Radpoe Spitfire

I'd love to see both the Harrow and Sparrow in kit form - the latter was operated from Doncaster in WW2 so falls into my modelling interest. Looking forward to the release dates

Thanks for all the help folks, it appears that silver it is. Regards Adrian

Now all sorted, my mistake as the aircraft serial was indeed wrong - as was the Valiant,I'd misread the info and the aircraft in question is WP211 But if anyone can help with info on the aircraft, please help. Many thanks Adrian

Thanks Julien, I'll check my references, I'm likely to have got it wrong.

Can someone help me on this one please, I understand the majority of 18 sqns Valiants operated from Finningley were Anti Flash white, but I have found reference for one in silver -WZ835 or WZ385. If anyone can confirm this and if the case, we're they natural metal or painted? Many thanks Adrian

Lordy Tom I'm so out of date I've only just seen this and..... still haven't seen the Stirling finished!!!! What I've seen looks amazing

The trouble with the original Mk1 kit markings are that the 616 sqn codes are the wrong shape! The ones in the Mk1 boxing are better, so the prototype may be your best option.

I know we remembered those lost on HMS Hood during the Battle of Denmark Straight, today is that of Bismarck's demise. Most of us probably know the history of its disabling by the Royal Navy's and eventual loss, but despite that over 2000 crew perished with her. Rest in peace those who lost thier lives during the days of 24-27 May 1941. So too those who also died fighting on the Atlantic in 1982. Lest we forget

Just a bit, who'd think nearly 30 years on and you're looking at £17-22k for a restored one - and that includes Hotchkiss Jeeps.

Oh like you I'd love to own one-not bothered if it's Willys or a Ford I missed out back in 1988, I'd just bought a car for work for £2,200ish and three weeks later a friend in the MVT decided to sell his- it was a stunner with both a Jeep siren and Winch fitted. Needless to say, the car dealer wouldn't buy my car back. My friend wanted a quick sale so he and his brother could buy a Daimler Dingo- he was asking £2000 for the Jeep. Gutted or what!!!

I appologise if I am teaching you how to suck eggs, but go for the Tamiya kit, make sure it is the newer tooling - the older one isn't bad, but the new one is better.

To be fair to Gloster's, and given the technology of the day, they did very well. To go from designing and manufacturing the RAF's last biplane fighter onto it's first jet aircraft was a massive achievement. OK so the Meteor airframe was engineering wise closer to a Hawker Typhoon than the Hunter - it still amazes me that air warfare (for the RAF)went from fabric covered biplanes of August 1914 to jets in July in 1944- less than 30 years, when not too long ago we still used a design similar to the Meteor, i.e. Canberra's for around 60 years.

Yet another stunning build of Bismarck. It is gorgeous. I have managed to see the kit, but only in its box- it blew me away to the point I actually got emotional- more so as it reminded me about reading Baron Mulenhiem-Rechburg's Harrowing account of the last moments of those on the ship prior to it sinking. Thank you so much for sharing. If space, time and money allowed me I would love to have this and HMS Hood in my collection.

I don't know your geographic location but South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum has an open Harvard cockpit displaying the internals- might be worth trying them on 01302761616 Regards Adrian

In spite of everything, one success you cannot take away from the Meteor was that it was an export aircraft. The number of countries that operated them was significant.

F/O Dixie Dean was credited with bringing a V11c down with his wingtip after his cannons froze, the wingtip of his Meteor still survives with the scratches it received from the V1. Another pilot from 616 was also credited with shooting down a second V1 on the same day. I believe the total for 616 was 23 V1's shot down before they went to the continent.

Thanks guys for your fast replies, the limited info I have states Aalborg as being the Base- I'd heard of the Aalborg in Denmark due to being where the RDAF operated F51 Hunters- so I wasn't sure if it was wrong or if KG30 operated from there as well as bases in Norway. As for the Ju88 -it is only representative of type. I know of the photo of the the Hunmanby Ju88 which shows the rear cockpit would have had twin gun cupolas as opposed to the single of the A1. Still much to research but thank you for your help so far Regards Adrian

Currently working on a Revellers 1/32 Ju88 A1- but I want to build it as a Norway based Battle of Britain aircraft operating on 15 August 1940. In particular I am after an aircraft involved in the actions off Flamborough Head when 616 sqn claimed several aircraft. I need the colour of the diving Eagle badge and individual code letters please - I understand that the unit 616 engaged was 7/III KG30 based at Aalborg. Any help or pointers very much appreciated. Regards Adtian

That is very, very nice☺☺, boy does it take me back 30 years to my Budge days. He had both the UK and US versions of the M10 - the latter was ( for those old enough to remember) the one used for the film " the boys from Brazil". Thank you for sharing a wonderful model Regards Adrian

I must admit when I first heard the retail price, my thoughts were it's not cheap. Then when I saw the sprues I though WOW!!! - it's a winner! If only the HK models F.4 Meteor had an equal amount of detail

That is one very stunning Meteor there, I must admit I was impressed with the level of detail of the kit from pictures of the sprues. Seeing it built- wow!!! I've plans to build one as a 616 sqn aircraft as time allows, but I'm chuffed you shared your build

That looks very nice, and if I may say quite appealing in the US markings.

Nice to see this kit of a much understated workhorse- eclipsed by the C47,yet in many ways it's equal. I'm not sure, but there may still examples operating in Latin America- where they were used to transport meat. Back to the model- it looks stunning!I wish I'd bought one many years ago, but you have done it justice, well done

Just as bit of a side slant on HMS Vanguard, I am led to believe a part of her survives in the form of some of her turret rings and part of the mounts were used for the Jodrell bank radio telescope. I must admit I would have loved to see the ship as a complete vessel though.