1/72 237 Airmodel ZMC-2 (Z MC-2) Metal-Clad Rigid Airship - US Navy 1929 - Bagged
Vacuform Model Kit
Rare. Very large 1/72 scale US Navy Rigid Airship. Measures just over 24 inches long when assembled. Features white plastic vacuformed main body, fins and details. Includes history and instructions/plans. Never started. NOTE: missing clear gondola. This was a two piece clear shell. Includes all other parts and instructions. The idea of a rigid airship using a monocoque metal skin had been tried in Germany in 1897 with the 'Schwarz'. In 1929 the ADC tried a more successful experiment with the ZMC-2 - the MC stood for 'Metal Clad'. A supporting structure of twelve ring frames mounted on twenty-four longitudinal lattice beams. This structure was entirely covered with duralumin and pure aluminum foil sandwich skinning amounting to no more than a few hundredths of a millimeter in thickness. This metal envelope was gas tight and was directly filled with helium. Two Wright Whirlwind engines of 220hp were used. The ZMC-2 first flew on August 19, 1929. She had a maximum speed of 48 mph and entered the US Navy as a training vessel. It was scrapped in 1942 after 12 years of trouble-free service.
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