Consolidated PBY Catalina 1/72 Scale Mahogany Model

Introducing the ready-built APBYBG Desktop Model. This 1/72 scale model was handmade with precision and accuracy to produce the finest model that will be the centerpiece of your collection for years to come. This model is a perfect gift for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. Not too big or too small, this model features a wingspan of 16.75 inches and a length of 10.75 inches. This model features a very accurate paint scheme with realistic panel lines.

This collectible model represents the PBY-5A Catalina, a World War II maritime patrol bomber that saw extensive use worldwide, and continues to fly today in civilian form. Painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by skilled craftsmen using a wealth of detail, this 1/72-scale model PBY-5A Catalina makes a great gift for any pilot, naval aviator, aviation enthusiast or history buff.

The PBY-5 Catalina was one of the most successful patrol flying boats ever used by the U.S. military Navy. Powered by two Wright R-1830-92 radial engines of 1,200 horsepower, the PBY-5 Catalina could cruise at 150 mph for hours, with a maximum range of 2,500 miles.

Armament included two .50-caliber machine guns in waist blisters, and three .30-caliber machine guns – two in the nose, one in the tail; as well as 4,000 pounds of bombs, mines or depth charges.

The final construction figure is estimated at around 4,000 aircraft, and these were deployed in practically all of the operational theatres of World War II. The PBY served with distinction and played a prominent and invaluable role in the war against the Japanese. This was especially true during the first year of the war in the Pacific, because the PBY and the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress were the only two available aircraft with the range necessary. As a result, they were used in almost every possible military role until a new generation of aircraft became available.

The PBY continues to fly today as firefighting tankers in and other civilian uses.