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.


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.


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.


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.


> Home
> Contributors
> Brochures
> Publications
> Stories
> Models & Toys
> Collector Cards
> Flight Simulators
> For Sale
> Links