The North American T-6 Texan was one of the most important trainer aircraft of the Second World War. As an advanced trainer the humble T-6 Texan was used to train pilots of the USAAF, US Navy, The Royal Air Force and British Commonwealth Air Forces during the Second World War. One such British Commonwealth operator of the Harvard Mk.II, was the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The RNZAF started to operate the T6 from 1941, with a total of 202 Aircraft being delivered to New Zealand. After the end of the Second World War the RNZAF continued to operate the type as an advanced trainer aircraft, until 1951. When the type became the basic training aircraft of the RNZAF. Until the types retirement in the year of 1977. With the T-6 Texan being replaced the Pacific Airspace CT/4B Air trainer.
Outside of the trainer role in Royal New Zealand Air Force service. The T-6 was also operated by the RNZAF’s short-lived reserve, volunteer Territorial Air Force from 1948 until 1957. With the Territorial Air Forces T-6 being transferred back to the RNZAF. After the Territorial Air Force was disbanded. Then in 1967 the Royal New Zealand formed its aerobatic display team, the Red Checkers. Using the Harvard as the aircraft of choice until the retirement of the type in 1977.
As for the model from Hobby Boss (minus the missing forward cockpit role cage), it’s a nice beginner friendly kit to make. That comes with decal choices for a USAF T-6 flown during the Korean War (1950-1953). Or for a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force Texan. The decals I used came from an aftermarket set from NZ company for 1960s and 1970s era RNZAF Harvards.
I hope this video inspires you to make a model kit of T-6 Texan. Until next time . Thank You for Watching