Republic Seabee - Highly modified Mach 2 -1/72nd kit

 

The unusual yet captivating shape of the Seabee has attracted pilots and modelers for decades. There are many surviving examples in very good condition, and many others in different degrees of needed care.

Still, no good kit of them is available, in spite of its undeniable charm.

In 1/72nd scale the only option I am aware of is the Mach 2 release. I am not in the least impressed by what I have seen regarding Mach 2 kits, nevertheless they produced an almost decent Seabee. The worst part (and I can't emphasize enough the word) is that thing that attempts to pass for a transparency. Many other parts will need the modeler's attention as well. And one or two parts only deserve the trash can.

 

A replacement nice decals set was commissioned from Artic Decals in Finland.
 

For the step-by-step construction article please go here:
https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2019/11/republic-seabee-172nd-mach-2-injected.html

In case some nice manufacturer would like to take care of this void, the possible liveries are almost endless, and there a large number of countries in which this plane flew. There are some different versions with this or that specific bit (engine, prop, wing tips, and other details). Avis? Kovozávody Prostějov? any takers?

Still, as usual, with inordinate amounts of time and effort, these ugly duckling kits (never better said) can be transformed into beautiful swans.