Eduard 1/48 PBY-5A Catalina

The Consolidated PBY Catalina was one of the most widespread and longest-serving flying boats of the entire Second World War. The US Navy used it primarily for maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare and rescue missions — it was the Catalinas that rescued hundreds of downed pilots from both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The PBY-5A variant differed from earlier versions in that it had retractable landing gear, enabling the aircraft to operate from both water and land-based airfields. This significantly increased its operational flexibility and made it an even more versatile platform. Catalinas served with the US Navy, the RAF, the RCAF, the RAAF, the Soviet Air Force and other Allied forces, and saw action on all fronts — from Arctic convoys across the Atlantic to the islands of the Pacific.

This limited edition from Eduard, in 1:48 scale, is based on Revell (originally Monogram) plastic parts and is complemented by a comprehensive set of accessories, which significantly elevates the finished model above the standard kit. Coloured photo-etched parts (Colour PE) provide detailed interior and exterior elements with a pre-printed coloured finish, eliminating the need for hand-painting. Masking templates make it easy to paint transparent parts accurately — windows, viewing ports and the distinctive side gun ports. A large sheet of decals provides markings for 5 different variants, allowing modellers to choose a specific aircraft according to their own preference — whether it be an American, British or other Allied version.

The kit also includes parts from the Brassin range — resin and 3D-printed components that replace selected plastic parts and provide a higher level of detail where it is most visible. Specifically, these include wheels with naturally flattened tyres simulating load, exhausts with a finely textured surface, and antennas with accurate geometry. This combination of a plastic base and premium accessories makes the model an attractive choice both for experienced modellers looking for a starting point for detailed work, and for those who wish to achieve an excellent result with a minimum of external accessories. The pack does not contain the paints or adhesives required for assembly.