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Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 31 Jan 2009, 14:16
by speedbird591
This
really hasn't got the slightest British connection whatsoever. It's more of a salute to the painting skills of Ben Hartmann. I discovered this Boeing 707, painted by Ben, a few days ago on HJG and I've really fallen in love with it. How he ever found any pics of the original I can't imagine as WDA is the airline of the Democratic Republic of Congo and only flies domestic routes - and not always successfully

. There can only be a handful of foreigners who have ever even heard of it.
I love the faded and distressed look of this aircraft. We don't see anything like this in this Country (for a very good reason!). It's such a contrast to Ben's usual exquisitely presented aircraft and I hope he doesn't mind me showing it off on his behalf. I love it!
Ian

Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 31 Jan 2009, 23:58
by Ben Hartmann
speedbird591 wrote:How he ever found any pics of the original I can't imagine
Ahem!!!
Rgds
Ben
Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 01 Feb 2009, 00:02
by SkippyBing
Ermm.... is it just me or have they painted over the windows?
Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 01 Feb 2009, 01:24
by Ben Hartmann
SkippyBing wrote:Ermm.... is it just me or have they painted over the windows?
Hey Skippy
I thought all freighters look like that?
9Q-CWG is still in its 2003 Paintjob from when it used to fly with ROM Altantic Aviation as 3D-ROK (hence why this livery is different to WDA's standard livery). This machine has been a dedicated freighter since Ports of Call went belly-up at the end of the eighties.
Although unconfirmed, this airframe appears to be the last airworthy 707-323C (American Airlines Variant) in the world. :o
Here is a link where you can find photos of this particular airframe throughout is long-career:-
http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.s ... entry=true
And......if you like anything you see there don't forget to give Mr. Madge a shout

:kissu:
Rgds
Ben ;-)
Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 01 Feb 2009, 08:25
by speedbird591
Blimey - it's been around a bit! That photo just goes to prove how accurate your painting is, Ben. It looks like you've photoshopped a screenshot of it into a pic of Kinshasa airport!
If you do ever go to Congo and travel on one of WDA's passenger flights (they're banned in Europe) you'd have this in-flight meal to look forward to:
I love the squashed banana garnish

I wouldn't mind betting it's tastier than it looks but the hygiene might be questionable
Ian
Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 01 Feb 2009, 09:32
by VEGAS
I love that paintjob Ian. Your right I've never seen or heard of the operator. That weathered look is brilliant.

Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 01 Feb 2009, 09:32
by Paul K
Not a very Happy Meal that.
Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 01 Feb 2009, 15:19
by DanKH
I totally agree here, this one in particular is one the best repaints from Ben, infact from anybody. It has really captured the weathered look. And I've flown this livery quite some times from when Ben made it.

Re: Wimbi Dira Airways
Posted: 02 Feb 2009, 22:14
by forthbridge
:think:
Going by some folk's ideas... I should really get a hold of this as it 'fits' my FS flying capers.....
