Upgrade! 1/700 Cant Z.501 Gabbiano Flying Boat - (x3) 3D Printed - Fantastico!

Description

NO RESERVE.We're offering here for the first time a beautifully detailed set of three 1/700 scale Cant Z.501 flying boat models that have just come out of the 3D printer!The Cant Z.501 Gabbiano (Seagull) was a long-range reconnaissance bomber flying boat designed by Filippo Zappata. Constructed of wood with fabric covered upper hull, wing and tail surfaces, the prototype made its first flight on 7 February 1934. In October of that same year, Cant's chief test pilot flew the aircraft 2,560 miles (4120 km), setting a distance record for seaplanes. 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. A total of 454 were delivered before production ended in 1943. None survive.
This is the first model of the Cant Z.501 ever produced (or
attempted) in 1/700 scale. We think that these 3D printed models easily rival (and probably exceed) the quality of comparable WEM resin and Pit-Road white metal models but we've posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. 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.
The surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that can be easily removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.
These Cant Z.501 models should be a welcome addition to any WW2 wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in Regia Aeronautica maritime aircraft operations. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.