1/48 Ryan NPS

What Santa Would Fly: 1927

Gallery Article by Alvis 3.1

 

Santa was always on the leading edge of toy delivery technology, and in 1927, had placed an order with the Ryan Aircraft Company for a long range aircraft. Little did he know, another soon to be famous aviator, Charles Lindberg had also placed a similar order.  Ryan used the basic aircraft for both clients, the main difference being the skis on Santas' plane, as well as it being fuelled by a derivative of candy canes and reindeer "extract".  The tiny cockpit, however, precluded Santa enjoying the flight very much, and the Ryan NPS (North Pole Special) was only used that one Christmas.

The kit used was the new Revell 1/48 scale Spirit of St Louis, with new  decals from my inkjet printer, and skis made from scratch. I recommend this model as well, as it's a significant plane and a nice kit as well!

Alvis 3.1

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Photos and text © by Alvis 3.1