Popular Post woody37 Posted February 18, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted February 18, 2018 Aptly coded D-Dog for a Manchester, L7301 and one other aircraft were assigned to 50Sqn to support a maximum effort raid of 1046 aircraft on Cologne on the night of the 30th May 1942. That morning, Manser and another pilot collected their aircraft from 106Sqn at Coningsby. This aircraft was slightly unusual as it didn't have the mid upper turret that most Manchesters had but what wasn't unusual was the performance, particularly as loaned aircraft were often used for training. It was to carry a full compliment of incendiaries but in doing so, it wasn't able to climb above 7000ft which wasn't untypical of the aircraft being pulled along by the poorly developed Vulture engines. The crew hoped that being away from the main bomber stream up above, they would get left alone but unfortunately, their hopes were fruitless. Flak initially struck the fuselage damaging the bomb bay doors. A second burst hit the port engine setting it on fire. The fire then spread along most of the wing. Eventually, they managed to extinguish the fire and set for home. Unable to maintain height on a single Vulture and badly damaged aircraft, the crew discarded anything they could from the aircraft. Despite the efforts, the aircraft was still losing height, so Manser instructed his crew to bail out over Belgium just a few miles from the Dutch border to which they all did successfully. Manser stayed at the controls to ensure his crew got out OK but shortly after they exited, Manser lost control and the aircraft plummeted into the ground taking Manser with it. Five of the six crew made it back home with support from the resistance whilst F/O Barnes who was the navigator / bomb aimer was captured. As a result of the reports of the crew, Manser was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in giving his own life to save that of his crews. The VC read “In pressing home his attack in the face of strong opposition, in striving, against heavy odds, to bring back his aircraft and crew and, finally, when in extreme peril, thinking only of the safety of his comrades, Flying Officer Manser displayed determination and valour of the highest order.” Leslie Manser VC 1922-1942 I've been after a 48 scale Paragon Manchester kit for some time and considered it to be the holy grail of Bomber Command aircraft. Following a request on Britmodeller, Dennis aka @spitfire responded to say that he had one so I set off and over a cup of tea we put the world and exchanged money for resin (Big thanks Dennis ). Having a 48 scale Lincoln on the go already, that was a lot of resin and chopped up Lancaster that was going to be cluttering up the workbench. I can mess the bench up with a 72 scale Spitfire so you can imagine the chaos! Anyway, bit by bit, often 1 step forwards, two steps back, the Manchester came together as you can see HERE. There's still a few things to do including adding some bombs to the bay, but I'm posting as it is now as its 99% done. It's painted with Tamiya Rubber black / dark green and Mr Hobby Dark Earth with a variety of decals to complete the scheme. My next build was going to be OOB to have a rest, but now it will be a Classic Airframes Blenheim and a Sanger Short Stirling Anyway, hope you like... Thanks for looking, Neil 117 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Delta 210 Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 That is absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stringbag Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Ruddy Norah !! That's wonderful Neil. Chris. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit Leader Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 What a wonderful and respectful dedication to a truly brave airman. The story is quite touching and really hits home when you calculate that Mr. Manser was’nt more than 20 years old! The Manchester is yet another exceptional addition to your amazing Bomber Command replicas - all built to world class museum standards. Woody, you set the bar high and each build seems to be getting higher. Top self modelling. Cheers.. Dave 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbofan Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Awe inspiring work Neil, and a fitting tribute to Leslie Manser VC. How big is it in 1/48? Must be nice to have an empty workbench again! Cheers, Ian 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbus320 Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 A work of art! Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Classy looking build, good effort! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinnie Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Absolutely stunning. My cap is well and truly doffed to you, sir. A very interesting and poignant narrative as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomprobert Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 What a beauty! Once again your paint job is exceptional - subtly weathered and you've captured the look of the real thing really well. Can't wait to see what you do with the Sanger Stirling. You'll have your work cut out there, for sure! 🙂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12jaguar Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Awesome as ever Neil Good luck with the Stirling and considering it's size you should be able to go to town on it LOL. But at least you know where to come to for advice John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elger Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 fantastic as always!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72modeler Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Neil, I can only echo what the others have said- that is one incredible build of an airplane that I have always thought was a handsome beast! Perfectly finished and weathered and a touching tribute to a brave young man- I guess they were all brave young men back then. Thanks for sharing your hard work and giving the rest of us something to shoot for! Well done, sir! How about a scratchbuilt Stirling or Halifax next, since you're obviously a glutton for punishment, as they say? Ha! Mike PS Never gave a thought to using Tamiya rubber for night, but it looks perfect! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzby061 Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 An absolutely amazing piece of work - perfection. A fine tribute to a brave man. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strangeways Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Absolutely superb Neil. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeR Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Excellent! Mike. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_w Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 A great tribute to that aircraft and its crew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLC1966 Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Absolutely lovely model. Really is as good as it gets for me. Fantastic weathering. Cologne raid. 30May42. Scheduled for 1047 aircraft. 868 attacked Cologne of which 496 were Wellingtons, 105 x Halifax, 67 x Lancaster, 71 x Hampden, 71 x Sterling, 35 x Manchester & 23 x Whitley. 41 RAF Aircraft shot down. 198 aircrew dead, plus other crews lost on route and the way home. And then the same guys went on a similar sized raid to Essen the next night. That generation really were something else. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dads203 Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Woody, what can be said that's not already been fella ? An amazing build is all I can add 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWM Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Perfect result and impressive conversion! Congrats J-W 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mancunian airman Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 What can I say that hasn't already been said . . . . (Its about time Mr Neil Paragon started to re-release some of the popular items ) The Manchester, after my home town, is such an attractive aeroplane really and you have done it wonderfully and as always an aircraft build, in my eyes, is a tribute to those who flew them and also for the men & women on the ground. 'Lest we should forget' 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zigomar Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 That's a real killer! Thumbs up! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted February 18, 2018 Author Share Posted February 18, 2018 5 hours ago, Turbofan said: Awe inspiring work Neil, and a fitting tribute to Leslie Manser VC. How big is it in 1/48? Must be nice to have an empty workbench again! Cheers, Ian Hi Ian, the bench is is already loaded up with the next challenge. Size wise in airliner language, it’s similar to a 144 scale 747. 3 hours ago, tomprobert said: What a beauty! Once again your paint job is exceptional - subtly weathered and you've captured the look of the real thing really well. Can't wait to see what you do with the Sanger Stirling. You'll have your work cut out there, for sure! 🙂 Thanks Tom, I may be needing to pick your brains tackling this one 😱 3 hours ago, 12jaguar said: Awesome as ever Neil Good luck with the Stirling and considering it's size you should be able to go to town on it LOL. But at least you know where to come to for advice John Thanks John, I may well be doing that. I’ve saved some of the 3d design work from the Stirling project that’s online, very useful for scratch building 2 hours ago, 72modeler said: Neil, I can only echo what the others have said- that is one incredible build of an airplane that I have always thought was a handsome beast! Perfectly finished and weathered and a touching tribute to a brave young man- I guess they were all brave young men back then. Thanks for sharing your hard work and giving the rest of us something to shoot for! Well done, sir! How about a scratchbuilt Stirling or Halifax next, since you're obviously a glutton for punishment, as they say? Ha! Mike PS Never gave a thought to using Tamiya rubber for night, but it looks perfect! Thanks Mike, a Sanger Stirling is next up so plenty of scratch building there 🤪 rubber black has a tinge of blue which I believe Night did, so think it goes pretty well. thanks for all the kind comments. The guys who took off in these things were brave choosing to leave the ground, let alone fly into combat! cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight_Flyer Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 An excellent build, looks absolutely flawless. The camo finish looks great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJJunis Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Woody, Absolutely magnificent. All the Best! Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abandoned Project Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Awesome, amazing, choose any superlative and would be fitting for this wonderful model and a touching account of a truly brave man. Well done, hats off to you Sir. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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