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Latest build from me depicting the loss of Panavia Tornado GR.1 ZD791 on the very first day of the Gulf War, January 17th 1991. Crewed by John Peters and John Nichol, their Tornado was hit by both a surface to air missile as well as taking hits from 23mm flak. Both survived the ejection and were taken prisoner and were released at the end of hostilities. This is a 1/32 scale Revell kit, the aircrew being aftermarket items. Not a perfect build and certainly some artistic licence was used, hopefully this depicts a well known incident from the first day of the Gulf War. Last picture is a link to Flickr showing a video of the flickering lights representing flames. Not sure it really works, but it was the first time, so very much a learning curve.

With a majority of the recent ZE360 updates focusing on the external work to remove the engines and fuselage from the wings ready for relocation, you may not be aware that there is also other restoration work going on behind the scenes which isn't so obvious. One such project is being handled by BPAG member and Ex 74 Tiger Paul West who has been busy assessing and working on a hoard of cockpit instrument components which require restoration. The three selected photos in this post will give you an idea of the challenges faced. The main picture above shows the Hydraulic System Pressure Gauge that is situated in the front cockpit. The second picture below shows the Generator Master Caution Panel also situated in the front cockpit. The third picture below is the Main Navigation Computer Control situated in the rear cockpit. Further updates of the work carried out will be released in due course and the team extends its thanks to Paul for his work and dedication to the restoration effort. Projects like this are never easy without the generosity of enthusiasts and therefore if you have any Phantom gauges or instruments you feel would benefit the project and you would like to donate, please contact the British Phantom Aviation Group via email - [email protected] For more photos, descriptions and history for all things ZE360, head over to the BPAG Facebook page or the restoration blog on the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association website. (Links below) https://www.facebook.com/groups/bf4pag http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ Photos – Paul West

The weekend of the 10th and 11th October saw the BPAG team back at Manston with ZE360. The current Covid-19 restrictions, coupled with the fact that the dismantling process is concentrated on a few small areas, meant that there could only be limited team numbers onsite. However this did not stop a very successful couple of days with good progress being made in vital areas. Fuel lines, drain lines and wiring from inside Door 22 were stripped out as well as Door 22 itself removed due to the fact it overlaps the leading edge of the lower wing skin. Station 4`s missile well was also stripped out to give access to the structural connections. Various hydraulic lines and components were also cleared from above Stations 4 and 6 to facilitate access and removal of the leading edge BLC ducts. The emergency nitrogen bottle was finally removed after dismantling further structure for access. The rear cockpit upper instrument panel was also removed and both intakes cleared of debris. Among the debris, a broken off probe from the nose of the aircraft was found which will be repaired and refitted. A missing cover plate from the nose gear bay was also found. Finally, some structure was removed inside doors 75, (left & right), that join across the wing & fuselage. For more photos, descriptions and history for all things ZE360, head over to the BPAG Facebook page or the restoration blog on the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association website. (Links below) https://www.facebook.com/groups/bf4pag http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ Credits Words – Paul Wright Photos - Tony Clay and Steve Pope

The new social distancing rules and cold weather forecast meant that activity at Manston on the 26th and 27th September had to be downscaled. With just a small group present, any milestone moments or herculean efforts were unlikely, but some good headway was still made on vital smaller tasks. Saturday saw further progress on engine disconnection, also pipework removed for access to LH wing root and RH inboard leading edge was finally lowered (without cutting) before increasingly poor weather called a stop to proceedings at 14:00. Work persevered with undoing the electrical plugs on the engine harness on Sunday. What would have been a minute’s work when in service ended up taking around 5 hours. The RH inboard fixed leading edge removal was made up to withdrawal of the hinge pins, at which time our old friend corrosion took control and the pins refused to move. They’re currently soaking in penetrating oil, ready for next working party. More photo`s of the weekends work and information on the ZE360 restoration can be found on either the BPAG Facebook page or the restoration blog on the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association website. Text and main Photo - Paul Wright (BPAG) Supporting Photos - Steve Pope (BPAG)

The weekend of 12th and 13th September saw BPAG volunteers head back to Manston and Phantom F-4J(UK) ZE360 making further progress with stripping out systems and components inside D22. There's still a long way to go there. The front cockpit was also relieved of many of its remaining parts, including the main panel and some instruments. The latter have gone off site to be refurbished by Paul West, in his own time. Elsewhere, both full sets of engine doors are now lowered and engine disconnection has started. Both sets of lateral control runs and a plethora of hydraulic lines and electrical looms have been removed, along with the left hand leading edge BLC duct. Access was also gained to the trailing edge flap actuators and these are scheduled to be removed at the next visit. As ever, it was an ongoing battle with the corrosion and lack of servicing, meaning that even simple panel removal takes much longer than it would normally. More photo`s of the weekends work and information on the ZE360 restoration can be found on either the BPAG Facebook page or the restoration blog on the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association website.

The British Phantom Aviation Groups volunteer team were back at Manston on the Bank Holiday weekend of the 29th/31st August with the principle task being the removal of the centreline tank. When installed the tank prevents both the opening of the engine bays and any work progressing along the centre of the lower wing. Despite having been untouched for decades, the tank released as it was designed to after some great advice and clear instruction from a BPAG supporter who used to be an ex-armourer. With the tank out of the way, the team now had clear access to the engine bays doors. Whilst this was ongoing, other team members removed the remaining speedbrake. Sadly, the corroded bolts would not give in, so the decision was made to cut way the brake from the aircraft. As with all restorations, such decisions are not taken lightly, but may be necessary to move the project along. Any such parts can and will be replaced further down the line. Preparation work continued inside Door 22, where many of the components will have to be removed to gain access to the wingtank/front fuselage joints and disconnection of the inboard undercarriage doors was started. Highlight of the day was opening the rear most engine doors for the first time in 3 decades. Elsewhere, the inboard leading edge occupied a lot of time and effort, corrosion having made bolt removal impossible and attempting to drill out ¼" thick bolts to a depth of up to 1" was not proving successful. Once again the decision was made to cut away the structure holding it up as it was already beyond saving owing to corrosion. With the leading edge still refusing to drop down, further investigation and searching revealed a hidden bolt, one which is not present on British Phantom F-4K/M`s, and once removed (by drilling out, naturally) the leading edge was finally lowered down. Attention then turned to the engine doors, and despite further corrosion related problems, both Aero 27A missile launchers were removed from the underside of the aircraft, which will allow the main engine doors to be lowered on a subsequent visit. As always, many thanks to the BPAG volunteer team for their hard work and staff at DFTDC Manston for their continued assistance. For more photos, descriptions and history for all things ZE360, head over to the BPAG Facebook page or the restoration blog on the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association website. (Links below) https://www.facebook.com/groups/bf4pag http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ Credits Photos - Nigel Hodgson Words – Paul Wright

Thank you for the feedback chaps and Jamie, I`ll certainly pass on your offer to the team. Now ........, moving pictures time .........

On Saturday 15th August, ZE360 was towed away from an area of waste ground, where it has sat since 2015, and back onto hardstanding elsewhere within the facility. For photos and video of the event as well as a more detailed description of what went on, head over to the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association website by clicking the link below. http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-blog/

Another small yet significant event that occurred during the ZE360 working weekend a week or so ago at Manston, was the handover of the two flying helmets to the British Phantom Aviation Group. These were obtained and refurbished by Paul West with the assistance of Richard Proctor and are dedicated to the memory of Flt Lt Ewan Murdoch and Fg Off Jeremy Ogg who tragically lost their lives in the only flying accident involving the Phantom F-4J(UK) in 1987. They have been donated to the Group and after a suitable cabinet has been obtained, will be ready for display when events and gatherings are permitted once again. Many thanks to Paul and Richard for their hard work and generosity. (Photo`s courtesy of Nigel Hodgson)

Latest build from the bench simply titled `Battle Flight` featuring the British Phantom Aviation Groups airframe XV490 during her time in 92 Sqn in RAFG. 1/48 Revell kit with AM decals and blurred base by Coastal Kits. Thanks for looking.

The bright and sunny weekend of August 1st and 2nd saw the largest BPAG working party assembled so far recommencing work on Phantom F-4J(UK) ZE360. On arrival the group was pleasantly surprised to discover that the RAF team from Manston had removed the remnants of an English Electric Canberra which had previously been resting behind ZE360. They had also cut all the long grass from around ZE360 saving the team a number of hours of work on the Saturday. The main aims for the weekend were the removal of both outer wings, the fuselage tailcone, replacing the deflated RH mainwheel and progressing access to the internal structure, which needs to be removed to separate wing and fuselage. One of the major challenges of the project is the fact that the aircraft has stood outside, fairly close to the sea, for nearly three decades which is actually longer than the aircraft served in both RAF and United States Navy. Almost every single part shows some form of corrosion with stuck- fasteners, panels, connections and hinges being the most obvious and problematic. For example, it took a couple of hours of concerted effort to remove the RH outer wing as it involved lowering the leading edge flap to gain access and removing the hinge pin. Thankfully the Ulster Aviation Society had loaned the team a hinge pin puller which made a task easier. The process was also complicated by the fact you can't get hydraulic pressure to lower the flap. The LH outer wing did however came off relatively easier than the RH outer wing despite the corrosion on the hinge pin. With the removal of both outer wings, a major milestone has been achieved by the team with regards to the relocation part of the project. Panel removal is always a tedious, unloved but vital task undertaken by the volunteers and is made exceptionally difficult owing to the aforementioned corrosion issues. It`s estimated that around 75% of all the screws removed so far have had to be drilled out. In some instances, it has been far easier to cut the panels away as the corrosion to both panel and screws has been that bad. Underneath the aircraft, the team continued panel removals and stripped out a bay containing one of the hydraulic reservoirs and subsequently removed the reservoir itself. A lengthy process of jacking the aircraft up again had the RH side raised enough to lift the landing gear out of the hole to allow the successful replacement of the deflated wheel. Transportation restrictions on the airframe when the time comes means that the stabilator has to be removed, a process which firstly requires removal of the tailcone. Once again, many screws had to be drilled out, some in the most inaccessible positions, but a combination of stoicism and some professional head scratching eventually saw the tailcone removed and placed on the floor. Sunday saw the group visited on site by two of the remaining RAF personnel from Manston. This included the base commander himself as he is taking a personal interest in the project and reiterated his continued support and encouragement. As always, thanks go out to all the staff from Manston for their help and assistance on this restoration project. Also a big thank you and job well done to the volunteers, their hard work over the weekend is much appreciated - Max Archer, Peter Partridge, Alex Pinnell, Mark Coleman, Nigel Hodgson, Stuart Forth, Paul West, Pete Moore, Clive Hammond, Paul Wright, Nathan Garrard, Matt Gilby, Stephen Cawley, Gary Fisher, John Kendal and Steven Pope. (With thanks to BPAG Chairman Paul Wright for supplying the update information) For more information and photos on this project, you can visit the BPAG Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/bf4pag/?ref=bookmarks Or visit the 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association website for the restoration blog and more photo`s of ZE360 and operational history - http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ (Photos courtesy of Nigel Hodgson)

Thank you Probably one of my very first aviation fiction books I read. Also have the film on CD. In some ways, better than Top Gun in my opinion. Thank you yep, saw that, wish I could replicate that and then `inflight` it 🙂

Thank you. It`s an 8mm rod, I tend to buy the 50 or 60cm length rod which probably saves me a few quid.

1/48 scale Revell Intruder kit has been sitting in the stash forever, so thought it was time to do something about it. While the A-6 could be fitted with the Sidewinder missile for self defence, I`ve no idea it it ever flew in this configuration but it made the build a little more interesting. VA-85, circa 1986, USS Saratoga. Thanks for looking.

After 4 frustrating months away, a sunny Saturday 11th June finally saw the return of the British Phantom Aviation Group to Manston and F-4J(UK), ZE360. The nature of the work needed, added to the short notice of access permission, meant that only two members were onsite. Clive Hammond and Paul Wright. Paul reports, We had several tasks lined up, the principal one being to change the nosewheels, the existing ones have been fitted for the last 28 years and are past their best to say the least. This job would have taken around ½ hr "back in the day", but owing to the bearings being corroded onto the axles, it took the best part of four hours, and some "creative" heavy engineering to do. The next priority task was to assess what else we needed to do before towing the aircraft out of its current position. The grass will need cutting, it has grown considerably since we were last here, and the remnants of a Canberra are in the way, but easily moved. Both speedbrakes will have to lifted up otherwise towing bridle will impact them. The LH one was moved quite easily, but the RH one is currently seized, and an attack of bees stopped any further work there. The plan to pull the aircraft back using heavy duty strops was assessed and found to be sound. This is very similar the procedure we used in the RAF, when aircraft came off the runway or taxiway. A final task would have been to remove the CL tank, but as it is currently resting on the ground, this will have to be done once the a/c is out of the holes into which it has sunk. This tank is the property of UAS and will be going to Belfast at their convenience. One final curveball was thrown at us, when it was discovered that the R.H mainwheel has deflated during the time we have been away. Fortunately we have another one ready to go on as a replacement. More news soon .............

Further to the update of 9th June, the refurbishment of the two ex-74 Sqn flight helmets is now complete. Paul West (BPAG volunteer and former 74 Sqn Air Radar) and fellow `Tiger` Richard Proctor sourced these two examples from unused old stock. They have been carefully restored with genuine components and are now mounted, ready for display alongside ZE360 when the time comes. Each one is complete with mask, bag and name tag paying tribute to Flight Lieutenant Ewan Murdoch and Flying Officer Jeremy Ogg, who were both tragically lost in an accident involving ZE358 during a low level interception training sortie near Aberystwyth, West Wales on 25th August 1987. Many thanks to Paul and Richard for their generosity and hard work in preparing this tribute.

While many on the BPAG team are dealing with upcoming technical, logistical and marketing issues of the Phantom F-4J(UK) ZE360 project, I`ve been spending a lot of my time researching the aircraft`s history and accumulating as much information as possible including the 14 years she spent with the United States Navy as `5574`. (This is still very much a work in progress). In reaching out to various USN squadron members, they have supplied some great additional information and have been absolutely fantastic and incredibly helpful as well as appreciative of the projects aims. Looking at the main photo you will see the numbers `5574` on the rear fuselage of the front Phantom which means this is a rare, never been seen before shot of `5574` parked on the `Fly One Spot` when she served with VF-33 on the USS Independence in August 1974. This particular shot is courtesy of David A Peterson who was a RIO with `The Tarsiers` and logged a number of hours in `5574` at that time. The other shots are of `5574` when serving with VF-103 `The Sluggers` from 1975 to 1980. `5574`s number during this time being `206`. Also note the Low Vis markings in the launch photo which were adopted circa 1980. A year or so later and `5574` was in storage at North Island. (These shots are courtesy of the USN). If you have a bit of spare time and want to know more about this particular Phantom`s past including flight logs, images and a few stories from her days in the USN, click on the following links below. http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-history/ http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-photo-section-united-states-navymarines/ Also dont forget to view the 74 Sqn Webstore and consider buying something and help donate towards the Tiger360 project, link below. https://teespring.com/stores/74f-tiger360-webstore

Here you go Graham, photo from the Squadron archives. 74 did use the rockets operationally on a number of ops, as mentioned with limited success.

Next build off the production line has me reverting back to a 74 `Tiger` Squadron in flight diorama in the shape of a Spitfire Mk IX firing a pair of rockets during a ground support mission. Now for the history bit. Another unique claim to fame for 74 is that during it`s time with the 2nd Tactical Air Force in Europe, after D-Day they were the only Spitfire squadron to have their aircraft modified to carry a pair of rocket projectiles, one under each wing. One of the two cannon in each wing was removed to accommodate this modification and a 500lbs bomb could also be carried on the belly hard point. Squadron records show that the pilots did not like using the rockets as they were unpredictable when aimed at a target and tended to short out and launch in flight while the squadron was in formation flying to the combat area! The squadron soon reverted back to using bombs rather then the RP`s. This is the Revell 1/32 kit in the markings of the Tiger`s CO at the time Sqn Leader Hayter. Prop blur is Flickr editing. Thank for looking.

No problem, feel free.

Thank you all for the kind comments, very much appreciated. Thank you, I`ve been doing ejection scene models for a few years now. If you get bored one day, check out my posts in the year build thread, that should highlight a couple.

Latest in-flight diorama of the production line depicting the last Lightning loss in service with the RAF. Flt Lt. Dick Coleman, an RAAF exchange pilot, ejected safely from Lightning F.6 XR769 into the North Sea on 11th April 1988 after an in-flight engine fire. The whole incident was captured in photos by Ian Black and is covered in his book Last of the Lightnings. (Thanks to Ian also for his assistance helping me out with this). Dick was picked up in good order and in good health. For those who love coincidences, it in interesting to note that Lightning F.6 XR769 entered service with 74 `Tiger` Squadron based at Tengah, Singapore and was lost on a day when it was it was carrying out practice intercepts against two Phantom F-4J(UK)s from 74. Ian who was on the sortie and took the aforementioned photos is the son of George Black who flew Lightnings with 74 in the 1960`s. It can be a funny old world. This is an Airfix 1/48 scale kit and built for fun to show a unique moment in time for both the EE Lightning and no doubt for Dick Coleman. Thanks for looking.

While actual physical restoration work on ZE360 has had to be put on hold due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, this has given the team an opportunity to address other aspects of the campaign and make some choices that probably wouldn't have been due until a little further down the road. One such decision was the aircrew names that would adorn the canopy frame of ZE360 once complete and restored. We can now share our plans in this regard, as we have opted for two sets of names- one set placed on each of the right & left sides. Of the 15 F-4J(UK) delivered to 74 (F) Squadron only one aircraft (ZE358/H) was lost, during a low level interception training sortie near Aberystwyth, West Wales on 25th August 1987. Both aircrew- Ewan Murdoch and Jeremy Ogg- were unfortunately killed in the accident. In order to honour the memory of Ewan and Jeremy, their names will be placed on the right side of ZE360`s canopy. With the help of 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association members (and Squadron Secretary Bob Cossey in particular) contact was made with the relatives of the aircrew and the proposal has received their blessing to pay tribute to Ewan and Jeremy in this way. In addition, Paul West (BPAG member and ex-74 Sqn Air Radar) is in the process of restoring two flight helmets, sourced from original 74 Sqn new old stock by fellow ex-Tiger Richard Proctor. These will be complete with masks, bags and embroidered name tags, which will also feature Ewan and Jeremy’s names. Many thanks to Paul & Richard for their hard work and generosity. We believe both these methods will be fitting ways to honour the memories of two airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of their country during the Cold War. Moving onto the left side of ZE360, this will display the names of Ian Hargreaves and Simon Hindmarsh, who delivered the aircraft to Manston in 1991. At that time both held the rank of Flying Officer and it was very rare to have the same rank as aircrew together. The original canopy markings reflect this joint status and will be replicated as a finishing touch at the close of the restoration, adding another unusual detail to the only F-4J(UK) to survive in RAF colours, anywhere in the world. Look out for more updates on the ZE360 restoration project in the coming weeks ahead.

Thank you all for the kind comments.

Took advantage of of the Hobbycraft sale last year and bought the Revell 1/32 scale Phantom F-4G only to discover you can also make an F-4E. (If I`d known that, I would of bought more...). Anyways, always looking to do something away from the norm, I choose an inflight diorama involving a QF-4E. It`s not perfect by any means but I think it captures the look of many QF-4`s that met their fate hight above the missile ranges.