Rare Bird Models has released a series of renderings for their upcoming Lioré et Olivier LeO H.246 flying boat in 1/72 scale.
The H.246 was a French four-engine commercial flying boat developed in the late 1930s for Air France’s Mediterranean services, particularly routes linking southern France with North Africa. A high-wing parasol monoplane with a duralumin hull, it carried a crew of four and up to 26 passengers; its prototype first flew from Étang de Berre on 30 September 1937. Only six production aircraft were completed, and the war interrupted their intended civil role: examples served with Vichy French forces and, after capture, the Luftwaffe, while the surviving aircraft briefly returned to Air France service on the Marseille–Algiers route after 1945 before retirement in 1946.
The new renderings detail a “third possible option” representing F-AREN, which was captured by the Luftwaffe and used as a transport aircraft under registration 24+63. It was later deployed by KG200 in Norway. The armament includes 4 x MG15 in side positions and a MG13 in nose turret. As an additional option there will be 2 passenger salon interior versions – either with 11 x two stored stretchers or with 26 × seats for soldiers.
Click below to check out additional renders.
Continue reading New Renders Detail Rare Birds Models’ Upcoming LeO H.246 Flying Boat
