The Z.501 entered squadron service with the Regia Aeronautica in 1937, and by the time Italy entered the Second World War, more than 200 of the type equipped 17 squadrons and four flights. These were mainly used in the reconnaissance and air-sea rescue roles although they are credited with the sinking or damaging of at least four submarines. The Z.501s operational debut was with a unit of the Aviazione Legionaria, based in Majorca and operated in support of the Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War. A small number of Z.501s also saw service with the Romanian Air Force in the Black Sea where they clashed with Russian aircraft such as the Beriev MBR-2.

The set offered here actually includes two different models - (x2) full hull models and (x1) waterline mode that simulates the aircraft as it would appear when floating on 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, open nose gun position and gun turrets at the center fuselage and rear engine nacelle; and the high parasol wing mounted on delicate struts above the boat-like hull.

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 to it.

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.