Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1508
North American T-6 Texan Diecast Model
SAAF No.40 Sqn, Central Flying School, South Africa |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American T-6 Texan | | 5" | | 7" |
February 1, 1920 was the official birth-date of the South African Air Force. The No. 1 Squadron came to be early in 1922 at Zwartkop. The official designation of South African Air Force took place on February 1923. In May of 1940 at Waterkloof Air Station 40 Squadron was created as an Army Co-op Squadron. Their function was to operate as a low level photo reconnaissance squadron and supply vital information to the ground forces. Their first task was in Kenya flying a version of the Hawker Hart in support of the 1st South African Division who were battling the Italians. In 1941 they were re-equipped with Hurricane Mk. Is and eventually Mk. Iis. Before long the squadron was at Alamein and throughout all of North Africa and on to Sicily. In 1943 the 40 Squadron was given Spitfire Mk. Vs. After a year or more of working with the British 8th Army they would now operate with the 5th Army for the remainder of the Italian Campaign. Even after the Italian Army surrendered the 40th remained in Northern Italy and eventually into Austria. On October 20, 1945 after years of being the "eyes of the Army" all their planes were turned over to the RAF and 40 Squadron was disbanded.In 1953 the 40 Squadron was resurrected at Germiston as an Active Citizen Force (ACF) and were equipped with with Harvards. Between 1952 and 1956 South Africa purchased 65 AT-6Ds (7634 – 7698) and 30 T-6Gs (7699 – 7728) from the US. In 1965 the decision was made to move the squadron to CFS (Central Flying School) Dunnotarr where the Harvard had been in use since 1942. The 40 Squadron continued to use the Harvards until 1982 when their planes were replaced with Impala aircraft. The new aircraft meant a move back to AFB Waterkloof and on April 29, 1985 the 40 Squadron was once again disbanded. The CFS was also moved to Langebaanweg and continued to operate Harvards until November 1995.
Designed as an entry for a 1937 USAAC "Basic Combat" aircraft competition, the T-6 was first flown on April 1, 1935. Several hundred T-6s were built before the advanced trainer designation, when it was modified for its role as a basic combat trainer. Nicknamed "the pilot maker," the Texan had low cantilever wings and a long two seat cockpit, with the engine mounted at the extreme forward. It trained thousands of USAF pilots through the 1950s and remained in service with some nations well into the 1990s. More than 15,000 T-6s were manufactured, and the aircraft remains a familiar air show presence, with 350+ airworthy examples still in existence. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale T-6 Texan is constructed almost entirely from diecast metal, which gives the model a heavy feel. The large bird cage style canopy is removable for an unobstructed view of the pilot and co-pilot, pad printed instrument panels, control stick and seat. Engine details such as pushrod housing and cylinder head cooling fins can be seen inside the engine cowling. The solid metal wing features simulated landing lights, correctly replicated pitot tube and separately-applied aileron bell-crank levers. Releases in this series include an improved-visibility canopy with fewer frames and machine gun pods under each wing.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
