1:72 scale diecast model airplane from the Hobby Master Air Power Series HA1514. North American T-6 Texan RAF No.1340 Flight, Kenya, 1955, Harvard Mk IIB.

Length 5 inches
Wingspan 7 inches

Features:
* Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
* Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
* Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
* Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
* Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
* Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
* Authentic detachable ordinance loads complete with placards.
* Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.

This aircraft is known by many names depending on what country used them and/or the variant of the same airframe. They were AT-6, Harvards, Yale, Texan, SNJ, Wirraway and a few others. These planes were fully aerobatic and could present the student pilot with some situations where he learned to do things correctly or else. These planes were the stepping stones to the more advanced Spitfires and Mustangs of this era. From the 1930s to the 1960s the Harvard was not limited to just the training role. It was also used as a combat aircraft and became part of almost every major power inventory. Like the Huey helicopter the Harvard had its own distinctive sound caused by the propeller tips going supersonic.

From 1952 to 1960 there was an uprising in Kenya trying to obtain independence from British colonialism. This group was referred to as Mau Mau and one term for the conflict is the Mau Mau Uprising. 1340 Flight was considered an anti Mau Mau flight responsible for bombing and machine-gunning Mau Mau and their hideouts in the densely wooded and difficult country. 1340 Flight was equipped with 12 Harvard II of which 4 were normally kept in reserve and 2 were usually being worked on. This left 6 aircraft that were flown by 8 pilots. During one September the 1340 Flight carried out 504 sorties dropping 3,974 bombs and 187,240 rounds of ammunition fired and all this was completed in 532 operational hours. While the Harvards were used they flew some 3,900 sorties. The uprising itself wasn�t a military success for the Mau Mau but it did play a large part in Kenya achieving independence in 1963.