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Modelers Lounge => The World of Scale Models => Topic started by: Will Levesley on April 07, 2026, 08:51:46 PM

Title: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: Will Levesley on April 07, 2026, 08:51:46 PM

I bought a SMER Potez 540 from Kingkits kit graveyard that someone else had already started painting (badly) for a Vietnam (formerly French Indochina) competition theme (I wanted to avoid helicopters and river gunboats) and then realised that they only had 542's so had to convert it into something resembling a 542 by re-working the engine nacelles.  The scheme is a bit speculative as there aren't any photos!  The markings are a mixture of painted (code under the wings), kit decals (which had yellowed badly but recovered in sunlight), decals from the spares box and an attempt at printing the squadron logo on the tail!
Apparently the French had 3 Potez 542's in Indochina in 1943 - this one based at Dong Hoi (now an international airport).  They possibly never actually flew because of Japanese flight restrictions and fuel and spares problems.  Part of an obsolete fleet of aircraft that the French authorities were allowed to keep under Japanese occupation.
Considering the age of the kit (based on Heller from 1968) it didn't go together too badly - needed filler around the wing roots.  Also the wings will only stay on with the struts in place.  I added some extra details to the interior  - which is basic, but you can't really see through the thick transparancies very clearly.
Overall an enjoyable diversion!  Working on a simple display for it for the competition.

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: Will Levesley on April 07, 2026, 08:53:58 PM

A few more photos..

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: DaddyO on April 07, 2026, 10:05:38 PM

Not something you see everyday Will  :)

Good effort to bring it to life from somebody's half finished attempt and a colourful scheme t'boot

Paul

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: gedmundson on April 09, 2026, 07:38:42 AM

Very nicely done, Will. Such a unique looking bird!
Cheers,
Gary

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: Dirigible-Al on April 09, 2026, 03:41:02 PM

Great subject, I am surprised there were even kits for this given the dominance of WW2 and post WW2 aircraft among kit manufacturers.
Alan.

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: NigelR on April 09, 2026, 07:05:39 PM

A very colourful and fun project and the end result looks great.

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: PrzemoL on April 09, 2026, 07:34:45 PM

Oh yeah. The French bombers from 1930s... Specific, to say the least... But your model is great, especially in those striking markings. Thanks for sharing.

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: lone modeller on May 12, 2026, 06:08:50 AM

Only just found this: a very interesting and little known type. Those interwar French bombers were very interesting indeed, if only because they looked obsolete before they even entered service!

A wonderful model, even more so given the age of the kit and the necessary mods.

Stephen.

Title: Re: Forgotten Aircraft from a Forgotten (mostly) Airforce
Post by: RAGIII on May 16, 2026, 12:21:56 PM

excellent results on a Unique build! Love those Vichy markings!
RAGIII