1/72 3D print from RareBird Models
CANT 511

by Harvey Low

Here is my 1/72 scale CANT 511 Italian Flying Boat of WWII.

The model is a 3D print from RareBird Models.

In mid-1937, Italy wanted a long-range sea plane for their transatlantic routes to Africa, Central, and South America. In 1938 the Ala Littoria announced the production of the CANT Z.511 by the end of 1939.

The largest floatplane ever built at the time of her design she was a four-engine long-range seaplane designed by Filippo Zappata of the Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico (CRDA) company. Two were built.

The central section of the fuselage had two levels: the lower one contained a 15-meter-long luggage compartment. The upper level had a capacity for 48 seats divided into four compartments of 12 seats each.

The rear area aft of the passenger doors could also hold luggage and supplies. The military version would have four auxiliary fuel tanks in the cabin.

The sleek floats were 17.50 meters long (58 feet) – almost as long as a B-25 Mitchell! It was high enough to allow a person to stand inside of it.

By September 1943, the only operational Cant.Z.511 (prototype 1), was based at the seaplane base of Vigna di Valle on the Bracciano lake. Strafed by British fighters, the ground crew ultimately sabotaged the floats to prevent the aircraft from falling into German hands. The airplane subsequently sank in the lake.

When the German seized the based, they scrapped all the parts for to re-use the metal. Thus both prototypes did not survive the war.

Model and Text Copyright © 2026 by Harvey Low
Page Created 12 November, 2026
Last Updated 12 November, 2026

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