WW2 Small Floatplanes: Worthwhile or not?

**Diamondback** · 05-02-2020 18:19

First off, let me stipulate that we're not talking big patrol bombers, but little guys--the A6M2-N Rufe is a must have, but I'm looking at other small floats like the Supermarine Walrus, OS2U Kingfisher, the various Japanese E- and F-series, and similar--"Washing Machine Charlie" F1M2 Petes were a particular nuisance in the Solomons despite their antiquated design and tiny bombload.

Would these birds sell, or are they better left to third-party and custom cards?

DISCLAIMER: This is a private research question, not anything in development with Ares.

**Naharaht** · 05-02-2020 22:23

I think that considering Ares slow rate of development of new models and that these aircraft (with a few exceptions) were used mainly for patrolling and scouting out at sea with little opportunity for combat, Ares should concentrate on real combat types. 1/200 scale models of several of these planes are available from other manufacturers. Plane cards are available in the Files for some of these. One problem is that some of these planes require very slow manoeuvre decks.

**flash** · 05-03-2020 02:25

They'd sell but not in the numbers to make it worthwhile. Those into these types have probably already gone the third party route so better left with them I'd say.

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 05-03-2020 04:01

Mine are scratch built (balsa walrus) or conversion from Ares (Rufe), acquired from Clipper (Mavis & Emily), converted Zvezda (JU52), commercially bought (Italian 3 engine job name escapes me), bought from AIM (most of the smaller Japanese float plane variants), and a commercial bought model (Arado).

Just love float planes.

**Guntruck** · 05-03-2020 04:50

I like flying boats too. I have plundered AIM's catalogue - if it has floats I've got it from AIM. Also have the Trumpeter Arado, Walrus and Kingfisher plastic kits, and a 1/200 Sunderland from the TinTin Shop in London (needs repainting and arming but perfectly serviceable). I also managed to get hold of some models from HBM and have several Saro Londons, Short Singapores, Heinkel 115s (one shown below) and Dornier 22s.

What I would like to see produced are the Grumman Duck and Goose.

**Hedeby** · 05-03-2020 05:00

Would love a Sunderland flying boat...

**Jager** · 05-03-2020 05:38

While they made a rel contribution to the war efforts of all countries, for most wargamers, they're not a competitive aircraft. They certainly can look great, and can make a good addition to a scenario, but I don't think they have a selling point for something that Ares needs. Third party planes for the "swimmers"
Karl

**Teaticket** · 05-03-2020 08:08

I just bought some myself. Trumpeter makes 5 packs of Walrus, Kingfisher and Ar-196. I already have AIM Rufe and Pete. Neat looking and different. Good for a rescue, support or other back waters scenarios.
Would they sell? Yeah but probably not it the numbers ARES would need to claim success.

**Stumptonian** · 05-03-2020 10:48

Ares need to give us the missing holes in the most-used category before even thinking about these (much as I would like to have them, and would buy them.

**Diamondback** · 05-03-2020 11:45

Originally Posted by Stumptonian

Ares need to give us the missing holes in the most-used category before even thinking about these (much as I would like to have them, and would buy them.

Problem is, right now Ares isn't thinking in terms of "most used" but in terms of "themed releases"--they're trying to coordinate things to fit specific campaigns like last year's Battle of Britain that just wrapped with the new German bombers, and the PTO is getting started with Guadalcanal. It's also sounding like "specific ace" planes have been replaced by the Squadron Packs.