72-014 Thunderbird Models 1:72 CPA Noorduyn Norseman IV or V

Robert Noorduyn learned about aircraft design from the very best. He started with Sopwith and Armstrong Whitworth before moving to Fokker. Ultimately, he moved to the US as head of Fokker USA. Before coming to Canada and starting his own company, he was responsible for the design of the Fokker Universal series which saw wide service across the north.

Noorduyn Aircraft Limited of Montreal was formed in 1934 and the Norseman prototype first flew in 1935. The Norsemans design featured large cabin doors on both sides of the fuselage, a high wing for maximum visibility and wide track undercarriage suitable for wheels, skis or floats; design decisions made after much consultation with Canadian bush pilots. CPA would ultimately operate 27 Norseman aircraft (including the prototype and all of the first 15) during a time when it was still heavily committed to bush and northern operations.