Flying boats and seaplanes, passion or just perverse?

Airfix 1-72nd Short Sunderland III

For me flying boats and float planes are a passion! (You may have noticed??) There is something about these aircraft that exude grace, power and reliability all wrapped up in a menacing package. Some like the Short Sunderland, Consolidated PBY5 Catalina and the Kawanishi H8K2 (Allied code name Emily) were accomplished killers. And in the cases of the Sunderland and the Emily were heavily armed and armour plated targets. The Emily having a massive total of five 20mm cannon (yes that’s FIVE!) and 4 303 calibre machine guns.

Some like the German He115 and the Italian Cant Z506B were effective torpedo and anti submarine platforms. Although not flying boats they were dedicated maritime airplanes. Both were bombers and shipping strike aircraft, although their speed made them vulnerable to single engine fighters they did have a reasonable defensive armaments. Unfortunately the more armaments you put in an airplane the more you degrade their performance leading to a catch 22 situation.

via ww2-model-airplanes.wfh4l.com

Intriguing and engagingly well written post about Seaplanes and amphibians well worth the read!

Aircraft used by the RNZAF 1919-1987

I thought some of you may be interested in a list of all aircraft bought or leased by the Rnzaf in the period of 1919-1987. This includes imperial gift aircraft and those received via lend lease during world war two. The New Zealand Government had three reports commissioned in the pre-war years. Two of these reports were in early 1919 and late 1928 suggested plans that would cost far in excess of which the government of the time was willing to spend.  (In my opinion a dreadful policy that still exists to this today) When the RNZAF as it was renamed was divorced from the army, the New Zealand government thought it prudent to get advice on how to set it up. So asked the British air ministry to send out a qualified officer to write a report and make recommendations.

via ww2-model-airplanes.wfh4l.com

Ever wanted to know what types of aircraft the Royal new Zealand Air force used over it's life time? Look at this post it's a concise list!

What makes a kit Classic?

What defines a classic kit?

Revell Fw200C

To me a classic kit is one that captures the imagination, an older mold that has stood the test of time and is as popular now as it was when first released. Obviously some kits will never make it to classic status, take the Pioneer Ta 154 as an example, as I’ve stated elsewhere, indifferent fit and few details if any renders this kit as an also ran. The reason this question was lurking in the back of my mind is that I’m currently building the Old mold Revell Fw200 C4. (Not to be confused with their current release  which is state of the art!) First released three years after I was born, 1965 to be precise, frankly it has stood the test of time much better than myself!

via ww2-model-airplanes.wfh4l.com

You should really read this this it sums it up very nicely!

Airfix 1/72nd Short Sunderland III Flying boat

Well it would seem that those that voted wanted to see me build this particular kit! I must admit to not minding at all, I love flying boats! This kit has been around a long time originally moulded in the sixties (Much like the guy building it) it’s a little gimmicky and toy like but that was the sixties for you. In my search on the web for information regarding this kit I stumbled upomn this build log I heartily suggest you go look at it here. After reading this build log I realise that I’m going to stretch myself with this build. But after all isn’t that what it’s all about? Stretching our abilities getting out of our comfort zone and learning and applying new techniques.

via ww2-model-airplanes.wfh4l.com

This looks like it'll be a great build log keep your eye's on this!