Typhoon 1b (Car Door) 1/48th

[sloegin57]

Did front line Units operating the above ever use them rocket equipped.  If so, could some one please point me in the direction of any photographs of same.  I can only find one in "Typhoon The Combat History" by Richard Townsend Bickers and that appears to have belonged to the A&AEE. (attached):-

 

 

I am currently building the Hasegawa 48th version of the same.

 

Thank you in advance, a belated Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year to All.

 

Dennis

[Work In Progress]

That's an interesting pic which I am grateful for as it's new to me. Like you, the only weaponry I've ever seen on car door Typhoons in service is guns and 500 lb bombs. If anyone can prove otherwise it will be Mr Typhoon,@Chris Thomas

Edited December 27, 2019 by Work In Progress

[sloegin57]

14 minutes ago, Work In Progress said:

That's an interesting pic which I am grateful for as it's new to me. Like you, all I've ever seen on car door Typhoons in service is clean wings and 500 lb bombs. If anyone can prove otherwise it will be Mr Typhoon,@Chris Thomas

I agree with you, as its the only one I have seen in that configuration.  

 

According to the history of that aircraft in the book quoted, it was with the Manufacturers, then A&AEE, where I have assumed that the photo was taken, then to 183 Squadron which leads me to believe (without any evidence at all), that 183 may, just may, have operated Car Door 1b's with rockets.

 

Didn't last long as it was shot down by a P-51 1.1.45 ! 

 

It push comes to shove then I will build it as shown - from the A&AEE.  As you say, Chris Thomas is the man to answer for sure.

 

Dennis

[Work In Progress]

I think it's an interesting conversation piece as it stands, as EK497. It is quite worn and shabby for what I would have assumed to be a fairly low hours trials aircraft if it had come to A&AEE direct from whoever made it (Gloster, presumably?) 

[sloegin57]

3 minutes ago, Work In Progress said:

I think it's an interesting conversation piece as it stands, as EK497. It is quite worn and shabby for what I would have assumed to be a fairly low hours trials aircraft if it had come to A&AEE direct from whoever made it (Gloster, presumably?) 

Makes it even better me being Gloucestershire born and bred.

 

Of the total 3317 Typhoons built, 2 prototypes and 15 MK.1A were built by Hawker, the remaining 3300 Mk.1A and Mk.1b were built by Gloster at their Hucclecote factory.  I'll build it as shown then.

 

Dennis 

[Chris Thomas]

The photo shows EK497 which was used for RP trials by Hawker and A&AEE.  Taken on charge by Hawker 8 June 1943, tested (as illustrated) at A&AEE August 1943.  Later tested with Mk III rails in April/May 1944.

 

Operational car-door Typhoons with RP were in 181 Sqn (first ops Oct 43), 609 and 198 Sqns (brief use Dec43/Jan44), 174, 175 and 182 Sqns spring 44 to July 44.  

 

Most Typhoons had RP and new canopies done at the same time in spring 44 but RP mods were the priority so the units with car-door/RP aircraft were the last to have them replaced.  174, 181 and 182 Sqns all operated car-door/RP Typhoons after D-Day.

 

Photos of these Typhoons are scarce but there are some in publications I have authored or co-authored.  I also supplied details for one which features in the Airfix 1/24 car-door Typhoon kit.  There are some photos of bomber Typhoons which are known to have carried RP at times (until spring 44 bombs and RP were interchangeable and although they retained that facility the units specialised in one or the other after that).  However, as you are making EK497, I won't list the refs here, unless you change your mind. Or if anyone else is interested.

CT

[sloegin57]

13 minutes ago, Chris Thomas said:

The photo shows EK497 which was used for RP trials by Hawker and A&AEE.  Taken on charge by Hawker 8 June 1943, tested (as illustrated) at A&AEE August 1943.  Later tested with Mk III rails in April/May 1944.

 

Operational car-door Typhoons with RP were in 181 Sqn (first ops Oct 43), 609 and 198 Sqns (brief use Dec43/Jan44), 174, 175 and 182 Sqns spring 44 to July 44.  

 

Most Typhoons had RP and new canopies done at the same time in spring 44 but RP mods were the priority so the units with car-door/RP aircraft were the last to have them replaced.  174, 181 and 182 Sqns all operated car-door/RP Typhoons after D-Day.

 

Photos of these Typhoons are scarce but there are some in publications I have authored or co-authored.  I also supplied details for one which features in the Airfix 1/24 car-door Typhoon kit.  There are some photos of bomber Typhoons which are known to have carried RP at times (until spring 44 bombs and RP were interchangeable and although they retained that facility the units specialised in one or the other after that).  However, as you are making EK497, I won't list the refs here, unless you change your mind. Or if anyone else is interested.

CT

Thank you @Chris Thomas that is that sorted.  I am surprised to learn that Car Door Typhoons were still operational after D-Day.

 

15 minutes ago, Chris Thomas said:

 I won't list the refs here, unless you change your mind. Or if anyone else is interested.

CT

I will not be changing my mind reference EK497 but a list of references would be useful for future builds.

 

With many thanks,

 

Dennis