Wooden Desktop Models

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'The Cherry Tree'

Price: approximately $500 USD

In 1984 a small company calling themselves 'The Cherry Tree' advertised hand carved mahogany models of Navions in the Navioneers' newsletter. Ken McTavish ordered examples of his Twin Navion (TTN-61) and of Gerry Stauffers' single Navion. Althought the single Navion could pass for almost any Navion with an engine upgrade the twin features some of the modifications specific to Ken's plane. They measure out to be 1/32nd scale.


Ken McTavish's customized solid mahogany D-16A.
(T. McTavish)


Gerry Stauffer's single Navion, passable for any large engine single.
(T. McTavish)

Islandsmart Corp.

Price: approximately $150 - $200 USD

Recently there's been an influx of mass produced wooden models available on the internet. In all cases known to TwinNavion.com the Navion models are all being supplied by a company called Islandsmart Corp. Based in Makati City, Philippines, this company supports two internet based companies (marketed primarily through eBay.com) - Planemuseum and MyAsianArt.source in the Philippines. All of these models have issues with their shapes. Most noticeably, the canopy appears too bulbous, and the fuselage, about the cabin, too deep. The advantage however is their low cost, and the manufacturer's ability to customize the paint scheme to suit individual planes.


Some examples of the single engine Navions, including
a L-17 with World War 2 era markings. (via ebay)


Even Rangemasters have been available.
(via ebay)

However, this manufacturer has produced a representation of a D-16, although it too has shape issues. Its nacelles are far too rounded, its cowlings squared off and its nose a better representation of the Dauby X-16 prototype than of a production Riley or TEMCO D-16.


Even with its shape issues, this model is still a D-16 Twin Navion.
(via ebay)


A Camair became available in 2008.
(via ebay)

Airborne Replicas

Price: approximately $189 USD

Although this manufacturer is located in Greenville, MI, the similarities between their Navion model and those being produced by the Islandsmart Corp. can't be ignored.


(Airborne Replicas)