The Bonanza has had the longest production run out of any airplane, past or present, in the world. Beechcraft has produced some 17,000 Bonanzas in several models since 1947. Bonanzas are known as the Cadillac of light civil aircraft. The BE35, with a distinctive V-tail, still is a popular aircraft despite widely referred to by the macabre epithet "fork-tailed doctor killer".

Arii also produces 1/72 kits of light civil aircraft like the FA-200, two Cessna 172s--with and without floats--and two Cessna 337s, one an (non civil) armed O-2A.

Arii's Kit

Forty-four parts and one decal sheet are provided. They are thirty-three off-white parts for the airframe, seven clear canopy pieces, and a four-part stand.

The parts are well molded, but there is some flash. Fine recessed panel lines show exterior detail. A nice instrument panel. No sinkholes or mold marks are evident. The clear parts are clear, but full of flash.

Decals

Well printed and registered. Arii misspelled Beechcraft, though.

Summary

A pleasing small model of an icon of post-war light civil aircraft.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.