The Morane Saulnier 406 was France’s most numerous front line fighter during the Battle of France. After the Armistice they remained in service with Vichy French air force and flew in opposition to Allied forces.

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 France was defeated and the Vichy government established, Germany allowed the French to maintain a limited air force that continued to use the 406.

In this role they flew against Allied forces until Germany occupied all of France in November 1942.

This model represents a Morane Saulnier 406 of 2nd Escadrille, GC 1/7 of the Vichy air force at Aleppo-Nerab, Syria in July 1941.

RS Models 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in June 2013.