Numerically, the MS.406 was France's most important fighter during the opening stages of World War II. Although sturdy and highly maneuverable, it was underpowered especially when compared with its principal adversary in the Battle of France, the Messerschmitt Bf 109E. Despite this, it's interesting that in reported battles in which Messerschmitts faced Moranes alone, the MS.406 posted a record of thirty-one kills and only five losses! In fact, the kill-loss ratio for units flying the MS.406 was 191 (with another 83 probables) to 89. Still, over 400 of the type were destroyed by the Armistice including 150 to enemy fighters and ground fire, 100 destroyed on the ground in enemy air attacks and the remainder destroyed by French military personnel to prevent them from falling intact into enemy hands. The Morane also enjoyed success with the Finnish air force and was flown in combat against the Soviets in both the Winter War and the subsequent Continuation War.

These 3D printed models require no assembly but compare favorably with injection molded kits and exceed the detail of most comparable resin and white metal models by a good measure. Photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the detailed canopy, prop, tail wheel and even the tiny OPL 31 gunsight in front of the canopy!

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 landing gear is represented in the retracted, in-flight position on these models but it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for a very convincing "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.