History

The first real consideration of making floatplane fighters out of the Spitfire and Hurricane came during the 1940 Norwegian Campaign, and work began on both aircraft at that time. At the end of the campaign, development ended, and the Hurricane project was stopped. Known as the “Narvik Nightmare”, the Spitfire project languished until just before Pearl Harbor, when work was reinstated, this time with the Mk. Vb airframe. This time, instead of Blackburn Roc floats, specially designed Supermarine floats were used, along with additions to the vertical fin to offset the aerodynamic effects of the floats. The result was a highly successful conversion, with excellent flying and water handling characteristics. In fact, it turned out to be the fastest floatplane fighter of World War II.

Plusmodel has made a rounded top European wood gate. This set is made from laser cut wood and contains two sheets of cut wood parts, about 43 in total. The set also comes with directions to construct the gates.

Plusmodel out of the Czech Republic continues its great diorama accessories this kit of a European style wagon with a wooden tank in 1/35 scale. the kit is entirely resin with 27 gray resin parts and a small piece of wire. The parts molding is excellent with wood grain molded in subtly to the parts. The base of this kit is similar to the hay wagon in its undercarriage with the base and tank included. As with any resin kit, each part will need cut from its pour block and cleaned. The parts are well done but it pays to take care here. I used a fine razor saw and cut the parts loose and scraped/sanded away the molding lines. Once done, I washed the parts in dish soap and warm water in case there was mold release and the parts were ready for assembly.