit distracted of recent with a bigger bird (Blue and white!) but the Kansan is nearly at painting stage. I have to order some more inkjet decal film too (and its not cheap...)

[Bruce]

After an incredibly long time I have finally finished the AT-11!

Being pretty busy with the "big" plane this build has been kept simple with minimal additional detail. Base kit is the PM Models 1/72 AT-11, which is nicely molded but a little basic on detail. Built up really nicely. Weathering is virtually non - existent as NZAM kept it absolutely immaculate.
Following are some poor photos. I had a lot of problems with overexposure under flash conditions as a glossy white aircraft at close range reflects virtually everything back!

[Dave Homewood]

That looks great Bruce! Really nice job. Maybe some photos taken in sunlight (if we ever get any) might be better with the bright white paint. But you can still tell it looks very nice.

[flyjoe180]

Good work there Mr Bruce.