1:48 Beechcraft GB-2 Staggerwing (Traveller Mk.II)

Beechcraft GB-2 Staggerwing (Traveller Mk.II) 1:48 (Roden)

An injection-molded plastic model of the military version of the American cabin biplane Beechcraft GB-2 Staggerwing in 1:48 scale from Roden. GB-2 was the designation of the Staggerwing in US Navy service; with the British Fleet Air Arm it carried the name Traveller Mk.II. The model offers an engraved surface, a detailed cockpit and cabin, a multi-part radial engine, clear parts and decals for military machines.

The real subject

During the Second World War the elegant civil Staggerwing was called up for military service as a courier, liaison and transport aircraft. With the US Navy it served under the designation GB-2, with the British Fleet Air Arm as the Traveller Mk.II. Thanks to its high speed and comfortable enclosed cabin it was a prized machine for moving people quickly and for urgent dispatches. Structurally it is the same negative-stagger biplane as the civil version, with a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine and retractable landing gear, only in military colors.

Building and painting tips

Glue the parts with liquid cement for plastic and reinforce the thin struts with cyanoacrylate. Set the interplane struts symmetrically (mind the reversed stagger) and rig the model according to the diagram. Naval military schemes come alive with a light emphasis of the panels and moderate wear; paint the cabin and the engine before you close them up.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of American and British naval aircraft in 1:48 scale
• Modelers interested in civil types pressed into military service
• Builders who want to set the military version of the Staggerwing apart in their collection

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.