The Little World

Apparently that is what the word translates to from one of the aboriginal languages.

In modern day terms it was one of the licence-built derivatives from a North American design – the root of which gave us the Yale, Harvard, Texan, and NA 16. And probably a Soviet copy somewhere, if they ran true to form…

This model kit came from High Planes Models while they were at Wheeler St. in Corryong, Victoria. It’s a town east of Albury and Wodonga and is apparently in the High Plains region – hence the name. I believe it is now now located in Singapore, or as is is known to Western Australians, Williams Street North. They have not changed the company name to Humid Island Models…

Well, it is of a type and a period. Somewhat agricultural plastic sprue tree mouldings, white-metal detail castings, and two vac-mould canopies. The quality is reasonable and I’ve done Tasman Models before that looked this tough but turned out very rewarding. I’ve missed out on an instruction sheet but have built 5 other variants of the design so far from 5 different makers – I have no fears. The internet is full of Wirraways.*

Best of all, while the kit does have a decent little decal sheet, I have a specialist sheet of RAAF WW2 decals that has specific Wirraway markings and this would be the ideal time to use them. The only decision will be which livery to go with.

My thanks to the club committee for donating this to me. I have undergone my baptism of fire with 5 more ( one was a baptism of slime ) so this will be a good experience.

Next Day Note: Have downloaded line drawings of Wirraway internals and externals drawn by Derek Buckmaster and will use them for the internal frame cage. Absolutely superb.