The Little World

And a remarkable scale model.

The history of the Curtiss H16, as well as the British-built Felixstowe types, is available on the net. They were patrol birds in the WW1 period and undoubtedly endured very hard service over the waters. It is not surprising that so few have survived to become museum exhibits.

This Roden kit was not the most challenging one I’ve tackled – that dubious honour goes to another of the company’s efforts; a Heinkel airliner. Still, this has been a demanding kit and I think it has come out splendidly. To be honest, I was unsure whether it would ever be finished – and if the inter-plane struts had given the least trouble it might never have been. However, all is finished and the result will form a central part of a seaplane base diorama.

Purists might rig the aircraft with tiny wire or rubber cord – but then purists might dance the Charleston on a tub full of cabbage. I do not intend to join them. If it sags, it sags.

Will I risk my hand at a Gotha, Vimy, or Stakken? An ILYA MURAMETS? No – at least not for some time. I know my own limitations, and if they steer me away from something that is unnecessary, I see the hand of Heaven in it.