The Morane Saulnier 406 was France’s most numerous front line fighter during the Battle of France. After the German victory many were captured for use by the Luftwaffe and some of those were later sold to Finland.

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.

During the Battle of France they were seriously outclassed by German fighters such as the Messerchmitt Bf109E.

After Germany defeated France in June 1940 a large number of MS 406s were taken over by the Luftwaffe, mainly for training purposes.

A number were also sold or given to other countries including Finland, which had previously bought some direct from France.

This model represents a captured Morane Saulnier 406 in Luftwaffe markings at the time of its delivery to Finland in 1942.

Hobby Boss 1/72 kit with Carpena decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in July 2013.