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Found 25 results

  1. I have a bit of a 'thing' for aircraft in Irish Air Corps colours, and this is my seventh. Special Hobby's SM 260 may be a better kit, but I really enjoyed this one by Kovozavody Prostejov. I added some seat belts, and some aerials to match the Irish fit, but nothing else. The decals are from Max Decals as the KP ones are the wrong size, don't have the underwing serial, and are obviously pixelated. Unfortunately Max's decals are a little out of register, which is obvious in the photos but less so in reality. The only problem with this kit, and the SH model apparently, is getting enough nose weight in the tiny space available to prevent tail-sitting. There is no guidance in the instructions about how much weight to add, but I crammed little slivers of lead sheet in to every available bit of space between the instrument panel and the front of the engine cowling, cutting tiny pieces to get in to every possible gap; and it was only just enough to hold the nose wheel down. '226' was delivered to the Irish Air Corps in April 1977 and retired in 2006. After retirement and sale it continued to fly in this scheme as N224AP in California, and the registration remains valid at the present time.
  2. https://www.impartialreporter.com/news/national/23510528.irish-deputy-premier-says-ireland-not-relying-raf/ This is interesting typical politically blah blah ....gets you Whifers excited though.
  3. So just finished this one, my first ever biplane. The build thread is here but to recap: Kit: AZ Models 1/72 Martinsyde F4 Buzzard Build: OOB Decals: Painted except for the fuselage codes. Paints: Tamiya, Klear, oils for fading Extras: Pilot from spares, rigging (badly) from invisible mending thread This year is the centenary of the Irish Air Corps and the Buzzard entered service in the summer of 1922. They were the first aircraft and single seat fighter of the new force. This build was definitely NOT my best! The fit was terrible, some of the parts horrible. And then the 'rigging' was an absolute bear 🙄. My favourite part is probably the oil fading and how the prop turned out. I think I learned more while bodging this kit together than any other kit I've made. Anyhow, some pics and learned lots for the next biplane! Thanks for looking and happy modelling. Dermot
  4. So with the 100th Anniversary of the Irish Air Corps this year, thought I would try my hand at one of their very first aircraft...and my first attempt at a biplane. AZ_Martinsyde_F4_Box by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr The Buzzard entered service with the Air Corps in the summer of 1922 and were the first aircraft and single seat fighter of the new force. I'm building this one in-flight so first step was to add a pilot - this fella was from the spares, with his head cut and repositioned. You can't tell but there is a panel, rudder pedals and joystick in there! AZ_Martinsyde_F4_Wip_1 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Lower wing and tail planes/rudder added. I've never built an AZ model before but it's going together fine - just taking my time as there are no locating pins or tabs. AZ_Martinsyde_F4_Wip_3 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr The engine supplied is resin and looks the part but the instructions say you need to add the exhausts from rod or stretched sprue - i'll do those at the end. AZ_Martinsyde_F4_Wip_2 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Then with the top cowling added - the fit here was a bit iffy and the plastic is very soft so some filling will be needed. AZ_Martinsyde_F4_WIP_4 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr More soon, thanks for looking! Cheers, Dermot
  5. Hi all and here's some plastic nostalgia courtesy of Matchbox built for the Matchbox GB here. This one is almost as old as me, stamped '1973' on the inside of the fuselage. Had great fun with it and just to sum up: Kit: Matchbox PK-7 Paints: Revell Acrylics, Tamiya, Klear, Flory Models Wash, W&N Matt varnish Decals: Max Decals 72-002 (OOP) and Airfix Extras: Added joystick, fuel tank, instrument panel, windows at tail, lights in wheel spats. Thanks for looking and happy modelling. Cheers, Dermot Matchbox_172_Lysander_Irish_Air_Corps_done (7) by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Matchbox_172_Lysander_Irish_Air_Corps_done (6) by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Matchbox_172_Lysander_Irish_Air_Corps_done (12) by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Matchbox_172_Lysander_Irish_Air_Corps_done (11) by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Matchbox_172_Lysander_Irish_Air_Corps_done (9) by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Matchbox_172_Lysander_Irish_Air_Corps_done_(18) by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr
  6. Hi all and I'm in with this one. Matchbox_Lysander_PK7 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Will be finished in Irish Air Corps markings. Cheers, Dermot
  7. Hello all, Today I have for inspection one of the old FROG / Chematic 1/72 Magisters, in the markings of an Irish Air Corps bird. Originally I had planned to build a RAAF in overall aluminum, but the included Techmod decals enticed me to build something a little more colorful. All in all, I'm glad I did. I started this kit in the same way as the MB Gladiators - by adding some conjectural interior framing, as seen here: Unlike the Gladiators, the final result is actually visible, and makes the interior looks much better in my opinion. Control sticks were also added. The final result looks like this: The eagle-eyed will observe that the front windscreen was sourced from a Revell 1/72 P-26 - the included piece wasn't fully molded, and so wasn't usable. Thankfully, the Revell piece more or less looks the part and fits well. Next is a 1/72 Spitfire Ia, followed by a DH.60G in Belgian markings and then a Mig 17 for a change of pace. Thanks for checking in, Stay safe, Tweener
  8. Hi all, Just finished this for the Rotary Wing/Vertical Lift GB here on the forum. The full build thread is here but to recap: Kit: Dream Model SA-565 Panther built as a SA-365 Dauphin 2, Irish Air Corps, S/N 248. Paints: Halfords Primer, Revell Acrylics with airbrush. Klear, Flory Models Wash, satin W&N varnish. Decals: Max Decals for Irish Air Corps Extras: Cut open left door, added seats & details to rear cabin. Scratchbuilt winch & searchlight. 301 Squadron badge kindly donated by a good friend. Dauphin 248, callsign 'Rescue 111' was tragically lost along with its crew on the night of 1st/2nd July, 1999 at Tramore, Co Waterford following a successful SAR mission.. Built as a tribute to the crew. Dream Model_Irish_Air_Corps_SA365_Dauphin (2) rs by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Dream Model_Irish_Air_Corps_SA365_Dauphin (8) rs by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Dream Model_Irish_Air_Corps_SA365_Dauphin (5) rs by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Dream Model_Irish_Air_Corps_SA365_Dauphin (3) rs by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr The 301 Squadron badge is the Celtic cross of St. Brendan the Navigator with the North Star overhead. Dream Model_Irish_Air_Corps_SA365_Dauphin (14) rs by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr And the memorial window in the chapel at the Irish Air Corps HQ at Baldonnel, Dublin. Baldonnel base church window by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Church dedication by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Thanks for looking and stay safe. All the best, Dermot
  9. Special Hobby 1/48 Seafire mk III. Not a bad kit. Mig primer Citadel Loren Forrest and straken green blended topcoat. Tamiya thinner good for this paint brand. Came out a bit darker than I wanted, but that's the way it came out after gloss coat. Future Clear gloss. Mostly OOB decals except squadron badge, which is max decals. Prop stencils salvaged from older builds. Oil wash etc. Made a few mistakes, messed up a few decals but still happy enough with the result. Part of building up an Irish collection - and a Spit is a Spit
  10. Hi all, So with the Seasprite almost done and summer holidays here, I thought I would give this one go - while the kit is a 565 Panther, I'm going to build it as a 365 Fi Dauphin. Dream Model Dauphin_Box by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Fuselage sprue Dream Model Dauphin_Sprue_1 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Second sprue Dream Model Dauphin_Sprue_2 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Resin & PE Dream Model Dauphin_Sprue_3 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Clear parts Dream Model Dauphin_Sprue_4 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Two beautiful decal schemes Dream Model Dauphin_decals_2 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Dream Model Dauphin_decals_1 by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr And a two-page instruction sheet.. Dream Model Dauphin_instructions by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Even thought the box scheme is wonderful, I'm going to finish her as an Irish Air Corps machine similar to this. Aerospatiale_SA-365F_Dauphin_2_Irish_Air_Corps by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr (Photo: Gary Watt - Wikipedia Commons; usage allowed) This build is also going to be a tribute to the crew of Dauphin 248, "Rescue 111" who lost their lives during a Search & Rescue mission in 1999. Thanks for looking and more later. Cheers, Dermot
  11. Thought I'd post this here - I've just finished an Airfix Walrus Base made with expanded polystyrene foam, plaster bandage, acrylic modelling paste, gel, and paint with soft toy filling for the foam. Build thread here:
  12. Hi all, So this one started life as my build for an online 'Matchbox GB' elsewhere. My plan was to build an Irish Air Corps machine, mid- 1990s. But then I came across a picture of one them before they were (controversially) retired in late 2005. So I thought I'd give that a go instead. Not really "scratchbuilt" in the true modelling-sense of the word but bodged together from different plastic spares, sprue, plasticard, wire, etc. The build WIP is here if you're interested. Close up of up top.. I thought I would give it a go and enter her in the Helicopter class at the IPMS Ireland Nationals last weekend - and was gobsmacked to win a Bronze in Class and Best Irish Aviation subject. More than a bit shocked as the standard of builds was unbelievable again this year. Thanks for looking and enjoy your modelling. Cheers, Dermot
  13. Inspired recently by the Group build Maritime Patrol but being too late to join I decided to dig out my Broplan's 1:72 Casa 235 vac-kit anyway. I was moved to action in particular by the work done by Dermot and his IAC Super King Air. I started last week but am only getting around now to posting some of the progress shots now. I am intending on doing the Irish Air Corps aircraft nummer 250 which was leased form Casa while awaiting the delivery of the specialized Maritime Patrol versions (a/c numbers 251 and 252) . This aircraft features a different colour scheme to the later Casa's but is one more in line with the colour scheme adapted for other IAC a/c operating over water like the Dauphin's and the abovementioned Super King Air. There are two versions of the Broplan kit available but I have the specialized MP version as I was intending originally to do the blue 251 or 252. The kit features some of the parts for the MP version but lacks a an interior, a FLIR , the second blistered window and there were no decals included. As I also have the Scratchaeronautics SAR version in the stash I will do 251/252 using that kit as it is more complete. I kicked off by cutting most of the main parts form the backing sheet and sanding them. Broplan used thin sheets on the kit and so this wasn't a very time consuming task. The quality of the parts is variable; the fuselage halves not being as good as the wing parts. I have drawn the panel lines in using a clutch pencil ran into the engraved detail. This to check the overall detail of the kit against photos. More on this later as I will post updates in the next few days. Regards Brian
  14. Here is my second finished model of 2019; its Revell's EC135 (1:72) in Irish Air Corps livery ..although as I am posting these pictures I realise I still have to print off the code numbers...whoops. Anyway the kit is gammy because the glass work is bad/ scratched and pitted and I know this because the three copies of the kit I have all have the same issue. Secondly the glass work is a poor fit and mine came apart during spraying..... repeatedly. On-line builds repeat the same experience. This was a father-son build over the Christmas but as my son wanted an Irish one instead of the Dutch Trauma Helicopter in the kit I had to add a lot of extras. A radar nose, different air intakes, extra landing lights, different skids and a lot of bumps and lumps scattered around the a/c. Decals sourced form a Maxdecal sheet for the Gazelle because as far as I know there is no EC135 featured on the various Maxdecal sheets. Not 100% sure though. If you want to build an Irish one try and get your hands on the EC635 Swiss Army chopper (04647) or the Air Glaciers (Revell 04986) as these have an extra sprue with a lot of the stuff you need though no radar. regards Brian
  15. So I'm also in with a Dauphin, picked up at Telford last year deep among the 2nd hand kits.. IMG_6063 IMG_6064 Being Irish, when this kit was first issued in the mid 80s was like Christmas for some of us modellers as five Dauphin 2's were soon to be delivered to the Irish Air Corps between June and December 1986. Operated by SAR Squadron, No 3 Support Wing, the five aircraft combined SAR, Air Ambulance, naval ops (with the Irish Naval Service aboard the LE Eithne P-31) and VIP transport. The aircraft served with great distinction and bravery with Irish Dauphin crews receiving some of the highest national and international decorations for their SAR work in rescues of the Capitaine Pleven II in 1989 and Locative in 1990. These missions were often at night and at extended ranges over stormy Atlantic seas in an a/c type not really suited to that role. Sadly a/c 248 was lost in a fatal crash along with its crew of four returning from a Search & Rescue mission in July 1999 in Co Waterford. When our SAR helicopter service was privatised soon after, the Dauphins were retired from service between 2003 and 2004 and all four were sold in 2006 and now operate with the Chilean Navy. If you want to read more about Irish SAR ops, I can recommend this book by Lorna Siggins. I've previously built the Revell version of this kit as an Irish machine and want to try it again but do a better job with it....my last attempt was a bit rough and ready! . by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr And that's it. Thanks for reading and look forward to seeing your Matchbox builds! Dermot
  16. Hi everyone, More of a 'what might have been' than 'what if'. In the mid 2000’s in the Republic of Ireland, consolidation of aircraft and responsibilities led to a competition to replace the Air Corps’ 40-year-old Alouettes in the Army liaison role with a new, larger utility type helicopter that could also fulfill a Medium lift role. The competing types for the order were the proven Sikorsky Blackhawk, the Eurocopter Cougar and the Agusta-Bell (now Agusta Westland) AB139 which was originally designed as a civilian machine and at that time had no military users. From what I’ve read, the Irish Air Corps and Army’s preference was the Blackhawk - which members of our Forces (particularly our Ranger Spec Ops Wing), were familiar with having being part of the UN operation in East Timor with Australian Blackhawks and also while on training ops in the US. The Blackhawk’s service record worldwide was regarded as being better than the Cougar. There were also reports that Sikorsky offered a very good deal to the Irish Government which would have brought six new a/c and six reconditioned machines for a very competitive price. In the end, the AW139 was selected and the Air Corps became the first military operator of the type. Six aircraft currently serve with No. 3 Operations Wing. For what it's worth, Agusta Westland have now developed a pure military version, the larger AW149. So here it is, Revell's re-box of Italeri's UH-60A in Irish Air Corps markings. If you're interested, the full WIP build is here. This was the first....and last Revell/Italeri Blackhawk I'll build....really poor fit and general detail and it can't really hold it's own against the newer Hobby Boss kits which I'd rate as being far superior. Oh well, you live and learn! Cheers, Dermot
  17. Hi all and this is the latest finish from me, Revell's Dauphin II modified and wearing Irish Air Corps markings. Not my best build and the fit of the canopy pieces was a challenge. There's also some shape issues with this kit in the tail, around the engine and the canopy 'brow' which I think is too flat or tall? Anyway, you can read the brief WIP here but in summary: Kit: Matchbox issue of 1/72 SA365 Dauphin II Extras: Scratchbuilt bench seat for cabin; collectives for cockpit; rescue winch, fuel dump line, open rear door, searchlight. Resin aftermarket nose for Irish SAR version (model was pre-started so don't know by whom) Paints: Halfords white from a can, all others Revell Acrylics brushpainted. Klear, Flory Models wash Decals: Max Decals for Irish Air Corps (donated by Britmodeller Lazlo Woodbine - thanks Gary!) This a/c 244 was the first of 5 Dauphin 2s delivered to the Irish Air Corps between June and December 1986. Operated by SAR Squadron, No 3 Support Wing, a/c 244 was also equipped for naval ops by the Irish Naval Service aboard the LE Eithne (P-31). The five aircraft served with great distinction and bravery in the SAR/Air Ambulance role. Sadly a/c 248 was lost in a fatal crash along with its crew returning from an SAR mission in July 1999 in Co Waterford. This a/c 244 was retired from service in 2003 with 5,400 flying hours. Along with the three remaining a/c, they were sold in 2006 and now operate with the Chilean Navy. . by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr . by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr . by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr . by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr . by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr And along with the Irish Gazelle I built earlier this year - both of these are now off to a collector and you know, I'm a little bit sad to see them go! . by Dermot Moriarty, on Flickr Thanks for looking. Dermot
  18. Hi everyone, Following on from the Irish Air Corps Gazelle I built earlier this year, I was asked by the same person to finish him a kit that had been started of an Irish Dauphin, also from our Air Corps. Here's the real thing Irish Air Corps Dauphin on Airliners.Net And this is the kit as I got it with a resin aftermarket nose already added and some other bits started. This kit is the Matchbox issue of this one, later re-released by Revell. Now I won't go into all the details but this kit isn't that accurate for a modern Dauphin but I'm not going to change all those things because I just don't have the skills! But will try to bring the old girl to a decent, acceptable level. Added a scratchbuilt bench seat in the back with belts from tape, front and back. Also repainted the cockpit to be more accurate. New collectives for up the front office. I also cut out the rear sliding door to have it open. Underneath, I added the distinctive fuel dump line and radar blade antennae. The bigger resin bit at the back was already added with the nose bit when I got the kit. And here she is with a coat of primer and a couple of coats of Revell Acrylic Light Grey 36371. I've masked the tail rotor bit as part of that stays white (tricky) and also the upper engine panel which is white on the sides and bright red on top. When I took off the front canopy to give it a coat of Klear, there was a nasty stress crack on one side. So a replacement from a donor kit in the spares box will be needed. Having built this kit before, the airframe glass can be more than a bit fiddly to fit...ho hum. Thanks for looking and more soon! Dermot
  19. I propose to enter this Group Build with one of the "Alternative Markings" options - a P-51B in Irish Air Corps colours. This will be the kit I intend to use, together with some markings from Max Decals. This is my little bit of counterfactual history..... Ireland in 1942 After some initial hesitation and some opposition within the Irish parliament, the Irish Government, led by Prime Minister Michael Collins, agreed to cancel its formerly neutral stance and to join the Allied cause in the Spring of 1942. This was at the urging of the United States Government, which had kept strong links with the Irish Free State from the time of Irish Independence in 1922, and the subsequent annexation of Northern Ireland by the Irish forces in 1926. Although suspicions remained between the Irish and the British, despite the Treaty of Boston in 1927 that had led to eventual peace and the withdrawal of British forces from Northern Ireland, the threat of Nazi hegemony overcame these concerns. The war in the Atlantic had become critical, and the US Government had become increasingly concerned that there was a gap in the defences in the North Atlantic, which allowed the U-boat packs free reign against the convoys. Thus pressure was put by the Americans on the Irish, once the US had joined the war after Pearl Harbour. It was hoped that the inclusion of Ireland within the Allied war effort would help to plug this gap, and allow for air forces to be based on the island of Ireland, thereby assisting with efforts to protect the convoys in the crucial area between Iceland and Britain. However, old animosities still ran deep, and the Irish refused to permit the RAF to be based on Irish soil, and it was finally agreed that US forces would be based there, just as they had been based some months earlier in Iceland. In addition to the US aircraft that flew from Irish air bases in Galway, Kerry and Donegal, to cover the western approaches, the US Government agreed to provide some American aircraft to the Irish Air Corps, to assist in Irish defence against the expected bombing actions of the Nazis along Ireland’s East coast, and in particular to protect the capital city of Dublin. These aircraft included two squadrons of P-51B fighters. [in reality, the Irish Air Corps had only a number of Hurricane fighters (both purchased and interned) on stock during the Second World War. It did purchase some Spitfires (de-navalised Seafires and TR9 trainers) in the late 1940's. As a neutral country during the war, Ireland did not have much in the way of an air force....] Also, in my counterfactual world, I have assumed that de Valera (the actual Prime Minister in 1942) had been shot by firing squad in 1916, along with the other leaders of the rebellion, and so Michael Collins was not assassinated in 1922 during the Irish Civil War, but went on to lead the Irish Free State from 1925. Collins was known to have intended to invade Northern Ireland, and it is quite possible that he would have done so, had he lived, at the time of the UK General Strike in 1926. But he was much less doctrinaire and more flexible than de Valera, and it is conceivable that he would have realised the advantage of joining the allied cause during the war, if convinced by the US, where there was a considerable Irish-American lobby. I will make a start next week. Thanks for looking, Philip
  20. Hi everyone and here's the latest from me, Airfix's trusty Gazelle in Irish Air Corps markings. The Gazelle served with the Irish Air Corps from 1979 to 2005 in the helicopter training and conversion roles. Two of three planned a/c were delivered with one being written off in a crash (no fatalities) in 2002. The remaining a/c was withdrawn in 2005 with over 5,000 hours in Air Corps service and from what I've read is now based and registered in the UK as HA-LFQ. Was mostly OOB and the full WIP build is here This was the first time i've built a model for someone else and I hope he's happy with how it's turned out! Thanks for looking and your comments. All the best, Dermot
  21. Hey everyone and here's a little rotor build I have on the go, the Airfix Gazelle in Irish Air Corps (IAC) colours. This is my first ever build for someone else and I'm really chuffed they asked me to build it for them! The Gazelle served with the IAC from 1979 to 2005 in the helo training and conversion roles. Two of three planned a/c were delivered with one being written off in a crash (no fatalities) in 2002. The remaining a/c was withdrawn in 2005 with over 5,000 hours in Air Corps service and from what I've read is now based and registered in the UK as HA-LFQ. http://www.airliners.net/photo/Ireland---Air/Aerospatiale-SA-342L-Gazelle/0994470/&sid=ed5f001ef7dbcc7efb74066f02558e51 This Airfx kit hasn't changed much at all since issue and I added 2 new cyclics and a collective, as the kit doesn't come with the former and only one of the latter. Belts from Tamiya tape. As the kit is a notorious tail sitter, I hollowed out the instrument panel and added weight inside that. Fingers crossed it's enough! The blades got a clean up to remove mouldings that shouldn't be there - kit blade on top, modified underneath.. All joined up, primed and with a couple of brush coats of Light Grey for the fuselage and Bright Red for the tail tip and under the cockpit. I've also tried to paint in some detail on the engine airbox (?) which needs some more tidying up.. Skids and clear bits next! All the best, Dermot
  22. Supermarine Seafire Mk.III Special Hobby 1:48 Our friends at Special Hobby have sent us two boxings of their Supermarine Seafire Mk.III Kit. The first is for those used by the Irish Air Corps and The Aéronavale. The second is for The Fleet Air Arm and is boxed for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. It is believed that the Admiralty first showed an interest in a carrier based Spitfire as early as 1938, when Fairey Aviation proposed such a modification could take place. This idea was rejected and subsequently left the Fleet Air Arm to order other less capable aircraft. The matter was again raised in 1939 and a Spitfire was fitted with an A Frame arrestor hook. After further investigation folding wings were added to the specification. At the time one of the major factors holding back a Sea Spitfire (or Seafire as it was to become) was that production capacity was needed for land Spitfires. Due to this Wildcats were ordered from Grumman for the FAA to be called the Martlet. By the end of 1941 the Admiralty again looked at Spitfire project. 48 Spitfire Mk Vbs were converted by Air Training Services at Hamble to become hooked Spitfires. These would allow the Royal Navy to get experience operating the type, which due to its narrow undercarriage and high nose was not the ideal carrier aircraft. The second major type for the RN was the Seafire Mk II, this used a cropped supercharger to provide greater power at lower levels. The IIc was the first major mark to be deployed in any number. The Seafire Mk III was the real first true carrier Seafire. It was developed from the IIc. It had manually folding wings allowing more aircraft to be carried. The wing would fold using a system of two straight chordwise folds. A break was introduced immediately outboard of the wheel well where the wing would fold upwards and slightly forward, a second fold would be at the wingtip. The Mk III would use the Merlin 55 engine with a 4 bladed prop. The Mk III would be used by the Fleet Air Arm, The Irish Air Corps, and the French Aéronavale. The French would receive 65 Mk IIIs which were deployed to Vietnam on board the carrier Arromanches in 1948. The Irish Air Corps were supplied with 12 Mk III in 1947 which were stripped of their Naval equipment (except the wing fold) by Supermarine. The Kit The kit arrives in a fairly sturdy box. Inside are three large and three small sprues of grey plastic, a clear sprue, a sheet of vinyl, a sheet of photo etch; and an instrument panel film. Construction as with most aircraft starts with the cockpit area. The bulkhead forward of the pilot is made up along with the instrument panel. This is added to the engine firewall, the floor area including rudder pedals and control column is added. The seat can then be attached to its backing of armour plate, this along with the headrest is then added to the rear fuselage frame. PE seat belts and harness straps are then added. The next step is to add both of the previous subassemblies onto the main fuselage. Lage side panels with relief details are also added at this stage. The fuselage can then be closed up. The vinyl parts can then be applied to the closed up fuselage. The next stage in construction is the wings. The upper wing halves are attached to the one part lower wing. The internal sections of the wheel wells need to be placed inside the wing sections before they are closed up. The right cannon bulges need to be glued to the upper wing. There is no internal structure under the bulges. Be sure to use the right cannon bulges as there are four different sets on the sprues. The propellor is the next sub assembly to be built up, along with the arrestor hook parts If your build needs them). The next major task is to attach fuselage to the wings. Following this the tail planes, rudder, ailerons; and wing tips are added. Attention then turns to the underside of the aircraft. The radiators, engine under cowling, air intake and tail wheel are added. If your aircraft has an arrestor hook this sub assembly is also added, if not then a plate is added to this area. The undercarriage is also assembled and added at this stage. Finally to wrap up your build the engine exhausts, appropriate cannon barrels, aerial mast, entry door, propellor assembly; and canopies are added to the kit. Photo Etch & Vinyl A small photo etched fret is provided for the seat belts & harness, Instrument panel, rudder pedals, escape crowbar, and fuselage stiffening plates. A self adhesive vinyl sheet provides for raised areas on the fuselage where even PE would be too thick. An acetate film is provided for use between the PE instrument panel parts. Canopy The clear parts are very clear and remarkably thin. Care will need to be taken removing them from the sprue. I am not sure if the main canopy will fit over the rear part as the instructions do not show this. Decals - Aéronavale & Irish Air Corps Decals are provided for two aircraft as used by the The Aéronavale. I.F.12 Flottile 1.F The Aéronavale, Aircraft Carrier Arromanches 1948. FAA Camo, French roundels and a replacement rudder. 54.S.14 (exPR146) Flottile 1.F The Aéronavale, Aircraft Carrier Arromanches 1947. Older airscoops and longer cannon barrels were fitted. This aircraft retained its post war FAA paint scheme and markings. French unit markings were added to the fin. Markings are also supplied to make any one of four Seafires as used by The Irish Air Corps based in Gormanston 1947. Decals - D-Day Fleet Eyes Decals are supplied for two FAA Seafires with Invasion Stripes (The modeller has to paint these) NF541 886 Naval Air Squadron, No3 Air Spotting Wing, RNAS Lee-On-Solent 1944. Full invasion stripes were painted as the aircraft spotted for Naval Gunfire. On 8/6/44 this aircraft flown by Sqn L Chapman shot down a Bf 109. The aircraft was painted in the RAF Daylight Fighter Scheme. The instructions indicate the tail parts were replaced and left in a base green colour (Primer?). This aircraft had clipped wingtips. NF547 885 Naval Air Squadron, No3 Air Spotting Wing, RNAS Lee-On-Solent 1944. Full invasion stripes were painted as the aircraft spotted for Naval Gunfire, in particular HMS Warpite. On 7/6/44 the aircraft was shot down by AA fire and crashed in France. Lt Hugh Land (RNZNVR) managed to destroy the aircraft and evade getting back to Allied lines on 18/6/44. All decals are printed by Aviprint, are in register and colour density looks good. Conclusion From MPM kits I have bought in the past the plastic parts in this kit do seem to have improved. They are well moulded with fine engraved panel lines. There is a tiny amount a flash on some parts but certainly nothing the modeller can not remove. Its good to see this kit available in different boxing with just more than FAA markings. Overall I would highly recommend this kit. "Aéronavale & Irish Air Corps" Boxing "D-Day Fleet Eyes Boxing" Boxing Review sample courtesy of
  23. I scanned one of these a few weeks ago so I thought I may as well scan the others from this display at Fairford, 1997:
  24. Press Release New Book: Fouga Magister - An Irish Perspective by Joe Maxwell & Radu Brinzan details the history of the Fouga Magister in Irish Air Corps Service from 1975 until 1997. Contact: [email protected] See http://www.maxdecals.com Fouga Magister- An Irish Perspective provides a highly detailed account of this iconic French built jet trainer in Irish Air Corps service. Starting with the development of the Fouga Magister as a light jet trainer for France and other NATO countries, the book goes on to describe the attack on Irish troops serving with UN forces in the Congo in 1961 by one of these aircraft flown by a Belgian mercenary in the Katangan Air Force. This was the first time that Irish troops had ever come under air attack. The later, and somewhat ironic, purchase by the Air Corps of two of the Fougas that had originally been destined for Katanga together with four others that had seen service with the Austrian Air Force “Silver Birds” Aerobatic Display Team is also covered. Further chapters describe what it was like to fly and maintain the Fouga. The history of the Irish Air Corps Silver Swallows Aerobatic Display team is covered in some depth. The Silver Swallows became famous internationally when they were awarded the prestigious Lockheed Martin Cannestra trophy for the best display by an overseas team at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford in 1997. This was an incredible achievement for a small team of instructor pilots who had to fit in practice for their routine in the evenings and at weekends. “ Initially we set out to produce a straightforward technical description and walk-around of this elegant aircraft that would satisfy the scale modeller. However, as the research trail lead us to unearth almost forgotten facts about this intriguing aircraft in an Irish context we just had to expand it into a more comprehensive volume which we hope will satisfy the needs of the aviation enthusiast/historian as well” said Joe Maxwell, one of the authors. Joe has teamed up with another well known aviation author, Radu Brinzan to produce this volume. Although the authors have concentrated mainly on the Irish use of the Fouga, the technical description alone should ensure that this book finds a wider international audience amongst those interested in the Fouga Magister. Granted unparalleled access to three surviving airframes, the authors have included what are considered to be the most accurate scale drawings of the Fouga ever produced in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale. Comprehensively illustrated with over 160 photos, 25 drawings and three tables packed into 108 pages, the authors have produced what must be the definitive English language guide to the Fouga Magister. Fouga Magister – An Irish Perspective goes on sale from September 7th. Price €22. ISBN 978-0-9562624-1-7 For further information contact Joe Maxwell at [email protected] See http://www.maxdecals...booksample.html for sample pages.
  25. Some recently built birds from my kitchen table, built as a part of IPMS Ireland group build commemorating 90th anniversary of Irish Air Corps. Appologies for the quality of the photos and those watermarks, it's saved that way Bristol F2B, Roden, straight from te box, only one photograph exists and it was taken on Fermoy airfield around 1921: Another Roden Bristol has some Part photoetched parts thrown in. This is my interpretation of aircraft operating from Limerick 90 years ago: And 2 Hasegawa Hurricanes, box builds with Quickboost exhausts, gun barrels on MkIIc and seatbelts from spare box:
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