It’s only been a week since I last blogged about my new obsession, my PBY-6A Catalina, but I make no apologies for doing so again and so soon. No apologies, because I want to say two words again: Josh Noonan.

Last time around, I covered Josh’s paint kits for the Shana Carpool PBY-6A, and specifically the Cousteau Society scheme he supplies, and his willingness to provide two RAF Coastal Command paint sets. While I’ve been happy flying my Cat in all of them, particularly the Cousteau colours, I wanted something slightly more personal, and started hunting around for ideas.

When I came across some photos of the Peter Stuyvesant PBY-5A from the 1990s, I felt I had something to work on. I did consider going for a red-and-white scheme rather than blue, this being something of a preferred colour scheme for me, but I decided to go with blue to match the spirit of the Stuyvesent PBY, and contacted Josh. Within a couple of days, he’d delivered precisely what I’d asked for – and it was (and is) a delight, as can be seen in the photo above; a beautifully distinctive paint scheme.

There are just one small problem; and it wasn’t Josh’s, it was mine: I like red and white a little too much. So, I dropped Josh a line to say I might be requesting a red scheme (I was actually dithering over it and didn’t want to sound ungrateful for his work in producing the blue) – and when I next logged-in to SL, there were two boxes waiting for me from him: two new paint sets offering red schemes – not only that, but one was personalised in a lovely way!

The red finish is simply lovely, and complements the colour schemes of my EC-135 and Sparrow 2 beautifully – and the little touch under the cockpit canopy really has me bowled over.

Oh.. what’s that, you can’t see what it says? Let me give you a closer look 🙂 .

To say I’m bowled over by the new paint scheme would be an understatement; I haven’t stopped smiling since applying it, and not even getting twice bumped to the bottom of the ocean passing over Blake Sea Half Hitch (again) could wipe the smile from my face.

Now all I need is a suitable jumpsuit to wear when flying it!

If you are looking for a paint scheme for you plane or helicopter, don’t forget to check Josh’s hanger at Hollywood airport. Depending on the make of your aircraft, he may well be able to help you out.