The Amiot 354 was one of a series of new aeroplane designs entering service with the French air force at the beginning of World War II. France’s early defeat meant the Amiot’s were never able to prove their worth in battle.

The first Amiot of this series was displayed at the Paris Salon in 1936.

The first one flew on 6 December 1937 and the design then evolved through several stages to the 35 series that included the almost identical 351s and 354s that were ready for testing in January 1939.

Due to delays they did not begin entering operational units until April 1940 and only 62 had been delivered before the fall of France in June 1940.

They played almost no part in the fighting.

This model represents Amiot 354 No. 39 in service with the Vichy air force circa 1941.

Mach 2 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in October 2004.