PBY-5A Catalina

Assembly Manual available for download!

My third crowdfunding campaign connects to the previous two projects: the Iron Goose, a seaplane, and the B-24, a bomber. The PBY Catalina brings these roles together—it was a flying boat capable of both maritime operations and combat, including dropping bombs and deploying torpedoes against targets at sea.

Filaments used for the prototype on the picture above:

Main body:  BambuLab PLA  Matte Ash Gray (11102)  

Wings and floaters:  BambuLab PLA Basic Dark Gray (10105)
Windows and glass panels: BambuLab PLA Translucent Ice Blue (13610)
USAF Decals: BambuLab PLA Basic Cobalt Blue (10604) and PLA Matte Ivory White (11100)
Landing gear mechanics: PLA Silk+ Titan Gray (13108)
Black parts: BambuLab Matte Charcoal  (11101)

The PBY Catalina was one of the most versatile aircraft of World War II, serving primarily in long-range maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue missions. Its exceptional endurance allowed it to cover vast stretches of ocean, making it invaluable for spotting enemy ships and submarines. One of its most famous moments came during the hunt for the German battleship German battleship Bismarck, when a Catalina located the elusive vessel in May 1941, enabling British forces to track and ultimately engage it.

With this model I would like to introduce a new connector system developed by my friend, Greg3D. This is called the Twist'n'Grip system and it eliminates some problems that solid block connection suffered from. It is easy to insert and you need only a 180 degree turn until you hear 3 clicks. 

It also pulls the two parts together making a seamless bond.