1/72 Corgi (AA36107) Consolidated (Catalina PBY-5A) Canso IVA (JX580) No. 117 Sqdn R.C.A.F. Sydney, Nova Scotia, 1942 Limited Edition #0820 of Only 1000)
Consolidated Catalina Mk IVA
10.75"
17.25"
Catalina's served with distinction with the US Navy and the RAF as well as the RCAF during the Second World War, it was a Catalina of 209 Squadron RAF that spotted the German battleship Bismark on 26 May, 1941 after naval forces had lost contact, and it was another Catalina of 240 Squadron RAF which subsequently shadowed the Bismark. No.117 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, was reactivated at Sydney, Nova Scotia, on 28 April 1942 and flew Catalina and Canso aircraft on anti-submarine duties over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the waters adjacent to Cape Breten Island until disbanded at Shelburne, Nova Scotia on 15 December 1943. JX580 was one of 12 Model 28 Catalina Mk.IVA in service with the RCAF from 8 May, 1943 to 18 December, 1946. It suffered a category 'C' accident at Patricia Bay, British Columbia on 4 May, 1945 and was subsequently struck off strength earlier than planned on 4 September 1946.
Among this model's most notable features are the massive observation blister-windows located aft. The bulkhead leading to the main cabin, walkway and hull construction ribs are visible through these windows. The model also features articulating outrigger pontoons and a massive wing, which boasts details such as simulated fabric-covered control surfaces. Transparent lens covers are separately applied to the large landing lights on the wing's leading edge. The mold allows for the flying boat variant, with detachable "beaching gear", as well as the amphibious variant which can be configurerd with extended or retracted landing gear.
