'Threads'

De Havilland Otter and Beaver Interiors
source:  Hyperscale  (thanks to Brett Green for permission)

(Bold Italics have been added by the Webmaster to clarify the text or correct known errors.)

TSM
DHC Otter question....
Sat Jun 21 19:52:18 2003
Just got started on the Hobbycraft 1/48 DHC-3 Otter kit, and I was wondering...is the floor (interior) on these planes wood or metal?

Geoff McDonell
DHC Otter interior
Sat Jun 21 20:02:19 2003
The floors on all Otters were metal with seat tracks and many were painted with that sandpapery non-skid dark grey paint. On many machines this was well worn with scratched bare metal areas. Most of the rest of the interior (walls and cabin ceiling) of RCAF Otters were covered with that silvery-grey quilted blanket, while civilian machines were upholstered with various materials to suit. There wasn't much one could do to soundproof the cabin of an Otter. The Workers Compensation Board declared the cabin of an Otter "an unsafe workspace" due to the sound levels with the recip engines. The re-built turbine Otters are real hummers and much more conducive to a pleasant flight.

TSM
Thanks for the insight, Geoff!!
Sat Jun 21 20:09:20 2003
I will put it to use in the process of building this kit!

I noticed that Harrison Ford's Beaver in the Movie "Seven Days and Six Nights" had painted wood door panel inserts...is this typical of how Otters were built, as well??

Geoff McDonell
Door inserts
Sat Jun 21 20:32:54 2003
No this was not "typical". The door insert panels varied from aircraft to aircraft- military aircraft were generally bare aluminum panels, civilian machines had upholstered inserts or whatever went with the interior scheme. I have some good walk-arounds of the "Harrison Airways" colour scheme of that Beaver from "Seven days" if you are looking for some information.