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Caudron Renault 714 Heller 1/72


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I used this huge heat in Belgrade to complete the projects started. I started this model a few years ago, so it's time for me to finish it. Here's the picture:

 

                                                                                   CAUDRON_RENAULT_714_Heller_7.jpg

 

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                                                                                   CAUDRON_RENAULT_714_Heller_4.jpg

 

                                                                                   CAUDRON_RENAULT_714_Heller_3.jpg

 

                                                                                   CAUDRON_RENAULT_714_Heller_2.jpg

 

                                                                                   CAUDRON_RENAULT_714_Heller_1.jpg

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It's good too see more and more of Heller's classics in these pages, built and finished to clearly show the potential of the many unique types in the series.

 

The C R 714, of wooden construction, was originally derived from a racing plane. While certainly not a thoroughbred as a fighter, the highly motivated Polish pilots in France made up for its shortcomings with sheer fury and aggressive flying:

(From Wikipedia) 

"On 18 May 1940, 35 Caudrons were delivered to the Polish Warsaw Squadron, the Groupe de Chasse polonais I/145, stationed at the Mions airfield. After just 23 sorties, adverse opinion of the fighter was confirmed by frontline pilots who expressed concerns that it was seriously underpowered and was no match for contemporary German fighters.

On 25 May, only a week after it was introduced, French Minister of War Guy La Chambre ordered all C.714s to be withdrawn from active service. However, since the French authorities had no other aircraft to offer, the Polish pilots ignored the order and continued to fly the Caudrons. Despite flying a fighter hopelessly outdated compared to the Messerschmitt Bf 109E, the Polish pilots scored 12 confirmed and three unconfirmed victories in three battles between 8 June and 11 June, losing nine in the air and nine more on the ground. Among the aircraft shot down were four Dornier Do 17 bombers, and also three Messerschmitt Bf 109 and five Messerschmitt Bf 110 fighters.

The Caudron fighter was also used by the Polish training squadron based in Bron near Lyon. Although the pilots managed to disperse several bombing raids, they did not score any kills; but they did not lose any aircraft either."

 

One complete C.714 apparently survived in Finland as well as a fuselage. The latter was transferred to France for restoration by the  Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace.

 

Good modelling!

 

Kind regards,

 

Joachim

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Very nice Jovac :thumbsup:

 

It's another of Heller's classic kits; they have just as many parts as are needed and go together really nicely.

 

They're available again too, at very reasonable prices.

 

A French sports plane piloted by brave and skilled Polish pilots, in a striking colour scheme. What's not to like?

 

:goodjob: 

 

TonyT

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