Rapide endorsement
Andy,
don't loose faith. You never know what might happen. I grew up in Belfast besotted with Airfix kits more years ago than I would like to remember but some 4 years ago i was able to buy a DH 89a Rapide here in Australia and went through the process of endorsement. I had some tailwhell time in a Klemm l25 and a British Klemm Eagle but eventually you have to solo. Preferably at dawn when there is no one about to see any disasters. Unless however you are of slim build, young and flexable a changeover at 3000 ft is a bit difficult. My mentor just got out as he said there was but little he could do from the front seat but at least he could call an ambulance from airside.
My rapide is VH-UTV if you want to have a look at it on Airliners or Warbirdsnz.