Travel Air Model R "Mystery Ship" Racer Model Kit

The Aircraft

The Travel Air Model R, also known as the "Mystery Ship," is an iconic racing aircraft designed in the late 1920s by the Travel Air Manufacturing Company. First taking to the skies in 1929, this aircraft was a revolutionary blend of speed, aerodynamics, and innovation, setting new standards in the aviation world.

The Model R was powered by a Wright Whirlwind radial engine, capable of producing around 420 horsepower. Its sleek, low-wing monoplane design, streamlined fuselage, and retractable landing gear were groundbreaking features for the era. These design elements allowed the Travel Air Model R to achieve exceptional speeds, often surpassing those of contemporary military aircraft.

The aircraft's most notable achievement came in 1929 when it won the Thompson Trophy Race at the Cleveland National Air Races. Piloted by Doug Davis, the Model R stunned the aviation community by defeating the best military and civilian planes of the time, proving the superiority of its design and engineering.

Despite its success in air racing, only a few units were produced, as the Great Depression and evolving aviation needs shifted focus away from such specialized aircraft. Today, the Travel Air Model R is celebrated as a milestone in aviation history. It remains a symbol of innovation and the relentless pursuit of speed, cherished by aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

The Model

My first air racer! This was a pretty simple build to design. To best accommodate the curves of the wheel pants you will want to set your print up for variable layer height, or adjust it manually as you see fit. And it may need supports inside where the tire goes.

Enjoy!