styreno

Troy Smith & Paul Lucas - thank you for your recent postings and suggestions on this topic. I recognize your depth of knowledge in this field, and welcome continuing discussion regarding the possible colour, markings, and configuration of this unique Seafire. However, I am engaged in producing a small scale model of a subject that has been lingering on my priority list for many years. Although accuracy in all aspects is something that informs my modelling, I find that many favourite subjects have been indefinitely delayed due to 'analysis paralysis'. Uncertainty about actual colours, markings, and detail of a particular subject simply creates reason to not proceed with assembly, paint and decals. MB340 has been one such subject - I have had the Aeromaster decals and the 1974 Airfix kit in my stash for far too many years. Asking for input on BM on the precise appearance of the aircraft has been a concluding step in bringing a long-delayed project to fruition. The suggestion by Graham Boak that Sea Blue Gloss was an available in-stock paint contributed to my decision to select that colour. Also, I had that model paint at hand. Absolutely correct? The jury is still out, as evidenced by the most recent two posts. Incidently, the Aeromaster decal sheet features upper and lower wing roundels that are far too large and incorrectly proportioned. Fortunately for my project, I have alternatives that I believe are correct. The photo of MB340 does not show these roundels - I am going on established norms for BEIF Seafires. Was there an arrestor hook and cannon barrels? I don't know - the photo appears to suggest no hook, but it is a rather low resolution image. Cannon barrels? Toss of a coin. So, in order to complete the project, I have made some assumptions on the best available info at the time, accepting that other information will emerge that confirms or discredits my decision. I expect that in a few days, after many years, I'll have a 1/72 blue Seafire with a white lightning flash in my collection, and I'll move on. Time may prove me wrong, and other modellers will make a more accurate representation. Discussion on Britmodeller will have been a decisive factor in determining that level of accuracy. Thanks to all for contributing to this process. KE

Thank you everyone who offered their take on this particular Seafire (MB340). Finding the photo was a big help - verification that the aircraft DID exist in that paint scheme. Yes, there are still some unanswered questions. Colour is not verified, although I'm confident that dark blue (Sea Blue Gloss?) is a good bet. It seems to have standard BEIF markings. Was the arrestor hook removed? Did it have armament (cannon and .303 MGs) fitted? I am proceeding with the dark blue paint scheme, decals by Aeromaster. Photos will be posted in about a week. KE

I wonder if Dark Sea Blue would have been available? Another unsettled detail is the lack of cannon. Illustrations show the barrels being replaced with stubs. The Academy kit instructs one to use the cannon. KE

Seems like this has come up before on BM, without resolution. Using the link posted by brewerjerry in a Firefox browser, I've been able to see a low-res image of the aircraft. Interestingly, it does not seem to have a hook, and the fin flash could be red-white-blue. Colour indeterminate, but very dark. The link with the photo takes one to a site that seems to be out of service. KE

Awaiting paint is my Seafire Ib, converted from an old Airfix Spitfire Vb/Vc. This is the same finish chosen by Admiral and detailed here: There are numerous illustrations of the specific aircraft I am modelling, but I have yet to find a photo of the actual aircraft. This is MB 340, Duncan Hamilton's Seafire at Port Reitz, Kenya in 1944. I have come across a reference, https://imodeler.com/2018/10/1-48-seafire-ib/, that claims that the finish was black, not blue, and that the roundels had light blue centres, not white. Can anyone post a photo of the aircraft in question? Also, any clarification as to the actual colour, blue or black? KE

Or stations of the Cross

This is an appeal for help with a needed part. I'm starting my 1/32 Matchbox Tiger Moth, intending to finish it as a Canadian version with the clear canopy, Unfortunately, the supplied part is disastrously short-shot, making the part unusable. It is part # 92, the mid-section of the canopy. I have approached Revell Germany for the part, but the current kit has dispensed with the ski and float version, and consequently the enclosed canopy. No replacement available from Revell. If anyone has this part superfluous to their needs, I'd gladly pay a reasonable price to obtain it. If you can help, please post here and we'll discuss further by PM. KE

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. Seems that the middle-sized nose in the kit is closest to accurate. I'll proceed and use that. KE

I'm about to start my venerable Matchbox kit PK-129, Meteor NF.14. I recall seeing some discussion regarding the overall length of the model, but do not remember if any resolution was reached. Is the model, as issued, correct, or does it err in some way? Any recommendations as to assembly of the model in an accurate form appreciated. KE

Thank you for the prompt replies, Graham and Troy. The cannon (on the model) can be removed, no problem there. Sturtivant confirms that NF728 was a Mk. IIc. Sadly, I have the red codes on the model, so a decision needs to be made regarding finish. I doubt that I have alternate decals. Always grateful and pleased to obtain responses to the questions I have on this forum. KE

Discovered this thread recently, after starting the Revell Sea Hurricane. My model was intended to be finished (per Revell illustration) as NF728 K1*F, but the comments and photos posted by Troy Smith are giving me pause. It would appear that, despite being a Sea Hurricane IIc , no cannon were fitted. Also, Troy asserts that the fuselage codes were yellow, not red. Were the cannon fairings retained on Mk IIc training aircraft such as this? If not were there any protrusions/stubs present? Could this have been a Mk. IIb aircraft instead? Is there consensus that the codes were not red? I have taken the kit decals and instructions at face value, and referred to the illustration in 'SAM Colours #2 ....Hurricane...'. publication, p.47. Troy Smith asserts that this profile is inaccurate. Please do not take this as argumentative, but more as an attempt at confirmation of the code colours. Also, if there was a photo of a Hurricane IIc without cannon taken from the front, that would assist me immeasurably in my quest for accuracy TIA KE

Looks to me to be the reflection of the yellow undersurface. KE

There's a Hunter T.8 (?) in silver and day-glo XL 563. It seems to have a large nose probe - pitot? instrumentation? Any idea what's the purpose of that configuration? TIA

I believe that the films were dated 1944. Serial numbers are indistinct. Thanks

I've noticed that on many FAA Corsairs in EIF markings that the entire cowl flaps, including the top ones, are operable. These aircraft lack the blanking plate fitted to prevent oil leaks and smearing on the windscreen. This can be seen on the following videos: https://youtu.be/KM1PvJwQmcE https://youtu.be/-XKdaKadgNg Does anyone know if this was a field unit-level modification, or only done at MU level? It is not lacking on BPF Corsairs (that I have seen).

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. The photos are especially useful SafetyDad........however, I think they depict the Jumo-engined version (Ju 188A), whilst the Matchbox kit has the BMW engines (Ju 188E). I'm looking at the cowl flaps and exhaust. That aside, I'm inclined to agree, on your choice of colours - with the exception of the underside. To my eyes, I don't see black.

About to start this kit as a quick 😀 build. Not sure about the colours as shown on the box top and the colour guide on the back - printing variation has probably shifted the colour balance. Would anyone care to hazard a guess ( or definitive answer) as to the original colours used on the aircraft. Lacking authoritative references, I would be inclined to use RLM 76 Lichtblau on the undersurface. The uppersurface? Grey and green? Light blue and grey? The instructions indicate Humbrol 91 '"Black Green" and Humbrol 87 " Steel Grey".

Orso: I used the Heller kit as it was in my stash 😊 I've robbed an Airfix kit of the spats. This is a project that started life as a Ju 52 bomber, but stalled for several years as I could not find aftermarket resin to do the ventral gondola (I know, Owl had it included in another set,, but now OOP). I'd still like a Ju 52 bomber in my collection. The cargo door was not a problem. Owl included a resin passenger door (not used) and replacement panel for the starboard freight door. Although the corrugatiions are not a perfect match, they are close, and I can live with them. Scribing the starbord door is a simple job, using the PE template supplied. Heller has given the modeller the option of clear rear windows, or clear pieces with corrugations and a clear circular centre. I think a small amount of thinned putty and paint will work well here. KE

Thanks for replying, Artie and Orso. I'm leaning towards a dull silver-grey as a compromise. KE

Starting to plan the paint for a Ju 52 in SCW period. I have the Owl decals, and am using a 1/72 Heller kit as the basis. I plan on doing 22*101. https://eshop.owl-czech.eu/detail/1-72-ju-52-spanish-transport/ I have not been able to find a photograph of the specific airplane. The Owl instructions seem to indicate RLM 63, but I wonder if L40/52 would be a better match? I've checked the the M. Ullmann book as a reference, without much joy. Any assistance or help much appreciated. KE

Cannot comment further on the Shark colours, but as I have just recently completed this model, I can pass on my observations. My model was a Russian re-pop, with Frog decals (in surprisingly good condition). Flash was pronounced, and required care in removal. After prep, the parts were in fair condition, with the exception of the struts, which tended to be warped (curved). Engine is no more that a flat plate with a some lines on it. I substituted a discarded engine from a Frog/Academy Wildcat (14 cylinder P&W). Assembly went together well, until time to assemble the upper wing and the rest of the airframe. Because it has Warren Truss struts, it is not possible to block the assembly between the wings to provide alignment. Additionally, the struts did not seem to be of the correct length, with indefinite location holes in the wings. Consequently, the final assembly was really inaccurate, with the upper wing exhibiting a negative angle of attack. At this point, quite dismayed, I removed the upper wing. Both upper and lower were dissasembled into inner and outer parts, and reassembled as a folded wing model to hide the wing problem. I have since read on-line of others having this problem, so it may not be exclusively my fault. To avoid repeating my mistake and to assemble in flight mode, I would attempt to start joining the upper wing to the fuselage at the carbane struts, ensuring parallelism of upper and lower wing. It may be necessary to fabricate ALL the struts afresh, as the model parts are a bit dodgy. It results in a rather nice model, despite my problems, and if the wing configuration can be solved, a unique addition to an FAA collection. I, too, would like to find a canopy (plus alternate engine, cowling, prop) to do an RCAF version. Maybe someone will manufacture resin and vac parts in the near future. Good luck with your build. KE

Methinks the writer means 'iconic'. KE

72 Modeller - the Merlins are narrower and less deep in profile than the Hercules. Consequently, on the upper side of the wing, the fairings aft of the in-line installation are smaller in length, height and width by a significant amount. I'm not sure about the underside details. You would need to completely modify the wing/engine fairing shape to get a Mk. II from a Mk. I. I've contemplated doing this conversion, and keep coming back to the High Planes kit as the only sensible route. KE

http://www.cmrmodels.co.uk/cmr72-234/blackburn-b46-firebrand-tf-mkv'mk5.html Go to the bottom of the page, and click on the linked images. There are several drawings that should give you the dimensions. KE

I've built the Scimitar and the Hornet NF . More challenging than conventional injection styrene kits, but highly detailed models that makes effective use of P/E and cast metal parts. As noted, the canopies are the weakest part of the kit. Mine have yellowed, and there are no aftermarket replacements. I would suggest finding alternative decals. As far as accuracy, at the time of issue, they were representative of accepted standards, but some quibbles have since been voiced (see previous comments). I believe the canopy of the Hornets to be the most disputed area. Certainly worth building, but some modelling skill required.