I am a big fan of flying boats, and here are a couple of large ones from my collection.
The first is the Combat Models vacform 1/72nd scale Martin Mars, which I completed back in the mid-1990s. This was an absolute pig of a kit, with the cockpit having to be scratch-built, a comprehensive series of internal bulkheads and bracing needed to be installed to keep it rigid and give it some much needed strength, engines and props were 'borrowed' from a donor 1/72nd B-29, and the beaching gear was made from scratch. The decals came from the spares box and generic decal sheets available at the time.
Martin JRM-2 'Caroline Mars'
The second is one I finished a few years back and is another Combat Models vacform; this time one of the most beautiful flying boats built to my eyes: the Boeing 314 Clipper, also in 1/72nd scale.
This was again, you guessed it, a real pig, and once again lots of internal bracing was needed as well as lots of re-scribing to bring it up to acceptable standards. I used Aerolclub white metal engines and propellers, and used home made decals as none existed at the time.
Boeing 314 Clipper 'Berwick' of BOAC
Although these were very challenging builds, they were also great fun, and add a couple of very rare models to my collection. I've never seen another of either built up other than mine, so perhaps I'm the only one mad enough to give kits like this a go!
Rob