1:72 Cessna 150

With the Cessna 152 being a common sight in the sky to this day, it is easy to forget that its predecessor, the 150, enjoyed a much longer and more numerous production run, with some 23,000 being completed between 1958 and 1977.

Although the 150 evolved incrementally to being almost indistinguishable from the 152, in its initial form it was very different. Like early 172s, the early 150 had no rear window, with a ‘razorback’ fuselage which gave way to a rear window in 1964 (the 150D). The straight tail was retained for a further 2 years before the familiar Cessna swept tail was introduced in the 150F. By the 150L, the tail strake had been extended to the rear screen and the landing light moved to a revised nose cowling; the 150M featured an enlarged tail, and – the engine excepted – had essentially become the 152.

Powered by a 100hp Continental 0-200, the Cessna 150 is a purely 2 place aeroplane, although an optional rear bench accommodating small children was available. With a top mounted strut supported wing – as sales literature said, for “high wing stability – ask any bird” – and two car-style doors, it offered a highly practical, economical and attractive flying package. Aimed squarely at non-commercial pilots with fun and ease of use in mind, it was offered in Trainer, Standard and Commuter packages and sold well throughout its production. As a result of the various improvements made over 19 years, the 150 had gained weight and it was the upgrade of powerplant that prompted Cessna to redesignate it 152 in 1977.

This model captures the various forms of the Cessna 150, including early and late fuselage and tail options covering most sub models until 150K. The 150L and M however are best replicated by the Cessna 152 kit, also available from VFR Models.