[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

If I remember correctly, the MS 406 also had a retractable radiator. this would pose a problem for any diecast maker offering the wheels up and down option. Which way do you position the radiator?

Most of the pictures I have seen of the MS 406 on the ground have it extended. I made a Hobby Master MS 406 many years back and to be honest, I think you could do the radiator as a movable piece. Model I did had photoetch interior detail, but if memory serves correct the model actually allowed you to change position of the radiator. Another consideration would be the ventral antenna. Definitely would need two, one retracted and one extended.

[planenutsfrog]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Ok, back to the MS 406. What I would like to see in the model is the landing gear done right. It wheels definitely had an odd angle with upper portion of the wheel actually angled inward. Makes you wonder what kind of tire wear you would get on it. I would also like to see the support strut on the horizontal stabilizer, something that was missed on the IXO version. The MS 406 also had two different exhaust layouts, one with just the exposed exhaust stubs and the other had this odd shaped faring extending downward along the side of the cowling. The MS 406 kind of reminds me of the Hawker Hurricane in some aspects. With the rear portion still fabric you kind of a have a mesh of the old and the new for that time period.

The material used to cover the MS406 was "Plymax" : a sheet of plywood between 2 of light alloy.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by planenutsfrog

The material used to cover the MS406 was "Plymax" : a sheet of plywood between 2 of light alloy.

Was this the material that covered the front portion of the aircraft as apposed to aluminum?

[planenutsfrog]

Absolutely. Btw, the metal used was Dural.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by planenutsfrog

Absolutely. Btw, the metal used was Dural.

I would be nice if Squadron Publications or Osprey would put out some more literature covering the French aircraft of WWII. Currently, at least on this side of the pond, there really is not that much information on the French aircraft of WWII. I did recently pickup the Squadron Publication on the French Bombers of WWII and the Osprey book covering French Aces of World War 2 and found both to be quite interesting. Just wish there was more out there (In English for us mono lingual types). I might have to see if I can hunt down the William Green Fighter book that covers the French fighter aircraft and one on bombers too.

[leeG]

Have you seen the Planes and Pilots Series published by Histoire and Collections?

French Aircraft From 1939 to 1942 - Volume 1 from Amiot to Curtiss
French Aircraft From 1939 to 1942 - Volume 2 from Dewoitine to Potez

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by leeG

Have you seen the Planes and Pilots Series published by Histoire and Collections?

French Aircraft From 1939 to 1942 - Volume 1 from Amiot to Curtiss
French Aircraft From 1939 to 1942 - Volume 2 from Dewoitine to Potez

No I have not seen these two titles before. Found a site that has them and will be ordering them today. Thank you for posting this information!

[planenutsfrog]

I have them : Good affordable summary of the subject, with plenty of profiles. Recommended !

Unfortunately, English litterature about French planes of that era is very limited, and often contains errors...

[FROGGY]

A link for French book in english

Livres - Aviation - Histoire & Collections

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by FROGGY

A link for French book in english

Livres - Aviation - Histoire & Collections

Neat link, thank you for the information. I need to build up the portion of my library that covers WWII French aircraft. Also going to try and find some more references for Italian aircraft.