OXFORD 1/72 RAAF Royal Australian Air Force Supermarine Seagull V (Walrus) A2-4 (72SW001)

In 1934 the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ordered 24 Seagull V’s and they were delivered during 1935-37 o be operated by 5 Squadron (later 9 Squadron, located at RAAF base Rathmines, as of 1 January 1939).  In accordance with pre-WW II Australian procedures only the RAAF was permitted to operate service aircraft thus aircraft for use in the heavy cruisers HMA Ships Australia and Canberra and the light cruisers HMA Ships Hobart, Perth and Sydney were operated by the RAAF.  The pilot and maintenance personnel (normally six men that also included a photographer) were also supplied by the RAAF but the observer (navigator) and telegraphist air gunner were naval personnel.  The Seagull V / Walrus was known colloquially throughout the RAN as the ‘Pusser’s Duck’. This aircraft was delivered in March 1936 to 1 AD at Laverton. It’s first ship was HMAS Australia for a brief period before transferring to HMAS Canberra in April of that year. It served mainly around the Pacific before being retired and reduced to components in late 1945.

This model aeroplane is made from die-cast metal and plastic and include extensive detailing. It is similar in quality to Century Wings, Calibre Wings, Hobbymaster and Forces of Valor.