Steve 1602

As the title says, I’m trying to track down a Charles E Brown print of a Soitfire XII - although I’ve found some examples on the internet, I’ve not located anything at a resolution good enough to be printed at a reasonable size for display. I took a look at the RAF museum and IWM sites and failed to locate it - grateful if anyone has a steer on where a good quality photographic print could be purchased? I think it’s one of the best images of a Spitfire and I’m surprised that I haven’t had any luck in my hunt so far. Steve

Nice start James! Steve

A small update - I’ve settled on the shark mouth scheme of Oblt Hans-Joachim Jabs, CO of 6/ZG76 in Sept 1940. Jabs was the highest scoring Bf110 ace in the Battle of Britain apparently, with 12 victories to add to the 7 he achieved in the Battle of France. I know this is a regularly modelled machine, but I can see why! I’m away for most of this week so won’t get much started, but I thought I’d offer some images of this boxing - it’s a rich seam of PE, resin and masks! I’m looking forwards to getting underway. Steve

I’ve recently acquired the 1/48 Arma Hurricane IIc Trop, so would be keen to join the list for this one!

We may need a bigger boat…. Thanks James - I’ve not built one of these before so it will be fun to give it a go! Thanks James - it looks quite striking and I think it’s a toss up between that and a white nosed machine

My first Group Build in an age and my first kit for a couple of years! I had a change in personal circumstances with an amicable separation, now in the final stages of divorce. This hampered my ability to build anything at all, but my domestic arrangements have now settled enough to let me get back on the plastic horse! I thinned out a lot of my stash, but kept some that I really wanted to get built, including the 1/48 Eduard Adlertag boxing of the Bf110. I’m not settled on which version I’m going to build yet, but there’s a sharks mouth that’s drawing my eye at the moment! Steve

I’ll hop on the twins bandwagon if I may. I’ve not been able to build anything for a couple of years following separation but my domestic circumstances are now more settled and should allow me to get building once again. I’ve held onto a number of kits in a reduced stash, so will be jumping in with an Eduard Bf110 from the 1/48 Adlertag boxing 😀

And also this image of VT368 - accepting that this is whilst in RAN service, may help you make an assumption/ guess on Spinner colour http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/index.php?/category/firefly-vt368#&ui-state=dialog

Hi Dave - found this regarding VT369. Appears that she wore 211/O and 211/R at stages. Source is http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/242617 Fairey Firefly FR.5 VT369: Delivered 29/1/48 the FAA RN (Fleet Air Arm Royal Navy) at RNAS Culham RDU. First issued for service 17/7/48 to 812 Squadron FAA RN at HMS Gannet, RNAS Eglinton, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland (coded "211/O", later "211/R"). Substantially damaged 13/10/48 when crashed on landing on board HMS Ocean. Between 12/9/49 and January 1950 with Fairey Aviation for repairs, and to fit power folding wings. Returned to FAA RN charge in July 1950 to HMS Sanderling, RANS Abbotsinch AHU for short term storage. On 31/8/50 Written off (damaged beyond repair). While on loan to 817 Squadron, RAN (Royal Australian Navy) at HMS Vulture, RNAS St Merryn, Padstow, Cornwall, VT369 made fast landing – tail down – during DLP (Deck Landing Practice) on board HMAS Sydney in Lyme Bay, Dorset. Aircraft bounced, lost undercarriage on No 3 barrier and trickled over bow. Pilot - Lieutenant J.L. Manna RAN - survived OK. Struck Off Charge 26/9/50 but wreckage presumably recovered because became Class II Ground Instructional airframe at HMS Sanderling, RNAS Abbotsinch, Glasgow .From August 1954 to June 1957 it performed a similar duty at RNEC (Royal Naval Engineering College) at Manadon, Plymouth, Devon. The Griffon engine of VT369 was recovered many years later and is held by local aircraft group.

I picked up mine from my LHS yesterday. It’s a thing of joy! I’m not sure when I will get to build it or if I’ll do it justice but it really looks fantastic

👍My Sea Fury will, but my Tempest and Typhoon may struggle!

So….. as the bun fight is drawing to a close, has everyone who wanted the Tornado/ Typhoon/ Tempest line put a vote in for Sopwith and descendants? 9 or 10 votes would push that above the line and into the final punch-up, and as Hawker fits within that theme, Robert is your mother’s brother….

Looking at the direction of the poll so far, I’m not optimistic this GB will make it 😞 It looks like there’ll be opportunities to build Sea Furies under one of the Naval themed GBs that’s going through. If meteorology or Sopwith make it through it would give some opportunity for other refugees from the Hawker bloodline to get built. I think tactical voting time has arrived!

Yep voted and a bit surprised at where it’s sitting 😞

That’s a great finish - I really like the subtle variations in the scheme Steve