Academy's 1/72 scale
PBY-5 Catalina

by Alex Hernández "Senet"

Academy's 1/72 scale PBY-5 Catalina is available online from Squadron

The Catalina distinguished itself in World War II as exceptionally reliable aircraft. Allied Navies used them successfully in a wide variety of patrol and submarine attack operations. But the Catalina is remembered most by veterans of the war as a rescuing aircraft, where they saved the lives of thousands of aircrew shot down over the Pacific Ocean.

Since I was a child the Catalina was one of my favourite planes. The Academy 1/72 kit had a very good size when finished and fit and adjustment was perfect. The only fault I found was the lack of detail on the interior pieces.

The model was built mostly out of the box except for some re-scribed panel lines, and some modifications on the engine cowli flaps to see them on open position.

I also cut some clear parts to make the windows open.

The model was painted with Tamiya acrylics with an airbrush and some oil washes and chalk pastels, for the final touches. The decals was an Eagle Strike generic US Navy set.

I hope you like it. Thanks for looking!

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2007 by Alex Hernández
Page Created 23 April, 2007
Last Updated 24 December, 2007

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