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AIRFIX 1/48 Supermarine Walrus Mk.I Released


sofiane1718

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http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/shop/new-for-2017/supermarine-walrus-mk-i-1-48.html

 

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New Supermarine tooling in 1/48th scale

Date: 07/10/2016

New Supermarine tooling in 1/48th scale

 

Welcome to the latest edition of Workbench and your regular update from the fascinating world of Airfix modelling. You will all be pleased to hear that we have some big news for you this week. Following on from the news of the new 1/72nd scale Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe announced in our previous blog, we have more new tooling information for you this week. As the title above suggests, we will be announcing a new model tooling in 1/48th scale and one which features an aircraft from the drawing boards of the famous Supermarine company. With much to tell you about, we will be devoting the majority of this latest blog to our new model announcement, before ending with a look at a selection of the latest submissions from the Customer Images section of the Airfix website. Without wanting to delay the announcement any further, let’s take a closer look at our latest exciting new tooling announcement.

Supermarine – a famous name in British Aviation

If you were to ask most people what the word Supermarine meant to them, the vast majority would reply ‘Spitfire’ without any hesitation. There is no doubting that the Spitfire is the most famous aircraft designed by Reginald J Mitchell and his team, but the heritage of the Supermarine company was actually built around the construction of effective marine aircraft. Again, this would immediately lead most to think of the Schneider Trophy winning Supermarine S.6B, which was itself a development of the company’s earlier racing seaplane designs and the ultimate aircraft in Mitchell’s quest to design the perfect racing seaplane. Again, although the S.6B is a fast, enigmatic aircraft, it is not the type of craft that the Supermarine company were most proficient in building.

 

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The famous Schneider Trophy winning Supermarine S.6B

 

The heritage of the Supermarine company was in their ability to design and produce effective and reliable marine aircraft, both for individual buyers and for military applications. With a number of extremely successful marine and amphibious aircraft designs to their name, the years prior to the outbreak of the Second World War were very much about marine aeroplanes.

 

A classic Mitchell design in 1/48th scale

It would be difficult to think of an aircraft design so markedly different to the sleek and elegant Spitfire, but the Supermarine Walrus amphibious biplane was from the hand of the same designer. Despite its somewhat ungainly appearance, the Walrus proved to be an incredibly effective aircraft and flexible enough to take on a number of roles in some of the most demanding operating environments. Coming at the end of a long line of capable single-engined flying boats and amphibians, the Walrus was actually the product of a Royal Australian Air Force requirement for an updated and more robust version of their existing Supermarine amphibian, the Seagull III, which had proved so successful. The new aircraft, which would become known as the Seagull V, would need to have the capability to be catapult launched from Royal Australian Navy cruisers, so the wooden hull of the earlier version was replaced with a strong metal design, with additional stainless steel forgings for the catapult spools and mountings.

 

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At home on the water – the heritage of the Supermarine Company

 

Despite the enthusiasm of the Australian Air Force for their new amphibian aircraft, the RAF were much less impressed, deciding that they had no need for such a craft – they soon changed their minds. Successful trials of the new aircraft at Felixstowe showed how effective the new aircraft was and with a large expansion of naval forces underway, the Seagull V offered the Admiralty an effective aircraft for reconnaissance spotting and gun targeting for their cruisers and battleships. After using some of the Australian machines for trials, they decided to place their own order for the latest Supermarine amphibian, with the British machines being called the Walrus, even though they were almost identical to the Seagull Vs of the RAAF.

One interesting fact that demonstrates how robust the Supermarine Walrus (Seagull V) design actually was came during the 1933 Hendon Air Pageant. Even though the prototype Seagull V had only flown days earlier in the hands of famous Supermarine test pilot Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers, the aircraft attended and was demonstrated at the huge Hendon Airshow. Belying its rather ungainly appearance, Summers stunned the huge crowds by proceeding to loop his new aircraft, a feat that was only possible due to the strength of the design and how it had been stressed for catapult launching – now that really is how to announce your arrival. Without doubt, the Supermarine Walrus went on to become one of the finest amphibious aircraft ever produced and was responsible for saving the lives of a great many downed airmen.

 

A significant new Airfix tooling in 1/48th scale - The Supermarine Walrus Mk.I

Despite the undoubted success of the Supermarine Walrus during its illustrious service career, it could certainly not claim to be held in the same regard as its famous fighter stablemate, which went on to become one of the most significant aircraft ever to take to the skies. It does, however, remain as one of the more interesting aircraft of the Second World War and deserving of much more affection. With this new model being produced in the larger 1/48th scale, it has allowed the Airfix research and design team to incorporate a superb level of detail and innovation into their new tooling, which will surely bring this impressive aircraft to the attention of many more people.

 

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The unmistakable shape of the Supermarine Walrus amphibian

 

Workbench readers are now becoming well versed in the processes the Airfix development teams have to go through in order to bring a new model kit to market, so for this latest announcement we will simply provide an overview of these details and concentrate on showing images from this exciting new project. As all the previous editions of Workbench are still available on the Airfix website, please do look at some of the earlier publications if you would like to re-visit any of the processes involved.

Looking at the design of the Supermarine Walrus, it is clear that this particular project was going to be a challenge for the Airfix team. The distinctive and relatively complex design of the aircraft was to be reproduced in 1/48th scale, which dictated that much more of the finer details would have to be incorporated. The research team had access to original Supermarine plans and technical drawings, which would form the critical basis of the project. This would be augmented with the opportunity to inspect, measure and photograph three examples of the Supermarine amphibian at separate locations around the UK.

 

 

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Computer rendered 3D images – The Walrus lives!

Without doubt, the most significant stage in the production of a new model tooling is the release of the computer rendered 3D images that modellers love to see so much. When these attractive images are published, it indicates that the project is real and gives modellers a good indication of how the new model will look when it is eventually under construction on their own workbench. For some time now, these images have been used in Airfix catalogues, within Workbench and in modelling magazines and have become some of the most popular future tooling imagery with our readers. With the Walrus being a particularly impressive new model, we are including quite a number of these appealing images, just to whet your appetite a little for what you can expect in 2017 – enjoy!

 

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The magnificent new 1/48th scale Supermarine Walrus Mk.I is very much something to look forward to. The impressive size and detail of this new model will ensure that another Supermarine design will be amongst the most popular releases in the Airfix range and serve to mark the aviation heritage of one of Britain’s most famous aircraft designers. Although they look so completely different, the Walrus would look great displayed next to a 1/48th scale Spitfire. We are very much looking forward to bringing you regular updates from this magnificent project over the coming months.

A09183 Supermarine Walrus Mk.I 1:48 is due for release in July 2017 - be sure to sign up for the Airfix email newsletter to be the first to hear when this model is available for pre-order.

 

SOURCE: http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/new-supermarine-tooling-in-148th-scale/

Edited by sofiane1718
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Sorry you misunderstand, I said it was interesting they went for 1/48th scale -I didn't say I wanted it in 1/72nd scale -  I prefer 1/48th scale for this size of aircraft.

Edited by Tbolt
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Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes, oh yes:kissing2::clap2::yahoo::thumbsup:

 

And if the CAD illustrations are to go by, then we might have a few interesting under-the-wing-dangly-things!

 

Oh happy days...

 

Christian, exiled to africa, but smiling today

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Sorry Tbolt I was not referring to your post but just anticipating the numerous reactions/posts of those who had preferrred another type of a/c at another scale etc. Forum's life...

 

V.P.

Edited by Homebee
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Absolutely no complaints from me!  How refreshing to see something original and overlooked.  Frankly, Airfix can churn out as many Spitfires, Mustangs and 109s as the like if it pays for the development of beauties like this.

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I've already got a Special Hobby, rebox of the Classic Airframes kit, but can see me bagging at least one of these too, so many lovely variations of colour scheme too.

 

It will be interesting how "new"Airfix approach the subject of rigging, I hope to see at least a nice rigging diagram.

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It looks very nice but will I be buying one, the answer is no as I only build 1.72 scale.

Having said that I think Airfix are probably right to be going into 1.48th scale as that is what more and more people seem to want these days, I am not sure a major manufacturer could survive alone on 1.72 in the future. 

Plus I never expected Airfix to make only new kits of stuff I would buy.

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46 minutes ago, AntPhillips said:

I've already got a Special Hobby, rebox of the Classic Airframes kit, but can see me bagging at least one of these too, so many lovely variations of colour scheme too.

 

It will be interesting how "new"Airfix approach the subject of rigging, I hope to see at least a nice rigging diagram.

 

Built that last year, will be buying the airfix kit when it comes out to see how different the build is (I am hoping that I wont be swearing as much and having to scratch building with brass rod to make the thing go together!!!)

 

 

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1 hour ago, Simon said:

Yes please! B)

 

(a 1/48 S.6B would be nice too...).

 

Simon

 

Fully agree on the 1/48 S.6B, I'd absolutely love one (and any of the other 'racers' too).

As for the Walrus, nice to see, makes a refreshing change from yet another Spitfire, 109, Mustang, etc., etc., etc.! Already thinking about one in Irish Air Corps colours.....

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Great news this is one type that I have been waiting for to be a new tooled kit and in 1/48 which is good for me.

 

:clap2:

 

Guy

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On ‎07‎/‎10‎/‎2016 at 0:28 PM, Homebee said:

Sorry Tbolt I was not referring to your post but just anticipating the numerous reactions/posts of those who had preferrred another type of a/c at another scale. Forum's life...

 

V.P.

I'm sure there will be many such comments in the days to come. I will of course refrain from doing same myself even though I would have preferred to see a Spey Phantom or a ........... Oooops Sorry!:lol:. Well, a bold choice perhaps and certainly one that shows a bit of imagination. One of the great unsung heroes of WWII. I have to confess this is a subject for which I have zero interest and zero enthusiasm but, what the hell!!. Regardless of my personal feelings, I hope it sells well and, to those who welcome the kit, I hope you enjoy it. Airfix are quite adept at surprises like this. I wonder how many could have foreseen a Walrus. Airfix will get no money out of me for this one but, they always manage to produce something I like. The new Me- 262 is a good start.

 

Allan 

 

 

 

Edited by Albeback52
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