Cant Z-501

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

For a long time I have been wanting to make the “Gabiano” (Gull), Italy’s counterpart of the
US PBY Catalina during the 30’s and WW2.
Here are some pics of the tiny model, only 200mm of wingspan and made of solid Mahogany
wood, plaster, paper and card.
The basic parts are finished so I will start with details. Since this is su a small model I will not overwelm it with too many, just the necessary ones to give it the right look. Notice the transparent cabin and machinegun bubbles which will be covered with paper to represent the metal parts.

2

I still can’t get over the fact you can just start from nothin’ and end up with such fantastic results, this looks to be another crowd pleaser!

3

Boy, you sure do like a challenge !! Nice job.

4

Hi Jeff and Bob…

Happy you guys like the 501…There re so many planes to make and so little time.

The SM-85 was Italy´s atempt to make a “Dive Bomber”, but it was a flop. It was
too feeble and would easily break up on steep dives…called the “Flying Banana”
was trashed late in 1939. A squadron of them flew only one mission during the early
years of the war, after it all were scrapped…It sure had “modern” look…

5

Cool project!Where do you get all of that Mahogany?It is a very expensive hardwood(at least in the states).

6

Hi Philo426…I live here in Panama and Mahogany has been growing here for centuries. There are many carpenter shops all over so I just walk in and buy what I need. Most of the time I get blocks and planks free, they just ask me to go over where they put the rubish and take what I want…I do…Best wood for solids!!