[Recommendation for 1st WW1 build]

Airfix Roland C11.  Nice looking aeroplane.  Little in the way of rigging.  Nice crew figures.  Some interesting paint schemes - easy to build..

[Best or worst live gigs you have been to.]

Best -

U2 Dublin (about 5 times)

Madness - Dublin twice.

Genesis (Last night Invisible Touch Tour)

Phil Collins - Lansdowne Road. Supported by Blondie & Mike & the Mechanics

Aslan in the local pub..

Neil Diamond, Point Depot Dublin

Jools Holland 

 

 

Worst -

Bon Jovi, Croke Pork.  So bad we left early.

Paul Young (supporting Genesis) voice shot couldn’t hold a note.

 

[*** FINISHED *** Another B-25 Mitchell - 1/32 Hong Kong Models]

Fabulous work.  I love the finish.  

 

From the perspective of a tail sitter, I think I would be setting the model onto a base of some description.  Something like an infographic base or a diorama base.  Nose wheel can be fastened down either temporarily or permanently depending on your requirements (also makes the model easier to move, holding onto the base not the model).

example of something I am working on:-

 

[Have the colors and codes ever been determined for only Blackburn Roc to get a confirmed shoot down?]

I would assume S1E for the scheme but I am no expert.

 

I don’t know the markings but I am going to call @iang and @EwenS as people who might be able to help.

[Fairey Fulmar I, Trumpeter, 1/48]

My understanding is that demarcation changed through the period of aircraft production, so you need to know the serial of the aircraft to know which demarcation.  A good reference is this book..

 

https://www.dubraybooks.ie/product/fleet-air-arm-camouflage-and-markings-9781905414086
 

@iang is the author.  @EwenS also has a wealth of knowledge on the subject..

Below are some of my examples.  It just so happens 

S1E. High demarcation straight.

S1E.  High demarcation with step (in front of tailplane).

 

TSS Sky under surfaces.  Low demarcation.

 

Hope this helps..

 

[Fairey Fulmar I, Trumpeter, 1/48]

10 hours ago, Stephen Allen said:

So, while I am prepping the Fulmar for painting, I thought I would start thinking about the colour scheme and markings to be carried by the aircraft. I have the Xtradecals sheet which provides markings circa October 1940 for ‘7L’ of 808 Squadron, suggested to be N1868 by several sources (which could simply be a case of circular reporting of one supposition). With the likely removal of the actual code letters to depict a land-based aircraft earlier in the year, this would suit my intention of depicting a Battle of Britain era Fulmar operating under the control of Fighter Command. This aircraft also appears to have a quite interesting colour scheme, showing S.1.E modified with the addition of a Sky underside. It’s a frequently modelled and profiled aircraft; hardly surprising as photos of operational Fulmars from this period, at least in the public domain, are not plentiful.

 

At this point though, my thoughts about the finish of the aircraft run into the more general question of ‘what shade of sky?’, would or could have been applied to a Fighter aircraft in service in 1940, in the period prior to the supply of manufactured Sky paint to manufacturers, units and maintenance units. Paul Lucas has suggested, in SAM Vol 45 Issue 6, that RAF Sky Blue might have been available to and used on the aircraft of a home-based FAA Fighter Squadron, and that the very light tone of this would fit what we see in b&w in contrast to the remnant Sky Grey, which appears a tad darker. He has also pointed out that any misunderstanding over what Duck Egg Blue/Sky/Sky Blue meant was likely to be equally so in RAF and FAA units. Nothing I read suggests when the aircraft (or any others in 808 Squadron) was painted, adding a further layer of uncertainty.

 

The alternative of course would be a more true to description Sky shade - whatever that might have been before tins of the real McCoy turned up. I am the first to admit that the likelihoods and possibilities of what might have occurred, within the FAA, at that period, are beyond my knowledge, but I would like to put the question out there in case there is more research I am not aware of. In the end it’s my choice of course.

 

On a more practical level I have two questions which someone might know the answers to. The first is whether the demarcation line between the Sky Grey and upper surface camouflage on the wing/fuselage junction follows the lower line of the wing fillet(I think so) or is otherwise, and whether a black non-slip walkway was used on the left side only of the early Fulmars, both sides, or not at all.

Demarcation - oh the can of worms you are opening.  High, high with a step, high with a curve, low….

 

best bet is talk to @iang …. That’s where I go…

[RAF Pilots in Tropical Uniforms (48080) 1:48]

I have been looking for 1/48 British Pacific Fleet aircrew for some time.  
 

Many flew in American style flight suits with British Mae West and Parachute harness.  I think there is room for adaption of some of these figures to match the profile.  Shorts and sandals would make it even easier.  Does anyone know the availability of 1/48 heads?

[Fairey Fulmar I, Trumpeter, 1/48]

Great work Stephen.

 

Overall would you rate this kit better or worse than the SH offering?

 

[1/48 Seafire III - Best Option?]

Zoom in to see what might be the slinging point (for want of a better name) at the rear of the cowling..

 

SEAFIRES ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER HMS FURIOUS AT SEA. AUGUST 1944.. © IWM (A 25075) IWM Non Commercial License
 

 

[You used to ride on a chrome horse - Eduard 1/48 FM-2 Wildcat.]

Belay that - no windows in 5he MkVI…

[You used to ride on a chrome horse - Eduard 1/48 FM-2 Wildcat.]

Alistair,

 

Lovely work on your Wildcat. Love the way the office is turning out.

Not sure about the MkVI but on the MkV there was a fuel tank under the pilot seat that stops you from seeing through the lower fuselage windows and out the other side.  In fact I’m not even sure the MkVI had the windows but just in case - check it out..

 

[To the Few... September1939 to November 1940 - 1 Sep to 3 Dec 2024]

Only just saw this GB.  No idea how it escaped my attention.  I would like to join if I may?

 

Not sure what to build yet, I need to go through the 57 or so Fleet Air Arm pilots who won the BoB clasp and see if I can identify specific aircraft involved.  I previously have built aircraft for, SLt Paul, SLt Jeram, SLt Gardner, SLt Cork, SLt Blake (Airfix Spifire & Hurricane in 1/48) so plenty of choices.  Would like to have a crack at the Eduard Spitfire Ia, or Arma Hurricane I in 1/48 might also build another Fulmar, or if really pushed a Sea Gladiator.

 

 

Or just maybe a Brendan Finucane Spitfire…….

[Sparviero]

Great finishing - well done..

[1/48 P-51D, 'Old Crow', 363rd FS, 1944. Update 22/04.]

If I recall invasion stripes were 18” wide.

 

(18x25.4)/48 =9.5 mm.

[Real Bacon Sandwich]

Surely the best condiment for the bacon buttie is more bacon….

[Fairey Fulmar I, Trumpeter, 1/48]

12 hours ago, Stephen Allen said:

I’d love a better set of wheels too - do you know whether wheels for another aircraft - A Firefly for example - might substitute for the kit wheels? And any thoughts about exhausts? With the major issues cracked I’m looking forward to the painty - finishy bits of the build!

 

cheers

 

Steve

 

Tyres look unthreaded not sure about the hubs though.

 

Exhaust look round not fishtail in this example.  Same type as Hurricane maybe?

 

THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. © IWM (A 6955) IWM Non Commercial License

[Looking for a 1/24 standing FAA pilot figure]

The pilots of 5NFW seem to have worn American style flight suits with an extra pocket stitched to the lower leg and Mae West over the top.

 

You could probably adapt this figure quite easily (or at least that’s what I am going to do in 1/48)..

 

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/AIMS24F001

 

 

 

 

[1:72 Fairey Barracuda Mk.II *FINISHED*]

Looking good there Roger.  An aircraft only a Mother could love.

 

Barracudas dropping SAP bombs operationally are, I believe, far more common than dropping torpedoes operationally…

 

[Fairey Fulmar I, Trumpeter, 1/48]

Great job there Stephen.  If it is any consolation I had the same issue when trying to flex the canopy of the SH Fulmar.. 

 

So many of these problems would be solved by a vac formed canopy set..

[Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc 1/48 Arma Hobby]

I have the 1/48 Hurricane IIb that I will be converting to a Sea Hurricane IIb by adding a spare Airfix Sea Hurricane keel and arrester gear.  I have built a Sea Hurricane IIb before, a conversion of the Hasegawa kit but, this one looks like it may be a little easier.  The Airfix keel looks like it should be a good fit..

[1:72 Fairey Barracuda Mk.II *FINISHED*]

Roger - Neglecting the Air Branch, shame on you!!.  Well at least you are back and with a Barracuda too.  
 

My Dad was training to service Barracudas (Seafires, Corsairs) in ‘45 as part of a Mobile Naval Air Base (MONAB) to support Operation Olympic, he really didn’t like them.  Being small he was expected to remove the oil filters and crawl in under the engine as it was quicker than removing the lower cowlings..

 

Anyway, if you don’t mind, and I know it’s early but, can I take up a seat at the bar here and follow your build?  I have the 1/48 version in the stash any info will be useful.  
 

BTW origami or no origami?
 

 

[1/72 Dallachy Beaufighter TF.X - Finished]

Lovely job there Chris.  Great finish..

 

[Bristol Beaufighter MkVI V8881 FK*L]

1 hour ago, bigbadbadge said:

Ooooooo yes, it must be very impressive with the in flight pose , it does look awesome.   Brutish Beau shape snd style.

Chris

 

Here you go Chris, longer shot showing the base (and the fact I haven't built the battery box under the base yet)..

 

 

 

[Bristol Beaufighter MkVI V8881 FK*L]

Thank you to @jean, @bigbadbadge and @georgeusa for your kind words.  
 

As I say, it was a quick (for me) build.  It is a bit rough and ready but I guess not too bad.  The camouflage was sprayed freehand thus the soft edges which are probably too soft.  I’ll add a photo of the aircraft on its base for Chris as I have a bit of a house style going on.
 

I am going to start a 1/72 Costal Command Liberator GRV next.  Again an inflight model, again I am planning to motorise.  This time, mainly out of the box…

[Bristol Beaufighter MkVI V8881 FK*L]

My first finish of the year.  Just a quick simple OOB build to get my mojo back.

 

I decided to do a wheels up model from the start, problem was I could not get a propellor effect I was happy with.  Late in the day I retrospectively decided the best way to represent a spinning propellor is with a spinning propellor and motorised the model using a couple of old quadcopter drone motors powered by a 1,5v battery.  Unfortunately because the wiring was not planned in from the start, it is a little untidy but I hope this does not detract too much.

 

The aircraft represents Beaufighter MkVI V8881 FK*L of 219 Sqn RAF.  On the night of 6th Sept '43 the aircraft was flown by Wing Commander Archie Boyd with Fl Alex Glegg as Navigator intercepted and shot down a He111.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Model is the Tamiya 1/48 Bristol Beaufighter MkVI.
• The aircraft is painted using Colourcoats enamels.
• Markings are a mixture of box, generic and hand cut masks and painted

 

Thanks for stopping by..