If it is not the most beautiful flying machine that operated for Air France, it is most certainly one of the oldest. Upon its creation the Company inherited the Wibault planes owned by CIDNA (the International Air Navigation Company) and Air Union. The model presented here is one of the three Wibault 282T that were delivered straight after its formation (registered F-AMHM and named “L’Intrépide”).
This piece is a travel agency model and so, it is a contemporary of the aircraft. It is made of wood and as is often the case with poor storage conditions or humidity, the distortion of the wood, very sensitive to damp surroundings, caused some damage to the paint job. However, time and bad preservation conditions have had only limited consequences. This 87-year-old lady could not be blamed for a few wrinkles. Indeed, her appearance is the best proof of authenticity and of the true original decoration, a genuine sign that no restoration was ever undertaken!
This model was produced by the Fournereau workshops. The decoration was painted. It is made of wood with a few metal items (propellers, landing gear and small studs for hanging purpose). The scale is approximately 1:35. The wingspan is 65 cm and length 45 cm. As shown on the photos, this piece is on offer as is. It will be up to its future owner to restore it at will.