NEW!!!!! 1/72 Diecast HM SAAF Harvard, No. 40 Sqn., Central Flying School. More pics in listing!!!

Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1508
T-6 Texan Diecast Model
SAAF No.40 Sqn, Central Flying School, South Africa

North American Aviation won a competition to build a basic trainer that would prepare pilots in over 50 countries for over 50 years. The design known as the T-6 has a variety of designations depending on the country that owned them and the model variant. The USAAC referred to them as AT-6 (Advanced Trainer) while the USN designated them SNJ. The British Commonwealth countries referred to them as Harvards. In all their variants there were 15,495 aircraft built.

February 1, 1920 was the official birth-date of the South African Air Force. The No. 1 Squadron came to be early in 1922 at Zwartkop. The official designation of South African Air Force took place on February 1923. In May of 1940 at Waterkloof Air Station 40 Squadron was created as an Army Co-op Squadron. Their function was to operate as a low level photo reconnaissance squadron and supply vital information to the ground forces. Their first task was in Kenya flying a version of the Hawker Hart in support of the 1st South African Division who were battling the Italians. In 1941 they were re-equipped with Hurricane Mk. Is and eventually Mk. Iis. Before long the squadron was at Alamein and throughout all of North Africa and on to Sicily. In 1943 the 40 Squadron was given Spitfire Mk. Vs. After a year or more of working with the British 8th Army they would now operate with the 5th Army for the remainder of the Italian Campaign. Even after the Italian Army surrendered the 40th remained in Northern Italy and eventually into Austria. On October 20, 1945 after years of being the “eyes of the Army” all their planes were turned over to the RAF and 40 Squadron was disbanded.In 1953 the 40 Squadron was resurrected at Germiston as an Active Citizen Force (ACF) and were equipped with with Harvards. Between 1952 and 1956 South Africa purchased 65 AT-6Ds (7634 – 7698) and 30 T-6Gs (7699 – 7728) from the US. In 1965 the decision was made to move the squadron to CFS (Central Flying School) Dunnotarr where the Harvard had been in use since 1942. The 40 Squadron continued to use the Harvards until 1982 when their planes were replaced with Impala aircraft. The new aircraft meant a move back to AFB Waterkloof and on April 29, 1985 the 40 Squadron was once again disbanded. The CFS was also moved to Langebaanweg and continued to operate Harvards until November 1995.

The Collectors View.

The Harvard is an award winning model from Hobby Master. Surprisingly well received and available in numerous liveries. One of the most surprising being the SAAF Harvard. With lobbying from South Africa, Canada and the UK its available here today. Very popular with collectors and well made. The model features an interchangeable canopy, stand and can be displayed flying or on the hard stand. In my view the orange is a bit too bright. Admittedly SAAF aircraft were well weathered so difficult to get the colours right. A great model nonetheless. There's one in my collection.

Picture courtesy of www.tricatus.co.uk

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