The Marriott Rapide
The Dragon Rapide replica G-AEAJ is carefully moved towards the crane that will lift it over the fence into the Marriott Hotel grounds.
The North-West Aviation Heritage Museum group (NAHM) were commissioned to construct a replica aircraft to go on display outside the superb Marriott Hotel Liverpool South. The four star hotel has seen the renovation of the former art-deco style airport terminal building and control tower, plus the addition of two additional wings in the same style, making it one of the finest hotels outside London. It really must be seen to be believed.
Given the former use of the building and the Marriott Group's decision to theme the hotel in its past role, the idea of putting a "period" aircraft outside the main entrance was really the icing on the cake. After much consideration, including the possibility of acquiring a real airframe, it was decided to opt for a replica of a DH.89A Dragon Rapide in the colours of Railway Air Services - the task of construction was given to the NAHM.
Initial construction was carried out at the NAHM's facility at Hooton Park, with the aircraft being roaded over to the former hangar 2 / International Terminal Building on 27th June 2001, for final assembly and painting. The photographs below show the completion of work taking place inside hangar 2 on 28th August 2001 and the placing of the aircraft outside the Marriott Hotel one week later on 4th September 2001.
All Photographs are © Dave Graham unless otherwise stated. Click on image to see larger version.
The outside of the beautifully restored Hangar 2.
The Rapide sits in the middle of the hangar and receives attention from NAHM volunteers
The inside the replica Rapide, looking into the cockpit.
The nose of the Rapide awaiting application of its name
Port side of the Rapide, still to have the Railway Air Services colours applied.
The starboard side, having had its red and green cheat-lines painted
An almost timeless shot of the Rapide with the sunlight filtering through the hangar windows.
A view taken inside the Rapide looking towards the tail, showing the wood and steel framework
4th September 2001 - the Rapide is rolled out into the car park outside the hangar.
The Rapide poses outside the hangar before being moved over to the crane
After the ropes are attached to the crane, the Rapide is gently lifted gently off the ground and directed towards a space that has been cleared in the Marriott car park.
On its one and only flight , the Rapide is lifted into the grounds of the Marriott Hotel where it is to take up pride of place outside the main entrance
