Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1523
North American Harvard Mk II Diecast Model
Swiss Air Force, U-331, Switzerland |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American Harvard Mk II | | 5" | | 7" |
In 1948 Switzerland bought forty surplus Canadian built AT-16 Harvard IIBs serials from U-301 to U-340, U-331 was ex-RAF FE449. These aircraft were used as advanced trainers to introduce new pilots to instrument flying. The rear cockpit could be completely covered making it necessary for the trainee to rely on his instruments. After 20 years the AT-16s were wearing out and parts were scarce so the Plitaus P-3 replaced the AT-16s. Of the original 40 aircraft 5 were lost to accidents but one was rebuilt and is on display at the Swiss Air Force Museum in Dubendorf. Five were sold to Austria and Great Britain with the remainder being scrapped and the engines sold to the U.S..
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 2003-2024 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 2003-2022 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
