The Travel Air Type R was a purpose built racing aircraft that was designed and flown in the United States from 1929. With its thin monoplane wing and streamlined shape it set new trends in aircraft design.

The Travel Air Type R was called the ‘Mystery Ship’ because it was built in great secrecy and only unveiled just prior to the 1929 Cleveland Air Races. It was the first successful civilian air racing aircraft to be flown in the United States, outperforming all military aircraft of the time for speed. It’s only purpose was to win air races.

Five Type R aircraft were manufactured. They could be fitted with longer or shorter wings and more powerful engines depending on the race they were competing in.

They were flown by some of the most notable flyers of the day including Jimmy Doolittle, won many races and set many records.

This kit represents NR614K in 1929, the first ‘Mystery Ship’ to be built. It was destroyed in a fire before the Thompson Trophy race in 1931

Dekno 1:72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in 2024.