Bravo Delta Models - Short Empire G-ADHL Canopus - Museum quality scale model, complete with display stand. Scale 1:70, length 15.1"/383mm, span 19.5"/495mm.

The origins of the Empire boats lay in an Air Ministry requirement for passenger and mail carriers that could service the colonies particularly to make the connection to Australia. The Empire was officially known as the C-class and each aircraft was christened with a name beginning with C. The first aircraft, G-ADHL Canopus, was completed in June 1936 and launched on 3 July. A total of 42 Empires were built, all at Short's Rochester factory. Imperial Airways and its successor British Overseas Airways (BOAC), Quantas and TEAL operated the Short Empire. The first series of the Short Empires, the S.23, could carry 5 crew, 17 passengers, and 4,480 lb (2,035 kg) of cargo at a maximum speed of 174 knots (320 km/h). Powered by four 920 hp Bristol Perseus radial piston engines.