The CANT Z.1007 Alcione (Kingfisher) was a land-based bomber design based on the venerable Z.506 seaplane also designed by Filippo Zappata. It possessed excellent flying characteristics including good stability and speed and is cited by some as the best Italian bomber of World War II. While that may be debatable, it certainly could lay claim to being the best looking. The type suffered from poor defensive armament and its wooden construction proved susceptible to the harsh conditions. Still, the Z.1007 saw extensive combat in the Mediterranean including the bombing of Malta, the invasion of Greece and during Operation Pedestal. They were also used in North Africa and in surprising strength on the Eastern Front. 560 were built, none survive today.

We think that these 3D printed models easily rival (and probably exceed) the quality of comparable WEM resin and Pit-Road white metal models but we've posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the slender fuselage detailed cockpit, dorsal gun turret and ventral gondola, the engines, graceful wings and single tail assembly!

The surfaces of these models are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that can easily be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added. While the landing gear is represented in the retracted, in-flight position, it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for a "gear down" rendition, perfect for an air base diorama.

NOTE: While we currently maintain limited inventories of most items, some items may be "printed on demand", which usually requires 10-15 business days from order to shipment.