Airspeed Envoy

SAA used four aircraft from 1936 on routes to Port Elizabeth and South West Africa until they were transferred to the SAAF in 1938. The SAA also leased three Envoys’ from the SAAF in 1938. The Envoy was the first airliner (and combat aircraft used by the SAAF) with retractable under carriage.

The 3 SAAF Envoys were the quick change dual-role model with an option to fit a turret and guns although the Envoy use by the SAAF was mostly in the light transport role. The SAAF aircraft serial numbers were 251 to 253 (SAA registrations ZS-ALD, ALE and ALF) whilst the 4 SAA aircraft were ZS-AGA, AGB, AGC, and AGD (SAAF serials 254-257.)                      

It is perhaps ironic that when the Envoy was ordered by SAA the SAAF had decided upon ordering 3 Anson’s with spares for their role of light bomber/transport. In order to keep commonality with SAA this was changed to the Envoy. Of course the SAAF’s was an extensive user of the Avro Anson during WWII as well as the Envoys’ successor, the Airspeed Oxford.

No example of the Envoy remains in South Africa today

Normal passenger load: 6

ZS-AGA, AGB, AGC, AGD

Modelling

The following kits have been produced over the years that will allow the modeller to build a model of this aircraft.

RS Models

Injection moulded kit, multiple versions inclyuding a SAAF version

Oh well, another resin kit, this time from RugRat resins available in 1/72^nd scale. Although expensive in relative terms it is cheaper than the Puss Moth. Whilst you are about it you may as well try and buy the military (turreted) version for your SAAF collection.

Ludec Models also have a 1/72^nd scale resin kit of an Envoy III in their range as well but the availability of this model line is very sketchy at best. The model depicts a version fitted with the Walter Scarab motors thus it will be necessary for the SAA/SAAF modeller to replace the engines with a pair donated from an Avro Anson kit.

For the modeller on a budget if you have a kit of the Airspeed Oxford (both Frog and Pavla make one) one could convert this to an Envoy. One would need to source engine cowlings from an Avro Anson or the Aeroclub range of engine nacelles to complete the model. Note that this is not a minor undertaking as virtually all components of the model will have to be changed to convert the Oxford to an Envoy. This is not a minor undertaking at all.

 Colours

Basic aluminium dope overall with Cerulean blue cowlings and nacelles. The registration codes and aircraft name are in black. Aircraft name on the nose in front of the cockpit and SAA logo on fuselage below the cockpit

Decals

At the time of writing no dedicated decals have been produced to allow the modeller to build an SAA operated aircraft.  Although being plain black registration codes and airline titles it should not be too difficult to reproduce them. The modeller will have difficulty with SAA’s badge though as to date no decal manufacturer produces the early SAA winged wheel with a Springbok in it.