TEZ

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.

The earlier editions also had incorrectly positioned upper auxiliary doors...

The radio call sign for the CRC at Scampton has recently changed from Black Dog to Crow Bar...

Lovely build of a version not often seen built up. Much prefer it to the ‘IIIE in terms of looks. Not an issue for It’s envisaged operator, the IDF, just how effective it would have been in typical European weather conditions...

Thank you, yes it is.

Thanks very much. The covers were made from plastic card.

Here’s my latest build - MRP paints used throughout, weathered with oils and black basing. Decals in the main are from Airdoc, although the kit sheets provided some minor details. Seats, Intake blanks, RBF tags and ladder were aftermarket. Sidewinder acquisition round was made up from plastic rod. SUU-23 gun pod came from one of the Hasegawa weapons sets.

If I remember correctly 230 tanks were fitted to those aircraft being dispersed to the ‘states and elsewhere around the globe. Various photos include dark green and LAG tanks - left over from RAF stocks. As the aircraft were not going to be conducting ‘high’ g manoeuvres the struts were not necessary. Hence, when the T.8Ms carried the 230 tanks struts were implemented. Went to a presentation by Brian Grant ‘Mr Hunter’ which amongst other things covered the ferrying of GA.11 XE707 and T.8 XF289 across the Atlantic... https://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/hunter/survivor.php?id=323

Finished, just the one photo as this will be featured in a future article of Airfix Model World.

Some of the early serial GA.11s were pre- Mod 228 - could only carry two 100 gallon tanks on the inboard pylons. Most, if not all FRADU aircraft with the 83* series of nose codes were pre-Mod 228. regards Andrew

No, it was this site, www.blackburn-buccaneer.co.uk

Do you have a particular airframe in mind?