FIGHTS ON Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Another of the "new" AIRFIX range of aircraft - an aircraft that was much in demand, and what a big beast she is. The current Historic Flight Vixen is an impressive sight to see at the Air Shows, but equally sobering is the number of Vixen aircrew lying in graves at St Barts church in Yeovilton. (There is even an impressive memorial there placed by the actress Kristen Scott Thomas - her father was killed flying Vixens in the 60's - I believe her mother remarried another vixen pilot, subsequently killed on F-4s in the 70's). Working at yeovilton a few years ago there was still an old Vixen "Looker" working in uniform - in discussion he suggested that one of the reasons for the "side-by-side" arrangement for the Observer was a hang up from the de havilland design team still flushed with that arrangement on their Mosquito. With the requirement to sit "down in the coalhole" it took some courage (and faith!) in your driver to get it right. i understand that at one point in the 60's young Midshipmen were sometimes taken off training on Frigates & destroyers and sent on the Observers course just to make the numbers up for replacements! markings are for 890 NAS - the "witch on the Broom" is taken from the pub on the road to Yeovil - that is still there today. what? another kit missing it's Pitot tube.......there's a theme building here! 30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fids Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Good to see one with its wings down, very nice 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatboydim Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Lovely looking Sea Vixen. Excellent finish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 I am not a jet kinda guy... But the sea vixen is one I would love to build, it really does grab you! Very nice model, fantastic finish you have achieved. Also I didn't know there had been so may lost to they type, I will look into it some more me thinks Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robvd Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Very nice build. I think it is about time to pull mine from the stash and start building 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BristolBlue Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Www.seavixen.org will give you some of the history of lost crews. I remember in London on charing x bridge a campaigner set up camp to highlight loss of aircrew caused by poor design. Assume he sat there due to proximity of ministry buildings. No politics just a distant memory. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batcode Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 great looking sea vixen, nice job on the scheme and finish,,,, must dig mine out!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devo Posted December 28, 2015 Share Posted December 28, 2015 Nicely done! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdonnell Posted December 28, 2015 Share Posted December 28, 2015 Hello,'Fights On' - My compliments to you on a fine looking build of your 'Sea Vixen'. I love the quality and detail of the paint and finishing work. She is a resplendent tribute to the type.A vivacious Vixen! All the best,Paul. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Posted December 28, 2015 Share Posted December 28, 2015 Excellent build! Martin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatbox8 Posted December 28, 2015 Share Posted December 28, 2015 Lovely looking Vixen and a great finish. I didn't know about the origins of the witch. I hope the popularity of this kit will convince Airfix to scale it down to 1/72, but not much sign that they will at the moment. As an aside, I nearly brained myself on the one (now sadly scrapped) at Thorpe Park as a lad in the late 70s. Kids were allowed to clamber all over it. Imagine that today. I got into the observers coal hole and the hatch, sans any pneumatic resistance, slammed shut about half an inch above my head. Thankfully fingers were well inside at the time although I still have a scar on my index finger after it got trapped between between the pilot's canopy and the top of the ejection seat. The runners were all out of whack and, after applying some pressure, the canopy suddenly 'gave', trapping my digits! Happy days. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head in the clouds. Posted December 28, 2015 Share Posted December 28, 2015 I need to buy one, top quality paint job and an excellent build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now