CedB Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 After the complexity of the Sioux I need to get back to simple kit bashing so, obviously, I'm going to do a Spitfire for a bit of relaxation. During 'The Grand Tour' we visited BBMF and saw AB910, a Vb with a long but unusual history. She even has her own website which documents the story of this build - 'The Unexpected Journey'. On February 14th 1945, a cold and overcast morning, the Duty Controller at RAF Hibaldstow instructed that ‘rough weather’ procedures should be observed by all, on account of strong winds. As such, a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air force (WAAF), Margaret Ida Horton, assisted the pilot of AB910, Flight Lieutenant Neil Cox DFC, by sitting on the plane’s tail while he taxied to take-off position. This was common practice in order to prevent the aircraft ground looping in the gusty conditions. The pilot dutifully carried out all necessary checks and – having forgotten Margaret was sitting on the tail entirely – started down the runway and promptly took off. It was immediately clear to the pilot that AB910 was not handling in its usual manner and upon investigating the cause, he quickly realised that poor Margaret was still wrapped around the aircraft’s tail, clinging desperately to its elevator. Fortunately, he was able to turn into the circuit and land AB910 – and his unexpected passenger – safely, much to the relief of onlookers. The story is further documented here where we learn that Margaret was always known as Ida, so Ida she will be. She said that AB910 was "…a lovely kite, always getting into some kind of scrape. Her squadron identification letters were MVT and I used to call her 'T for Trouble'". Hopefully the kit (which Cookie recommends and Stew built as a Trop) …won't be any trouble. Of course I need 'an Ida' so I looked in the figures I'd bought for the Rapide build (see signature for link): Say hello to Ida: Obviously she'll need some work, but she settles on the tail admirably: Should be fun. And hopefully easy… 28 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Oooh first seat this time. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Oooh, quiet isn't it? Doubt that'll last long.... 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehnz Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Here I am, front row eh, I'll need to keep my big head down if I don't want being swiped from behind. This looks like it should be a fun build. Great subject. Steve. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Just now, stevehnz said: This looks like it should be a fun build. Great subject. Yep... I need to take notes as I have one of these with R.S.Tucks markings for my Tuck project. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alt-92 Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Dis gun be goood... love the quirky twist in the tail. Those KP/AZ kits are very nice indeed. Looking forward to this one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andwil Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Still front row seats free! AW 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 I'm around usual caveats re: brown and green apply 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-FAAWAFU Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 Ida the Spitfire rida 1 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HP42 Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 OMG, in on the front row of a Ced build. Popcorn in hand, drink ready, let the journey commence! 😀 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendie Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 2 hours ago, CedB said: Say hello to Ida: <snip> Obviously she'll need some work, but she settles on the tail admirably: well Ced, I sincerely hope you are not going to be chopping Ida's feet off! We're keeping our eyes on you just so you know 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philp Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 So building it "in the circuit" or a proper dio landing or taking off? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookenbacher Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 What a cool subject for a Spitfire build Ced, hope 1/72 Ida lands safely too. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Dapple Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 A great story though it must have been pretty horrifying for her at the time! Hope you get a nice trouble-free build Ced, you've earned it Cheers, Stew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles87 Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 Just managed to get the last seat in the front row. Yippee! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamden Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 Love a Ced build, love a Spitfire build and what a great back ground story. I'll take a seat in the corner watch and make notes if I may? Roger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted January 26, 2020 Author Share Posted January 26, 2020 Welcome Dennis, Keith, Steve, alt-92, AW, Phil, Cookie, John and Roger! 9 hours ago, perdu said: I'm around usual caveats re: brown and green apply Welcome Bill Aha, this one's grey and green - at least I think it is? 8 hours ago, Ex-FAAWAFU said: Ida the Spitfire rida Welcome Crisp He's a poet and he don't know it… 7 hours ago, hendie said: well Ced, I sincerely hope you are not going to be chopping Ida's feet off! We're keeping our eyes on you just so you know Welcome hendie No surgery required, thank goodness! 6 hours ago, philp said: So building it "in the circuit" or a proper dio landing or taking off? Welcome Phil We'll see. I'll build her wheels down (heck) and then see how the finish looks. If I'm pleased with it I may dangle it above my desk. If not then in the cabinet. Fingers crossed. 2 hours ago, Stew Dapple said: A great story though it must have been pretty horrifying for her at the time! Hope you get a nice trouble-free build Ced, you've earned it Cheers, Stew Thanks Stew and welcome I do deserve a rest after fiddling with that tiny chopper, so unusual for me I'd better cut some plastic before page 2 this time (hopefully). Ida is watching (and mostly painted) 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Kay Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 I suspect, for tail-dragging duties, our Ida may not have been wearing the uniform skirt. However, she does look smart, so leave her be. 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdrianMF Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 I guess this counts as your second dual control Spitfire? Probably more comfortable flying inside.... Regards, Adrian 1 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giemme Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 I'm in! Ciao 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spadgent Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 Whaaaaaa? Right I need to catch up, but while your still on page one I’m taking a seat. 🤪 Jont. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 Poor Ida, glad you have her hanging on for grime death! Horrifying for her at the time I bet... but let’s face it, that’s a great story to have! Doubt there are many people that can say they have flown on rather than in a spitfire! Rob 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
825 Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 My busy weekend means that I've missed the start and will have to slip in at the back. I'm currently on a health splurge so don't need to fight to get to the bar fortunately. Great idea Ced. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbudde Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 Hello Ced, I'm in for that . Nice story and I guess Ida will have remembered that journey with mixed emotions for her lifetime. Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 2 hours ago, Heather Kay said: I suspect, for tail-dragging duties, our Ida may not have been wearing the uniform skirt. However, she does look smart, so leave her be. Sitting over here in the corner may I interject, Heather is right. Both ways Leave Ida in the skirt 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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