The Little World

The Academy model of the Catalina PBY-5A proved to be a delightful thing in the box. But the thinking that wanted to convert it to a Catalina I in RCAF markings was as flawed as hell. The kit is moulded in black plastic – and any attempt to throw it over to RCAF Coastal Command colours and compensate for the presence of wheels on the sides would seem to be piling Ossa on Pelion. A chance to make a bad result out of a good set of ingredients. What’s an alternative?

Well, a search of the internet showed me that the Israeli Defence Force used four Catalinas in the late 40′ and early 50’s and even preserved one at Hatzerim as a display. What a perfect opportunity to build out of the box, change the livery, and still end up with a valid display piece.

I’ll build a Catalina I some day, but now it is a dark blue Catalina V for Schmatterim. And what a build it is.

My last experiences with these aircraft were visits to air museums – here in Perth and over in Victoria at Swan Hill. The RAAF operated Catalinas out of Lake Boga in WWII and have a preserved example there. In both locations there are good examples of the type. There’s a museum that is worth going 100 miles out of Melbourne.

The aircraft is coming along splendidly, but it has more of the feel of a rowing boat under a wing than an actual bird. The shape of the hull is elegance personified, but the uncompromising straight nature of the wing acts as a counterpoint to it. And for the gunners in the teardrop bubbles at the back, they must have had nerves of steel to look out over the ocean with just plexiglass up to their knees. They probably clung to the .50’s just to keep from pitching overboard.

The underside reveals a decent set of legs, all things considered, but I am going to either have to add an inordinate amount of block lead or just accept it as a tail sitter needing a prop. I think this might be the kindest solution to what might otherwise put an irresistible strain on those plastic knees. Decision time will come when I finish bracing the wings tomorrow.