Sword 72157 - 1:72 Short SB.6 Seamew

Plastic model kit of the carrier-based aircraft Short SB.6 Seamew

The Sword 72157 kit represents the British Short SB.6 Seamew carrier-based aircraft in 1:72 scale. Developed in the early 1950s, this aircraft was designed as a light anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance platform intended to operate from Royal Navy aircraft carriers. Its distinctive appearance – with a tall tail unit and compact fuselage – makes the Seamew an interesting and rarely modelled aircraft.

The Sword kit allows modelers to recreate this unusual aircraft design. The model captures the characteristic features of the Seamew, including the wing configuration suitable for carrier operations and its distinctive tail arrangement. The included decals allow the model to be finished in Royal Navy markings.

Model technical data:

• Scale: 1:72
• Model length: approx. 15.3 cm
• Manufacturer: Sword
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Model assembly

The kit is made of plastic and requires assembly and painting. Parts should be carefully removed from the sprues, cleaned and assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After construction, the model can be painted in the typical colours used by Royal Navy naval aviation in the post-war period.

Required tools

• Model knife or sprue cutters for removing parts
• Files or sanding paper for cleaning and shaping parts
• Brushes for painting
• Plastic model cement
• Paint set suitable for the model
• Cyanoacrylate glue (for metal or resin parts)

About the Short SB.6 Seamew:

The Short SB.6 Seamew was a British anti-submarine aircraft developed in the early 1950s by Short Brothers. It was intended to serve as a lightweight carrier-based aircraft for maritime patrol and anti-submarine missions in Royal Navy service. The aircraft was designed to operate from aircraft carriers and support naval operations in coastal waters.

The aircraft was powered by a single piston engine and featured a distinctive tall tail unit that improved stability during low-level flight over the sea. However, the design proved relatively unsuccessful due to limited performance and restricted operational capabilities. Only a small number of aircraft were produced and the programme was soon cancelled. Despite its short service life, the Seamew remains an interesting example of early post-war British naval aviation design.

Original aircraft technical data:

• Length: approx. 11.7 m
• Wingspan: approx. 13.7 m
• Powerplant: Armstrong Siddeley Mamba piston engine
• Crew: 2

About the manufacturer:

Sword is a Czech manufacturer known for producing plastic aircraft model kits in popular scales, often representing unusual or less commonly modelled aircraft types. Their kits allow modelers to build many rare or experimental aircraft that are rarely included in the catalogues of larger manufacturers, making them an attractive addition to aviation model collections.