1/72 Revell (ex-Matchbox) Noorduyn Norseman AL.1

Gallery Article by Kitbasher on Apr 1 2011

April Fools Day

 

At the end of the Second World War, the RAF's Air Observation Post squadrons were spread across the globe. Most were equipped with small Austers of various marks - excellent spotting platforms for the Army but limited in load carrying capability and extremely basic - albeit functional - aircraft.  Although the RAF was equipped with numerous communications types, none of these were as suitable or as rugged as, for example, the Noorduyn UC-64 (as used by the Americans during the war) to provide in-theatre transport for British Army personnel.

So the answer was to order Norsemen of their own.  What to do, though - take used, ex-US examples (a cheap and attractive option, given the parlous state of the British Treasury in the late 40s), or order new ones from Canada that would last much longer?  The latter option was chosen - a popular decision given Canada's unflinching support for Britain during the war.

So it was that 24 Norsemen were purchased and designated 'Norsemen CC.1', the first entering service with 657 Sqn in 1947.  657 was the only full squadron to equip with the type (additionally acting as the Norseman Operational Training Unit), the remainder being operated by numerous Flights around the world.

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Unsurprisingly, the Norseman proved to be a rugged, reliable aircraft and saw notable service in support of the British Army during the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising.  With the formation of the Army Air Corps in September 1957, the RAF transferred its remaining Norsemen to the Army, when they were redsignated 'Norseman AL.1'.  Mindful of the Norseman's utility and the need to preserve the capability it represented, the Army Air Corps sought to replace the type and again looked to Canada for the answer - this time in the shape of the De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver.  Beaver AL.1s replaced Norsemen in the early 1960s, after which most of the Norsemen were scrapped. 

Fortunately one was preserved (VX113 formerly of 651 Sqn), and is currently held in the reserve collection of the Museum of Army Flying at the Army Air Corps Centre, Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

Model built straight out of the box, markings from Xtradecal sheet X720401 

Kitbasher

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Photos and text © by Kitbasher