The Morane Saulnier 406 was France’s most numerous front line fighter during the Battle of France. They were sturdy and manoeuvrable but were outclassed by German fighters and suffered heavy losses during the Battle.

Design of the Morane Saulnier 406 began in 1934 and the first one flew in August 1935.

Development continued slowly until March 1938 when 1000 MS.406s were ordered, and the first production aircraft flew on 29 January 1939.

All 1000 had been delivered by March 1940. They equipped 16 Groupes de Chase at the beginning of the war and most of them saw service during the Battle of France.

They were very manoeuvrable and could withstand heavy battle damage but they were outclassed by German fighters and suffered heavy losses, 150 in action and 250-300 through other causes.

This model represents a Morane Saulnier 406, number 113 (N432), of GC II/3 at Dijon in February 1940.

Hasegawa 1/72 kit with Decals Carpena decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in August 2013.