TEZ

The new Airfix 1/48 Buccaneer provided the basis for this project - which would include modifying the existing weapons bay...As you would expect, there are very few photographs depicting Buccaneers carrying the WE-177 tactical nuclear bomb, but I've done my best to replicate the modified weapons bay. The model was painted using MRP. The aircraft chosen for this build, XV342, was, judging by a couple of photo I have, looking pretty worn. It seemed the perfect opportunity to work on my weathering skills. The squadron markings were homemade - traced the relevant photos and created the masks on my Silhouette cutter. The stencils came from the kit decals - (S.2B version) - The 15 Squadron option provided the RAF Germany specific ejection seat triangles etc. Overall the kit is excellent, but I feel the cockpit, especially the seats, are overscale. The Neomega cockpit set was used - The one I Had was intended for the old Airfix kit... Anyway, enough of the waffle...This is XV342, tail code 'Tango', when flying for 16 Squadron, RAFG Laarbruch, circa 1981...

Very interesting…Only model from photos so who knows…😊

Finally finished the 892 build...This is the 1/48 Hasegawa Phantom FG.1 in the markings of 892 NAS, circa 1978. This particular aircraft, XT859, had participated in the record breaking trans Atlantic race in 1969. Used MRP paints throughout, weathered using oils, decals came from many sources - the side and wing codes were sprayed on. The crew access ladder came from Flightpath, seats were from Aires, cockpit details and chocks were scratchbuilt - plastic card., wire...

This maybe of interest... https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/FHP48119?result-token=nq0QY

Hi Pat, can’t see the photo...Lots of variables concerning Dark Sea Grey. One, like you’ve pointed out, is how it’s affected by light. Weathering, wear and tear...Another one is the film/developing/photoshop stage. Another factor could be where the aircraft were sprayed after deep maintenance - Sea Harrier, and for that matter the Harrier in general went to St Athan for deep maintenance and finishing. The initial FRADU Hunters post ‘82 were sent to Hurn - Lovaux for refurbishment... All I know is that GA.11s were painted the same as the Sea Harrier fleet post Falklands in overall Dark Sea Grey. A good comparison would be to find a photo showing a Hunter T.8M in the EDSG and White scheme alongside a Hunter in the later DG...

Hi Pat, can’t see the photo...Lots of variables concerning Dark Sea Grey. One, like you’ve pointed out, is how it’s affected by light. Weathering, wear and tear...Another one is the film/developing/photoshop stage. Another factor could be where the aircraft were sprayed after deep maintenance - Sea Harrier, and for that matter the Harrier in general went to St Athan for deep maintenance and finishing. The initial FRADU Hunters post ‘82 were sent to Hurn - Lovaux for refurbishment... All I know is that GA.11s were painted the same as the Sea Harrier fleet post Falklands in overall Dark Sea Grey. A good comparison would be to find a photo showing a Hunter T.8M in the EDSG and White scheme alongside a Hunter in the later DG...

If I remember it’s Chris Roy - ex 801...

Thank you for taking the time to send this. That’s sorted the initials for the pilot seen on XT859 during this period. Regards Andrew

Thank you, found a photo of XT859 last evening showing the pilots name as Flt Lt Lotinga...along with the FO Lister Tomlinson as the Observer - the jet wore the later nose marking (892 badge instead of the Jubilee 77 markings). Great to have the LAMs name. Could I be cheeky and ask you if you have any more photos of XT859 - same period. regards Andrew

Can anyone help regarding the pilot and observer crew names carried on the above 892 NAS Phantom FG.1 circa 1977/78?

You’re probably right, here’s a couple of photos showing 31 squadron helmet markings...

Look like 31 Squadron checks on the helmets...

Jumping from one kit to another at the moment but here’s my latest, 1/48 Kinetic Harrier GR.3. The kit is going together pretty well although some of the surface detail requires some attention.

Be careful, the kit contains both FRS.1 and the later FA.2 wings and their associated wing fences - see above photo of PE set. If I remember, the FRS.1 instructions incorrectly show the fitting of the FA.2 wing...They also show the fitting of AIM-120 missiles - the FRS.1 couldn’t carry these.