SCALE MODEL AIRCRAFT

This deliciously ugly multirole flying boat powered by a single 720 hp Hispano-Suiza 12Xbrs was designed to operate from ships of the French Navy using catapults. The prototype made its maiden flight in 1934, and the operational aircraft began service in 1938. In the late 1930s, Loire 130s were serving aboard most battleships and cruisers of the French Navy, as well as aboard seaplane tender Commandant Teste. Although appearing quite obsolete and having very marginal performance for their time, quite a few Loire 130s survived the war and remained in post-war French service, especially in French colonies until 1951.

This stunning 1/48 model made from the Azur kit represents Loire 130M #50 in service under the Vichy Government with Flotille HS.2 aboard La Marseillaise, 1942.

Seen at Montrouge 2009