Originally designed as a 12-14 passenger transport, the Cant Z.506A originally entered service with Ala Littoria in 1936 and set a number of altitude, speed and distance records over the next two years. A military version, the Cant Z.506B Airone ('Heron') seaplane, capable of flying long-range reconnaissance bomber missions, entered service with the Regia Aeronautica and the type proved to be one of the best (and largest) floatplanes ever built. Despite its wooden structure it was able to operate in very rough seas. The Airone was first used as a reconnaissance and torpedo bomber in the Spanish Civil War and it was used extensively throughout the Second World War with about 70 Z.506s still in service with the Regia Aeronautica when Italy surrendered to the Allies on 8 September 1943. More than 320 machines were delivered before production ended in 1943.

The set offered here actually includes two different models - (x1) full float model and (x1) waterline model that simulates the aircraft as it would appear when floating on the water. Photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, but check out the well proportioned model including the slender fuselage with detailed cockpit, dorsal gun turret and ventral glazed gondola; the tail assembly and the wings with the floats mounted on the all new and delicate individual struts.

Although the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some oil-like agent on them that can easily be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added.

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.