Consolidated PBY Catalina Flying Boat - Black Cat - RAAF - 1/150 Scale Diecast Metal Model by Daron

1:150 Scale  Diecast Metal – PBY Catalina – Length: 5.25"  Wingspan: 8.25” 

This Catalina model is made to be displayed in the inflight configuration. It is mostly made of metal and very heavy/dense. It is certainly not a toy and will not survive been played with or a fall. 

Although it is a small scale, the details are very impressive. From the photos one can see and appreciate the transparent cockpit windshield, as well as the other transparent parts in the different gun positions and view ports. Even the belly and tail gun positions look accurate and have gun barrels sticking out. The propellers are free to rotate and very smooth. The engines are part of the wing assembly, which in turn is one single piece; likewise, the vertical fin is also a single piece with the fuselage, so there are really very few gaps visible in the model.

Since there is no option for a landing gear, a stand where the model can be attached for display is included and the model's info (type of airplane and scale).

The maker of the model really did a good job with the model, the panel lines and details are very clear and crisp. What really caught my attention, however, is the way the markings and coloring. Look at the photos and you will see very clear and crisp nose art and markings.

The Consolidated PBY Catalina, also known as the Canso in Canadian service, was an American flying boat, and later an amphibious aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used seaplanes of World War II. Catalinas served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other nations.

During World War II, PBYs were used in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escorts, search and rescue missions (especially air-sea rescue), andcargo transport. The PBY was the most numerous aircraft of its kind and the last active military PBYs were not retired from service until the 1980s. In 2014, nearly 80 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as a waterbomber (or airtanker) in aerial firefighting operations all over the world.