CedB Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 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'". Here's my take on the episode, documented in the WiP here. I used the KP 'Early' Vb kit (which is very nice) and airbrushed with Colourcoats, including most of the markings; the serials are transfers though, too small for my mask cutter. I really must do something about the backdrop in my booth but here are my 'best shots'. Forgot the gun covers. Rats. Hang on Ida! We'll be down soon… 34 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 Lovely job, and a great story, but I have to ask, is Ida in the right place? It was common for the ground crew to drape themselves over the horizontal stabilizer, but I've not heard of anyone wrapping themselves around the vertical fin. Ian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookenbacher Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 Great job bringing the story to life Ced, T for trouble indeed! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giemme Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 Indeed, great job and very enjoyable WIP, as usual. Ciao 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 Another Beautiful build Ced. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire31 Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 Fabulous story and a beautifully finished conversation piece! Kind regards, Joachim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spadgent Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 Brilliant. Great WIP stunner of an RFI . 🤩🤩🤩🙌🙌🙌 Johnny 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatFlyHalf Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 (edited) Nice one Ced, but... Nit picking I know... Wouldn't Ida have had her hat whisked away in the rather strong breeze? Remarkable, in every respect. PS Maybe not only her hat? Edited February 7, 2020 by FatFlyHalf A weak attempt at humour 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 6 hours ago, limeypilot said: It was common for the ground crew to drape themselves over the horizontal stabilizer, but I've not heard of anyone wrapping themselves around the vertical fin. I'd composed a post saying just that in the WIP thread Ian, then read the links to the story Ced posted and there was a pic of Ida in just that position with her comment that that's how she hung on! Deleted the post quicker than I typed it!! Cracking job again Ced! Keith 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted February 8, 2020 Author Share Posted February 8, 2020 8 hours ago, limeypilot said: Lovely job, and a great story, but I have to ask, is Ida in the right place? It was common for the ground crew to drape themselves over the horizontal stabilizer, but I've not heard of anyone wrapping themselves around the vertical fin. Ian 1 hour ago, keefr22 said: I'd composed a post saying just that in the WIP thread Ian, then read the links to the story Ced posted and there was a pic of Ida in just that position with her comment that that's how she hung on! Deleted the post quicker than I typed it!! Cracking job again Ced! Keith Thanks ian - as Keith says (thanks Keith) Ida told her story and posed for a photo in the article here. The figure I have fitted better 'the other way around' but hey, give a guy a break! 7 hours ago, Cookenbacher said: Great job bringing the story to life Ced, T for trouble indeed! Thanks Cookie - it all started in the BBMF hanger as you know, you were there! 7 hours ago, giemme said: Indeed, great job and very enjoyable WIP, as usual. Ciao Thanks Giorgio, glad you liked it! 6 hours ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said: Another Beautiful build Ced. Thanks Dennis, very kind 6 hours ago, The Spadgent said: Brilliant. Great WIP stunner of an RFI . 🤩🤩🤩🙌🙌🙌 Johnny Thanks Johnny 3 hours ago, FatFlyHalf said: Nice one Ced, but... Nit picking I know... Wouldn't Ida have had her hat whisked away in the rather strong breeze? Remarkable, in every respect. PS Maybe not only her hat? Thanks FFH You would have thought so eh, but in the article Ida says "Cocooned in the airflow she could hear no noise and was quite calm" so 'poetic licence' applies. Even though she probably wouldn't have been wearing a hat. Or a skirt. Just one more picture - you knew I would have to didn't you: 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted February 8, 2020 Share Posted February 8, 2020 14 hours ago, CedB said: Thanks ian - as Keith says (thanks Keith) Ida told her story and posed for a photo in the article here. The figure I have fitted better 'the other way around' but hey, give a guy a break! Thanks Cookie - it all started in the BBMF hanger as you know, you were there! Thanks Giorgio, glad you liked it! Thanks Dennis, very kind Thanks Johnny Thanks FFH You would have thought so eh, but in the article Ida says "Cocooned in the airflow she could hear no noise and was quite calm" so 'poetic licence' applies. Even though she probably wouldn't have been wearing a hat. Or a skirt. Just one more picture - you knew I would have to didn't you: That’s one way to celebrate a finished build!..... oh right they are for the gun covers! excellent WIP and finish Ced Rob 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted February 9, 2020 Author Share Posted February 9, 2020 Rob, I don't know what you mean Thanks matey 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted February 9, 2020 Share Posted February 9, 2020 Cracking model Ced the Spitfire looks absolutely fantastic and what a background story too. Great work fella. All the best Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBaron Posted February 9, 2020 Share Posted February 9, 2020 Engaging episode and charmingly rendered Ced. Love the way the light catches the canopy in that last photograph! Another treasure for the ceiling. 👏 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted February 9, 2020 Author Share Posted February 9, 2020 Thanks Chris It is a great story isn’t it? Thanks Tony Aqua Gloss, of course! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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