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Fairey Gannet T.2. XA508 is not only the first T.2 produced but is now the only one left as well. On loan from the FAA museum to The Midland Air Museum. In service the aircraft was polished metal but it is now painted silver. Pics mine.

My friend sent me pic's of a kit he picked up at a flea market. Anyone recognize it?

At Moson Model Show 2017, Special Hobby will propose its stock of 1/72nd Fairey Fulmar kits: SH72143 Fulmar Mk.I (link) & SH72196 prototype (link) - see box art herebelow. New variants Fulmar Mk.II and NF.Mk.II will be release in June 2017. Source: http://www.modelforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=95825&start=2805 V.P.

Mikromir AMP is to release a 1/72nd Fairey Ultra-light Helicopter kit - ref.72002 Sources: http://www.greenmats.club/topic/3047-mikromir-рисует-fairey-ultra-light-helicopter-172/http://www.greenmats.club/topic/3047-mikromir-рисует-fairey-ultra-light-helicopter-172/ https://www.facebook.com/1416295571781508/photos/a.1416729748404757.1073741828.1416295571781508/1437141239696941/?type=3&theater V.P.

AZ model is to release in November, at SMW Telford 2017 2018 2019 (?) 1/48th Fairey Delta 2 or FD-2 kit - ref. Source: https://www.facebook.com/azmodelkits/photos/pcb.1416733228351282/1416733088351296/?type=3&theater V.P.

Trumpeter is to release in 2017-2018 a new tool 1/48th Fairey Firefly Mk.1 (image from Firefly Mk.VI...) - ref.05810 Source: https://www.facebook.com/TrumpeterModel/photos/pcb.718760784949184/718760511615878/?type=3&theater V.P.

This is my first RFI as a newbie member of the forum. When I decided to get back modelling I picked up a few cheap and basic kits to practice on with a view to trying out at least one new technique with each. In this instance the goal was rigging but I ended up trying out a whole lot more. Despite the age of this kit it was a real pleasure to work with and it's whetted my appetite for more! I've already started on the next two 'practice pieces' from the (rapidly expanding) stash. As I intend building another, more detailed, Swordfish in the future this one was was built in the radar equipped (pic 3), rocket toting, Mk III guise. WIP is >HERE< Swordfish RFI 1 by Martin Fay, on Flickr Swordfish RFI 2 by Martin Fay, on Flickr Swordfish RFI 3 by Martin Fay, on Flickr Any feedback, criticism and advice welcomed! While researching for the build I found myself intrigued by the aircraft, the missions it was involved in and the men that flew them. As a result I've ordered copies of "The last Torpedo Flyers" and "War in a Stringbag" to learn more on the subject. Cheers, Martin

Fairey Gannet XG797, pics thanks to Mike.

Hello, I wonder if anyone could give me information on what seems to be the second Fairey Battle or P4/34 prototype K7555. Wiki isn't too helpful. I have a postcard of K7555 left to me by my grandfather. It states Fairey "Battle" Bomber..."Britain Prepared". I would love to model this aircraft, just as it is in the postcard with the canopy open and the pilot looking towards the photographer in mid flight. From the black and white postcard, I may be crazy but it seems the aircraft may be painted overall yellow. Yes, I seem to be able to see yellow in black and white . I may be very wrong.. I have an MPM Battle, but I feel this prototype on the postcard may be closer to the old Airfix/Bilek/SK model than the MPM? Wikipedia does give some information on shape characteristics, but no plans Any information would be really appreciated Best regards and happy modelling Tony

Fairey Swordfish Mk.1, (E)5H/P3999. 824 Sqn. Taranto raid, Nov.11, 1940 Pilot: Lt(A) J. Welham Observer Lt. P. Humphreys Model: Matchbox 1/72 When I began this Matchbox build back in March, WIP here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234999297-another-matchbox-swordfish/page-1 I naively assumed it would be a relatively simple undertaking. Nearly six weeks of research and obsession later I feel able to present my first RFI on this forum of a Swordfish from the Taranto raid. I'd like to start start with the words of the pilot, John Welham, describing the run in as part of the second wave: 'There was some light cloud but it was a beautiful starlit night with a rising moon, and I remember that it was surprisingly cold. When we were more than an hour's flying time from Taranto we could see flickering lights on the horizon, and when we were closer this was clearly the mother and father of all anti-aircraft barrages.' (Sturtivant, Ray. The Swordfish Story p.60) A Matchbox mystery... I don't intend saying anything derogatory about the limitation of the kit - it was fun to make as a teenager in the 70s and just as much fun to do again now. However, as I started doing a bit of research online about the 824 Sqn aircraft option offered in the kit (and featured in the typically evocative box art) I started to get rather confused at the lack of clarity on aircraft 5B/K8419, as an aircraft seconded from HMS Eagle with this designation didn't seem to have taken part in the Taranto raid. Not being a naval historian, I put this down to my inexperience and duly posted a query on this forum about the matter. I'm greatly indebted to 'Seahawk' who solved this conundrum, pointing out that John Welham's autobiography (p.85) clearly states that (E)5B was ashore at Deikhela airfield in Egypt at the time of the raid. Indeed, the last page of Stuart Lloyd's magnificent Fleet Air Arm: Camouflage and Markings reproduces a photo of 5B undergoing repairs in the Western Desert in late August of 1940. For the Taranto raid in November, Welham was flying (E)5H instead, so by a process of elimination regarding aircraft from Eagle, the Matchbox box art and decal option would appear to be wrong. The individual aircraft histories in Sturtivant's Swordfish book backs this up by indicating that 5H/P3999 did take part in the Taranto raid. 5B's only engagement is listed as the Bomba Bay raid on 22/23 Aug (when presumably it sustained the damage seen being repaired in the photo in Lloyd's volume?). Last night I discovered an apparently correct illustration of 5H from Replic magazine (issue 100), reproduced online here: http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/b/564/9/3 Mentioned in dispatches.... A number of other individuals have also been provided invaluable help on the build: 'iang' did his best to keep my colours and markings matching the historical record (though I'd already applied 'Sky' undersides by that time and decided to live with the shame..). 'John Aero', 'Ex-FAAWAFU' and Nick Millman also weighed in with info and images on the Observer's 'monkey-chain' that stopped him pitching over the side. 'Seahawk' also confirmed the weapons loadout. 'Spadgent' just made me keep buying more gear - watch that lad.... The build... This marked a number of firsts for me: airbrushing, scratch building, photo-etch, custom decals, rigging. Some plan views: And some obliques: Technical matters For those interested the following changes were made to the basic kit: 1. Opened up rear cockpit and added long range fuel tank. 2. Cut Observer in half and rebuilt him as standing figure. 3. Built a new arrestor hook and carved out a recessed channel for it to sit in. 4. Added sleeves to oleo legs. 5. Rebuilt torpedo with more detailed prop/fins at rear and added detonator. 6. Built new torpedo cradle. 7. Added a pitot tube and wiring to port wing. 8. Added torpedo sights. 9. Built a new rear cockpit interior, including a (slightly) more accurate mounting for rear Lewis gun. 10. Added control horns for elevators and rudder. 11. Added control cable shrouds, ballast inspection hatch and catapult attachment to mid/rear fuselage on either side. 12. Scribed sides and undersides of fuselage/wings, added fastener details. 13. Added dinghy housing to port topside wing. 14. Added x4 mountings and azimuth compass to rear cockpit. Also added leather trim. 15. Built (Marabu M72011) PE flare racks and a flare. 16. Added folding wing tie-backs onto underside of tail planes. 17. Added canvas cover to housing for rear Lewis gun. Decals Roundels and tail flash were OOB, serial and tail number added from Ventura V7252 RN number set. (I'm aware that the tail number/letter should be a bolder style but I only had the ones in this sheet to work from...) Weathering Tamiya acrylics for paint scheme, home-made pin wash, various W&N black/umber/sienna oil washes for detailing. Powdered lavender chalk for final fading/weathering prior to final matt varnishing. Thanks for reading and to all who pitched in on the WIP. Now to try and choose the next build. Meteor or Stranraer - anyone any preferences? Regards to all, Tony

Hi mates! Last August, I started a project for a "quick build" of the 1:72 Special Hobby kit of the Fairey Firefly FR.1. Naively I let my fellow Britmodellers talk me into doing a "dual build" since I also had the Special Hobby kit of the TT.4 in my stash. And then the final elbow - I succumbed to numerous requests to fold the wings on the TT.4. Dementia had finally shown its face. So here we are, six months later and the kits are finally done. You can read the whole sordid work in progress thread here. (It's really not so bad!) I don't think I need to provide a short history of the Firefly. The fine Britmodellers on this forum are keenly aware of their aviation heritage and the important role their aircraft have played throughout the years. Special thanks to Steve Long (NAVY870), our friend from Australia, for his incredible help during this build. No matter how silly my questions were, he always had the answer. Of course, he lives with a real Firefly TT. As usual here is my Executive Summary: Project: Fairey Firefly FR.1 and TT.4 Kit: Special Hobby Fairey Firefly FR.Mk.1 (kit no. 72195) and Fairey Firefly TT.Mk.4 (kit no. 72066) Scale: 1:72 (the only scale that matters) Decals: From the kits, Fairey Firefly FR.1, MB464/272-Y, 837 Squadron FAA, HMS Glory 1945, Fairey Firefly TT.4, VG974/501-TD, 700 Squadron FAA, RNAS Ford, 1955 Resin: Extensive cockpit and wheel well resin components included with the kits; Barracuda Studios Firefly Early Main Wheels (72137) and British 4-Slot 32 inch Main Wheels - Block Tread (72222) Photoetch: In addition to the frets included with the kits, the Marabu Designs British landing lights (72002) were used Canopy Masks: Montex set (72108) Paint: Colourcoats BS 640 Extra Dark Sea Grey, BS 634 Dark Slate Grey; Gunze H364 Interior Grey Green (my own custom counterfeit recipe), H74 Sky Type S, H77 Tire Black, H90 Clear Red, H94 Clear Green, H95 Smoke Gray; Testors 2072 RLM 04 Gelb; Floquil 110100 Old Silver; Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black; Alclad 125 High Speed Silver, 302 Grey Primer, 314 Klear Kote Flat Weathering: Pastel chalks; Prismacolor Silver Pencil Improvements/Corrections/Modifications The FR.1 was built essentially out-of-the-box, the only additions being the aerial wire, IFF antenna, and the landing and navigation lights (made from a clear plastic fork). Most of the extra work was done on the TT.4 as follows: Carburettor intake under engine cowling was left out of Special Hobby kit, so one was scratch built by scabbing formed styrene on the lower fuselage and blending it into the cowling Separated the wings for folding - since the full span Fairey-Youngman flaps fold with the outer wings this made for some interesting cutting patterns All exposed inner wing details were scratch built All wing fold mechanism details were scratch built Wing jury struts made from 0.025" styrene rod Inner fuselage structure and associated details (where the Fairey-Youngman flaps attach to the center fuselage) were scratch built Radiator inlet vanes were replaced with 0.015" styrene Navigation lights were scratch built and added to each wing, made with clear plastic silverware Landing light was scratch built from clear plastic silverware and photoetch reflectors from Marabu Design Rear view mirror and housing added to top of outer port wing Cables on horizontal and vertical tail, to prevent drogue chute from interfering with flight surfaces, made from 0.005" Nitinol wire Cable tie-down brackets on end of horizontal tails made from copper wire VHF whip antenna made from 0.005" Nitinol wire Added photoetch catapult hooks Elapsed time: 6 months! A fair bit longer than anticipated. At this rate, my stash will be exhausted in 2157. At 13:30. How about some photos? First, a family portrait. As can be seen in the following photos, the folded wings are aligned with each other and are at the same height: To achieve this, I designed, built, and used a high precision alignment and gluing jig constructed from the highest technology aerospace alloys: A splendid time was had by all! Cheers, Bill

Special Hobby is to release a new tool 1/72nd Fairey Barracuda Mk.II/.III kit - ref.SH72306 Source: http://www.ipmsdeutschland.de/Ausstellungen/Nuernberg2016/Bilder_AT/Special_Hobby_11.htm V.P.

Here's my first entry, if time permits I may go for a second one too, but will leave details of that until I know if it can be done in time. Here's the ubiquitous box shot: And the contents therein, I bought it second hand and the upper wing had been glued together, but it came apart fairly easily, the only other parts already assembled are the pilot pieces. The kit also includes a stand and a small roll of invisible thread for rigging, don't know if the thread was supplied with the kit originally or if the previous owner provided it. And this is the decal I'll be using: I'm intending to build it virtually out of the box, with just a little scratchbuilding to replace a couple of missing parts or to replace poor representations of certain parts. If I go down the detailing route I just know I'll get bogged down and never finish it in time. Thanks for looking. Ant

Special Hobbyis to reissue its 1/72nd Fairey Firefly T.1/T.2 - ref.72050 (http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/SH72050) - and FR.Mk.1 'ASH radar' - ref.72195 ( https://www.scalemates.com/kits/112251-special-hobby-sh72195-fairey-firefly-fr-mk-i-ash-radar ) - kits. Source: http://www.mpmkits.eu/search?updated-min=2015-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2016-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=2 V.P.

Good Morning all from a particularly soggy Nova Scotia, I have been erring on doing this as a WIP for ages. I initially intended to do this as a quick build along with my Skua and therefore didn't bother with a WIP and didn't take any phots of the initial build. But then whilst I was whittling the wings a touch they just shattered in my hand, fortunately they seemed to shatter along certain convenient panel lines so what could I do with this lay out I wonder? : Jiggle the parts around a bit and hey presto! A WIP is reborn! I am going to skirt around the airframe build and just show what has been done so far, the main crux if the WIP will be the wing fold. First up pics of the cockpit. I have used the Eduard self adhesive etch as an extra. Kit detail is ok in this scale but the etch does add more to it although after a couple of years in the stash they aren't quite self adhesive anymore - apart from when they interact with human tissue of course!: And now the Observers station (see I have been paying attention to other posts!). I also added some wiring looms between some of the instruments. Not highly visible but I know they are there! Not too sure about the oxygen bottles in the back. The moulding was very clunky and the parts weren't cast very square (or round) so after whittling they aren't too great. I may pop them out later and redoo. It depends on what they look like under the canopy. The Obs seat is yet to be fitted. I also opened up the cannons on the wing and inserted some brass tube, not quite the right calibre but it will do! And in situ: And also the wheel wells Next up I shall start detailing the wing fold build up More coming very soon! Cheers now Bob

Good day everyone! I am currently doing the MPM 1:48 Fulmar and for some reason I have decided to chop the wings up and fold them I have quite a few good reference shots but was wondering if anyone had any others. The area I am most interested in is the main wing fold hinges and also the locking mechanism. Would anyone have any close ups of this area or if anyone is going to the FAA museum can they get some shots of this area? I have the 4+ and Warpaint series as well as walkarounds here and on Prime Portal, but am just lacking clear detail of that area. Any help would be much appreciated. Hopefully the pics below will give you an idea of what I need. Pic credit to the Britmodeller walkaround Many thanks Bob

Hi Folks, This arrived in the post yesterday from Hannants... A quick 'phone pic of the box, I'll post up pics of the contents later, but for now there's a brief description of the box contents below. Two Grey sprues of parts A clear sprue for canopy, windows and landing lights Small photo etch for instrument panel, side consoles and seat harness Clear acetate sheet of instruments to go behind the etched panel Decal sheet which looks nicely in register and contains quite a bit of stencilling Instruction booklet. All packed in a zip-lock bag (Which was a pleasant surprise, no loose bits rolling around in the box.) Photo's to follow. Al

Hi! With Airfix's recent re-releases of new tooling of their earlier kits, I wonder if anyone has heard any rumours of a new Fairey Battle? I would love to see a new tool kit of this type from any manufacturer/scale, as there are preciously few options out there. Best regards Rune Norway

Next Special Hobby Fairey Firefly 1/48th kit will be a U.Mk.8 - ref.SH48166 Source: http://www.mpmkits.eu/2014/11/sh48166-fairey-firefly-u-mk8-box-art.html Special HobbyFirefly Mk.I: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234909193-148-fairey-firefly-mki-by-special-hobby-released/ Firefly Mk.4/.5/.6: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234939170-148-fairey-firefly-mk456-by-special-hobby-released/ Firefly AS.Mk.7: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234969322-148-fairey-firefly-asmk7-by-special-hobby-box-art/?hl=firefly V.P.

Next Special Hobby Fairey Firefly 1/48th kit will be a AS.Mk.7 - ref.SH48130 Source: http://www.mpmkits.eu/2014/10/firefly-mk7-148-scale-kit-boxart.html Box art :thumbsup: Special Hobby Firefly Mk.I: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234909193-148-fairey-firefly-mki-by-special-hobby-released/ Firefly Mk.4/.5/.6: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234939170-148-fairey-firefly-mk456-by-special-hobby-released/ V.P.

FAIREY SWORDFISH in British, Canadian & Netherlands Service in World War Two by AIRfile The Fairey Swordfish; a canvas covered, open cockpit, biplane which was already obsolete at the start of World War 2 and yet achieved everlasting fame in those early years of the war. The Swordfish was the first aircraft to achieve a successful torpedo attack on an enemy fleet when, in November 1940, twenty one aircraft took off from HMS Illustrious and attacked the Italian fleet anchored in Taranto Harbour. Six months later, in May 1941, a torpedo attack on Germany's super battleship KM Bismark disabled the rudder, making the ship unmanoeuvrable and caused it to turn in an arc that brought it within range of the British fleet which was persuing her and subsequently sunk by them. This new book from AIRfile is a departure from their previous titles in that it is dedicated to a specific aircraft type, rather than 'theatre specific' subjects they are normally well known for. The layout is still arranged to the earlier formats, containing historical context interspersed with full colour profile illustrations, photographs and a selection of full 4-view illustrations of a particular aircraft. The book is separated into chapters describing the timeline of this iconic and famous aircraft; with sections on the pre-war period, the early war years, Taranto, the Bismark chase, the Channel Dash and finally the latter years of WW2. The textual content within these chapters, nicely complemented with appropriate black & white images, provide the historic perspective of the work and role of the Fairey Swordfish. They provide information on the nations, squadrons, ships and shore establishments that these aircraft were allocated to plus the time periods in which they were in operation. Set out within the card covers of this 72 page, A4 portrait format book, compiled by Neil Robertson, are no less than 123 full colour profile drawings of various Swordfish Aircraft; each beautifully illustrated by Peter Scott. The profile illustration shows a specific aircraft depicted at a certain time-frame within its career. Alongside the drawing is a short but detailed heading and supporting narrative of that aircraft. The heading provides details of the: type, mark, serial and unit lettering, Squadron, parent ship or station, date referred to and the pilot & crew details. The narrative gives additional historical data relating to the production and colour details of this aircraft during the period the illustration refers to. There are also 19 pages of 4-view colour illustrations with an individual aircraft shown on each page. Again the drawings are supplemented with narrative particular to that airframe and time period. These drawings can be of particular benefit for the modeller wishing to ascertain correct colour demarcations all around the aircraft. Throughout the book there are over 45 black and white images, each showing various views of the Swordfish. There is also information on changes of codes and the use of camouflage patterns, with their respective admiralty colour coding etc. With reference to the colour profile illustrations, Neil Robinson has delved into more research on variations of the camouflage schemes used, not just the 'standard' sea-going colours, coming up with some unusual colour schemes,which Peter Scott has produced as interesting illustrations. Some of these must surely tempt the modeller to build something out of the ordinary; perhaps this all black version with D-Day markings for June 1944? Conclusion This publication is a nice departure from AIRlife's normal 'theatre specific' themes, although I hope they don't stop doing them, and I believe the Fairey Swordfish is a good first choice here. Don't expect this to be the definitive on the Swordfish, there is only so much one can achieve within 72 pages, however Neil and Peter have managed to cover over 145 aircraft which is at least 5% of the 2,392 aircraft built by Fairey and Blackburn. As a modeller, I find the illustrations to be particularly useful; especially when checking with factual content within, before deciding which variant and period to build a kit to represent. The layout is just right, with large colourful illustrations and just enough historical data to enlighten and interest the masses without getting unduly bogged down reams of tabulated data etc. Hopefully there will be more of these 'type specific' subjects forthcoming from Neil and the team! Review sample courtesy of Kindly mention Britmodeller.com to the supplier when making enquiries or orders

I have recently taken up modelling again. I had built a few models as a child, but nothing serious. It has taken me a good few years to get back into the hobby again after getting the initial craving to build something. After looking at models online and following BM forums I decided to take the plunge! I've found myself with a bit of spare time and money so I decided to be brave and splash out on an airbursh. I thought that if I didn't enjoy doing this build I would be able to shift the kit I bought on ebay, however I have loved making this model and already see my purchase as a wide investment! I decided to build an Airfix 1:72 Fairy Battle Mk1 as my initial practise build. I wasn't too worried about making mistakes on this, it was all about learning a few tricks of the trade. I've had this kit stashed away for a number of years and I'm finally glad to see it built. Anyone who has built the Airfix Battle will know that it's not that great a kit. It's very inaccurate and, as I found, the parts don't come together very well. The detailing isn't fantastic either, there are a lot of raised lines and huge rivets, which made applying decals a bit of a pain. So enough chat, here a few photos. Please be critical and give any advice you may have, after all, this is all about picking up skills and tips for me!

Swordfish Mk.III, NF370 at Duxford, pics thanks to Mark Mills. Swordfish Mk.I W5856, of the Royal Navy Historic Flight, pics thanks to Mark Mills. Swordfish Mk.II LS326, of the Royal Navy Historic Flight, pics thanks to Mark Mills.

Seen this on the local news - Barracuda Mike

Hi, I'm planning to build an Airfix Fairey Battle and I'm looking for the interior details. As reference I have the book of Bill Gunston with the WWII planes cutaway, the SAM publication aviation guide and the Warbirds (if I remember well the title). Pilot and gunner positions are clear. I cannot understand how is the bomber position in the bottom of central part of the cockpit. Someone of RAF enthusiast could help me? Many thanks in advance Ezio