Douglas DC-3

First flown on 17 December 1935 over 11 000 were built, and many still ply their trade today. The first of eight DC-3 aircraft operated by SAA joined the fleet in 1946 and were used all over Southern Africa until 1970. SAA actually purchased 9 aircraft from the SAAF but only eight were converted to passenger role. This aircraft ZS-DJX was used exclusively in the freight carrying role. This aircraft also did not carry SAA livery. 3 Dakotas were lost in accidents and 2 were sold. ZS-BXF was converted and used for ministerial duties under the name “Vasberaad”. The remaining 4 were used for various feeder services until they were eventually returned back to the SAAF.

ZS-BXF was eventually returned by the SAAF to SAA and is now operated by the Historic Flight in her original SAA colours.

Normal passenger load: 21

ZS-AVI, AVJ, BXF, BXG, BXI, BXJ, DJB, DJC, DJX

Modelling

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

Airfix (no longer available as a C-47/Dc-3 since it was modified to an AC-47 gunship version,)

ESCI (ERTL) and Italeri have all released 1/72^nd scale versions of this grand daddy of affordable modern air travel. The Italeri kit is now the only readily available version around (and is the same kit that now appears in the Airfix and Revell boxes as well). The basic kits are more accurately of the C-47 with cargo door and military interior seating although the ESCI (if you can locate one on E-bay) did have the civilian interior in their airliner releases. the Wright Cyclone engibnes were included in this option. Add the decals of your choice and there you go.

Other DC-3 kits available are from

Minicraft 1/144th scale

Revell 1/96^th scale DC-3

Revell 1/48^th scale DC-3

Colours

Scheme One

The initial operating colours of the DC-3 were natural metal overall with Dark Blue trim on top of the cowlings with a pin stripe and a fuselage cheat line below the windows. The tail fin had a blue band on it. SAA logo carried on nose and the aircraft had SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (right) /SUID AFRIKAANSE LUGDIENS (left) struck through by a blue band with wings enclosing the airlines name. This band had a black pin stripe to it. There was no national flag carried on this scheme and the aircraft registration was carried in large letters on the rear fuselage and above and below the main wings.

Scheme two

The basic delivery scheme of the DC-3’s of natural metal overall with Dark Blue trim on top of the cowlings with a pin stripe and a fuselage cheat line through the windows was modified by the addition of a white top to the fuselage and central tail fin. SAA logo carried on nose and the aircraft had SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (left) /SUID AFRIKAANSE LUGDIENS (right) superimposed on a blue stripe with wings enclosing the airlines name. This band had a black pin stripe to it. Dark blue band on tail with white and blue pinstripe as well as the fluttering flag. Aircraft registration is carried in small letters between the flag and band. 

This scheme has also been illustrated in natural metal overall with Cerulean Blue trim on top of the cowlings with a pin stripe and a fuselage cheat line below the windows. Most notably by the SAA Museum aircraft after they were restored. It is possible that the colours used are incorrect or suffered from fading in the sun.

Scheme Three

The basic delivery scheme of the DC-3’s of natural metal overall with Dark Blue trim on top of the cowlings with a pin stripe and a fuselage cheat line through the windows was modified by the addition of a white top to the fuselage and central tail fin. SAA logo carried on nose and the aircraft had SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (left) /SUID AFRIKAANSE LUGDIENS (right) superimposed on a blue stripe with wings enclosing the airlines name. This band had a black pin stripe to it. Dark blue band on tail with white and blue pinstripe as well as the fluttering flag. Aircraft registration is carried in small letters between the flag and band. 

 Scheme Four 

During 1963 the DC-3 acquired her final colours. The aircraft was finished as per scheme two but the vertical tail fin was painted orange with the Swoosh and the Flying Springbok in the high position.

Decals

144 South African Airways - Douglas DC-3

Draw decals 72 DC-3

Cloudmaster decals