Having already released the Convair XP5Y-1 Tradewind last year, Anigrand craftwork have followed up with the production version, the Convair R3Y-2 Tradewind, in 1/144th.

Aircraft History
In 1944, the US Navy asked the industries to enter a design competition for a 105,000 pound patrol boat powered by four radials. At the end of the war, two German Bv.222 flying boats were captured by US forces. Convair acquired one for evaluation at Naval Air Station, the intensive studies leading to the hull design of their Model 117. In early 1946, Convair received a requirement from the US Navy for a large flying-boat using the new laminar flow wing and the developing turboprop technology. It was awarded a contract for two prototypes, designated XP5Y-1 Tradewind. After the first aircraft crash in 1953, the Navy decided not to proceed with the patrol boat version but changed into a passenger and cargo aircraft. The Tradewind program was re-designated R3Y. Six flying boats were built as the R3Y-2 with a lifting nose for landing ship duties. In practice, it was almost impossible for the pilots to hold the aircraft steady and nose on to the beach while the aircraft was loaded or unloaded. The aircraft were converted into tankers for the in-flight refueling role. Subsequently three more aircraft were lost through engine failures, all the Tradewind aircraft were grounded in 1958.

Model Features
Item No - AA-4063
Scale - 1/144th
86 resin parts
Clear-resin canopies
One set of Decals
The Convair R3Y-2 Tradewind package also contains three bonus kits of 1/144th scale U.S. Naval fighters.

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