T-21

Scratchbuilds,Conversions and Airfield vehicles and equipment.

Nice build. I sat in the full size XH278 when it was stored in our Air Cadet gliding hangar at RAF Henlow circa 1988-1993.

After many years drawing military vehicles to 1/72 scale Geoff Lacey has retired from drawing due to failing eyesight at 89 years old. I am sure many members have acquired his superb 3D drawings over the years and greatly helped scratch conversions in the modelling world. A big thank you to Geoff and best wishes for the future. No more catalogues are being updated but not sure on ordering from him in the future.

All Oboe equipped Mosquitos of Nos 105 and 109 Squadron had their nose blisters and side windows overpainted as Oboe was very secret . This could explain the cockpit inner shades when the aircraft were parked to stop prying eyes. I have reference that No.162 Squadron when based at Bourn that their aircrew were not allowed any access to the Oboe cockpits of their sister squadron No.105. From studying photographs black finish Oboe Mosquito aircraft had the clear nose radome overpainted in a black finish. The Oboe Mosquitoes in Day finish appear to have the nose overpainted in Ocean grey. This is a subject that needs more research any further info because of its wartime secrecy.

1/72 Vickers Viking, just think of the aftermarket decals, Valetta T.3 and T.4 and 1/72 Vickers Varsity. Update the 1/72 DH Mosquito to two stage Merlins B.XVI and NF.30. 1/48th DH Vampire T.11. 1/72 WOT 1 WW2 fire tender.

A08017A B-17G new decals catalogue shows "Carolina Moon" 43-37907 coded +J 490th BG/851BS, and a silver example coded LN: Y 43-38414,of the 100thBG/ 350BS "Heaven Sent"

8th Air Force Warpaint and Heraldry by Roger Freeman, Arms and Armour 1997 is a very good book for unit markings and National markings.

The Archives Dept of the RAF Museum at Hendon should have airfield plans and maybe photos. TheAirfield Research Group has a good information forum

As Graham mentioned a different radome but also obliquely hinged. Another big difference is the rear end pen nib fairing. It did have vortex generators like the FAW.Mk.5 and the leading edge was kinked . Also had Aden cannons and pitot on left wing only.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/162899-maquette-mq-7212-boeing-307-stratoliner#

There is a Facebook site called 109 Squadron & 582 Squadron Pathfinders. If you scroll back there are photos of 109 Squadron Mossies. Most of them had overpainted noses to hide the Oboe equipment which was top secret .

Checked Martin Streetlys book for internal RAF Liberator colours to no avail. Howe er for night ops I am sure the nose area would be matt black. The flight deck was in a dark green padded quilt material like B-17s. To reduce light reflection the rest of the rear fuselage in interior green. Until somebody else comes up with solid facts this is my own interpretation so do not flame my thoughts. The pilots seats armour plating was removed in 100 Group Libs and the waist gunner positions to reduce weight. In 223 Sqdn the flight engineer wore a US life preserver only as he had to squeeze into the bomb bay to check the Jostle equipment.

Welcome back Steve and thanks for the update and lovely photographs. I had a major house move in January so all my modelling stuff is boxed or stored away. Space is limited but next year intend to resume in earnest. Had a major reduction in books and kits and made £1500. Hope you can get back to the Hawks soon remember Jag is next . kind regards

Belcher Bits do a nice engine set for the 1/48th Tamiya Lancaster.