Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11E735
Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina Diecast Model
USN VP-52, NAS Quonset Point, RI, 1941

To this day, the PBY Catalina is considered the most famous flying boat in aviation history. With more than 4000 built by Consolidated in San Diego, Boeing and Vickers in Canada, and the Soviet Union, this versatile workhorse was manufactured in greater numbers than any other flying boat or amphibian. The history of the Catalina dates back to December 1939, when the US Navy ordered 200 flying boats, the largest order placed by the Navy for an aircraft since WWI. The first PBY-5 was accepted by the Navy in September 1940. The name "Catalina" was officially adopted in October 1941, following the lead of the British, who had ordered their PBYs under the Catalina designation. The versatile Catalina remained in operational use for some 20 years following the war, flying the colors of nearly half the nations in the world. However, its career in the US Navy came to an end in January 1957, and the workhorse of WWII naval aviation passed into history.

The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" presents diecast detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. Armour Collection diecast airplanes from The Franklin Mint require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal and plastic components, the die cast airplanes in the Franklin Mint's Armour Collection are 100% true to scale.

Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" diecast airplanes feature: