by Steve Mackenzie

The Cessna 401 and 402 are a series of 6 to 10 seat, light twin-piston engine aircraft.[1][2] All seats are easily removable so that the aircraft can be used in an all-cargo configuration. Neither the Cessna 401 nor the 402 were pressurized. Cessna 401s and 402s are powered by 300 hp (224 kW) turbocharged Continental engines with three-bladed, constant speed, fully feathering propellers. On later models cruise power was limited to 75% to reduce cabin noise. The original Cessna 402 was introduced in 1967. A version without the large cargo door called the Cessna 401 was produced at the same time. In 1969, the 402's nose was stretched for added baggage space. This model was renamed the 402A. The 401 kept the original nose.

In 1979, the 402s received a new wing, with a 5 feet (1.5 m) greater span. The landing gear was replaced, using the simpler system from the Cessna 414. The landing gear track was also increased by 4 feet (1.2 m). The engines' output was boosted to 325 hp (242 kW) each and max gross weight increased to 6,850 pounds (3,110 kg), creating a much more useful airplane. Fuel capacity was increased to 213 US gallons (810 L). Even with the weight increase, single-engine performance improved and the stall speed decreased by a couple of knots. After this change, the plane was named the Cessna 402C. Production stopped after the 1985 model year. (text adapted from Wikipedia).

These Cessnas were used by many small local airlines. The ones I mentioned in the notes are just the ones I have saved images for, there are likely other users. Model wise, there are 1/72 resin kits made by both Gremlin Models and Air Cast Resin of various 401/402 versions. Artic Decals and Oldmodels Decals (NZ) both have decals for a number of users, but for the Aussie ones I think you are on your own.

VH-BDZ

VH-BDZ operated with quite a few local outfits such as Air Mount Isa, Air Transit, Emu Airlines and Pagas Airlines which is the one I chose to draw.

Profile of VH-BDZ in a simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Orange and Black striping. Black rego and company name on fuselage.

VH-BPZ

VH-BPZ also operated with quite a few local outfits such as Bush Pilot Airways, Nationwide Air Services, Scott Airlines of Austrlia and Phillip Island Airlines (PIA) which is the one I chose to draw.

Profile of VH-BPZ in a similar simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Red and Black striping. Black rego on fuselage. Tail logo is Medium Blue and Black. While this airframe still has thr short nose cone, it is not as pointed as the others.

VH-BUD

VH-BUD is known to have flown with Penair Pty Ltd and Opal Air which is the one I chose to draw.

Profile of VH-BUD in a similar simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Medium Blue and Black striping. Black rego on fuselage. Tail logo is Orange with Black outlines.

VH-MWE

VH-MWE Cessna 402 , Masling Airlines, Mascot NSW Dec 68 (Mike Madden)

VH-MWE is known to have flown with Aeropelican (who had a batch of similar regoed airframes) and Masling Airlines which is the one I chose to draw.

Profile of VH-MWE in a similar simple scheme of Gloss White overall with Black and Red striping. Black rego on fuselage. Tail lettering is Dark Blue.

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