I wish to build a seaplane or float plane, preferably a single engine style as opposed to a larger, flying boat style; i.e. like a Kingfisher not a Catalina.
I want it in 1/72 scale, a readily available quality scale model with good fit as opposed to some esoteric limited run kit that is hard to find.
Nationality isn’t important and I assume the majority of the aircraft would be of WW2 vintage or pre-war.
Cost isn’t too much an issue, but I doubt I’d want to spend $30+ on something I have developed a passing interest in.
EDIT: I now have two 1/72 scale seaplanes; a Tamiya M6A1 Seiran and a Fujimi F1M2 Pete. Thanks for your assistance!
Hasegawa did some nice little Japanese Scout seaplanes such as the “Alf” in 1/72. I am pretty sure that one is still available. Although I have not built in that scale for over 30 years and I just glimpse at that section when visiting the LHSs. Tamiya does a 1/72 Aichi Seiran (basicly a submarine carried launched “Judy”) that is in their new 1/72 line.
Thanks to the memory jogging by the mentioning of the Tamiya Seiran, I remember I have that kit, looked for it and found it. It is an older kit dated 1997 with a price tag from a shop I used to frequent while stationed in New Jersey (I left there prior to September 11th, 2001). So I’ve had the kit for a dozen years!!
The one thing I would be hesitant to try is the rigging on biplane. This Seiran would be right up my alley.
Very cool to hear about that! It’s funny how we forget about some things from years ago still in the stash. Seaplanes/floatplanes are a nifty genre of kits. And it looks like there are many out there for you in 1/72 from the mainstream companies.
There are also the old Testors (ex-Hawk?) 1/48 versions of the Supermarine S.6B and Curtiss R3C-2 floatplane racers. Both are beautiful airplanes too. Oh, also include the Testors Ryan PT-20 trainer which features both wheeled and float versions. I believe I’ve read that the Hawk Curtiss racer was the first plastic scale-model sold in America. Maybe someone can confirm or correct that?
I do remember the Hawk series as being the first brand of plastic models on sale in the Detroit area. However, we (my Dad and I) saw and bought a P-80 kit before we saw the racer.
In any case, those racers were quite nice in external appearance for their era (1950 or so). There is virtually no cockpit detail, but other than that they build into pretty nice models. And the Curtiss Floatplane racer is probably the best of that series.
Thanks for all the input guys. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to point me in the right direction. I do remember building some seaplanes many years ago, the Testors seaplane racer and a small civilian Cessna float plane. Also a giant Matchbox biplane float plane (large as in scale).
Matt/Watchmann was kind enough to send me a 1/72 scale Fujimi Pete that fits the bill. I had been reading a story about US radar operating night fighters that would track these planes in order to shoot them down. The seaplanes would land on the ocean in the hopes of having the night fighter crash into the surface. I don’t think it worked, and I believe the book was about the P-61 Black widows.
I’m good for now; not one, but two 1/72 scale seaplanes for me to mess with!
That Airfix Swordfish is a GORGEOUS kit in the box, but I haven’t built it yet. It may be a little complex though. Also happens to be on sale right now for a STEAL at Squadron.
I believe you can still find the ALF and Jake in the Hasegawa lineup. Those were packaged with a 1/72 scale model of a catapult off of a Japanese Cruiser.
The Arado 196 is a good choice and if you like something a little larger the He115 might be what you are looking for. I’m going to be getting the Revell He115 next time I place an order.
Fine Molds makes a 1/48 Savoia S.21 seaplane and a 1/48 Curtis R3C-0 Fighter seaplane from the movie Porco Rosso. These are very kits and great fun especially if you like the movie.
