The Little World

My friend Warren and I have often remarked to each other that an airplane that looks good, flies good.

That isn’t to say that the rule cannot be violated. The Brewster Buccaneer/Bemuda looked well but was so underpowered as to be a menace. Ditto a number of Italian aircraft. The same might be true of the Vought Kingfisher, except for the fact that its duties were kept within its capabilities.

The AZ kit is coming along splendidly – the fuselage mated well with very little gapping – the wings went on with tab and slot but were also supported by accurate wing root fittings. No filler there on those seams, and likely none needed when we come to the undercoat. The tail is perfect.

And the thing is so clean-looking. Like a Hawker Seahawk but in propeller form. It looks like a tiny dive bomber  ( and indeed there are a couple of 100 pounder bombs in the kit for A/S patrol ) but without the dive brakes or tailhook. Of course the wheels and struts will spoil this to some extent, but that’s what makes it good for the land-based museum exhibit.

I wonder what sort of range it had?