Nicolas Trudgian range of Cataline Flying boat aircraft aviation signed art prints.  These pages are dedicated to the artwork of aviation artist Nicolas Trudgian, including the full range of aviation prints published by the Military Gallery of which Cranston Fine Arts have purchased the last remaining prints. These include many rare items.  Many of Nicolas Trudgian prints have been signed by many of the top fighter and bomber pilots of World War Two over the past decade and many of these great pilots are no longer with us.  This could be the last chance to own a piece of history which will soon be no longer available except on the more expensive secondary market.

Built by the Consoliated Aircraft Company and designed by Isaax M Ladden. the Catalina first flew on the 28th march 1935. and first flew with the US Navy in October 1936. In 1935 the cost of each Catalina was $90,000  and just over 4,000 were built. The Catalina was used in various maritime roles. but it was designed initially as a maritime patrol bomber. Its long range was intended to seek out enemy transport and supply ships. but was eventually used in many roles including Convoy escort,, anti submarine warfare and search and rescue. In its role  as a search and rescue aircraft it probably is best remembered for many thousands of aircrews shot down in the Pacific and less extend in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.  The Catalina was the most successful flying boat of the war and even served  in a military role until the early 1980's some are still used today in aerial firefighting.I