Arsenal VG 36

[NARSES2]

Arsenal VG 36 of  GCII/5 Lafayette

When the French Government withdrew to the North African territories in late 1940 and established "France Libre" they managed to remove quite a lot of plans,tools and essential raw materials along with the skilled workforce with them. Although it was not easy they established an embryo armaments industry in Algeria and Tunisia. Latter they were to establish manufacturing plants in Canada but this came much latter.

Constructed mainly from wood one of the first aircraft produced in the new factories was the Arsenal VG 36 which had been under development in 1940 and the prototype flew for the first time in May 1940.

This particular example was based at Bizerte Tunisia in February 1942 as part of the Anglo/French N. African Air Force. With the defeat of the Italian's in Libya by the Anglo/French forces in early 1941 GCII/5's main role was helping to keep the Mediterranean open for supply convoys to the Canal and protecting Allied naval bases. Latter in the year, after the Turks joined the Axis and took part in the invasion of the Soviet Union as well as launching attacks on Syria and Iraq these operations became even more important.

[NARSES2]

This is the Azure 1/72 "special issue" kit which went together very well. Paints are mainly from the Lifecolour French range with the transfers coming from the kit for the national markings and a Sky P40 sheet for the "Lafayette" badge and personal name.

[Arc3371]

Good looking and an uncommon subject, me like

[Tophe]

Elegant and rare... Congratulations.
The 36 is less known than the 33, both seeming possible on the 1/48 kit of the same Azur company:

[pyro-manic]

Very nice, Narses. An attractive machine, and nice work on the camouflage.

[Weaver]

Yeah I like the cammo too - well done! 

[Brian da Basher]

Excellent representation of French camo and the Lafayette markings are the perfect finish!

Two thumbs up!!!

Brian da Basher

[Slerski]

Huum... I love this plane, I find her more beautiful than D-520.

[CAO 700]

Very intersting subject!!!! A good fellow for my Arsenal VG.20!