WrightField Posted February 21, 2020 Share Posted February 21, 2020 The most interesting period in WW II is the Allied collapse in SE Asia and SW Pacific at the outset of the Pacific War in '41-42. I've been considering subjects and collecting kits for the different areas for builds (Burma, Malaya/Singapore. NEI, Philippines). As you can see from the topic title, I'm looking at those subjects to represent the RAF in Singapore/Malaya. I've got many references, but for these two I'll be relying on Christopher Shores' "Bloody Shambles" Vols. 1 & 2. So... What would be required to modify the Airfix 1/48 Mk I Hurricane/Sea Hurricane to the twelve gun IIB? A little research leads me to believe there is no difference (as far as the kit would be concerned) other than probably some rescribeing and cutting for outboard wing guns. What would that entail, are there any drawings for panel references, etc.? My (somewhat) local shop has the Airfix Blenheim IF. Somewhere along the way I dimly recall that there was a day fighter version of the IF as well as the AI equipped IF. What was used in Malaya/Singapore service? Thanks, Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmaas Posted February 21, 2020 Share Posted February 21, 2020 If my memory serves, there is an addition of length in the cowling for the Hurricane II. Most if not all at Singapore came with Vokes filters under the nose. As to the Blenheim there is a fantastic thread started by Mark Haseden on this forum regarding the Malaya Blenheims. The colors are distinctive and I would argue for yellow leading edges on the tail surfaces. Why, I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WrightField Posted February 21, 2020 Author Share Posted February 21, 2020 Yes, it is slightly longer- something around 4" which would scale out to 1/12" in 48th, so I figured I may let that be. I suppose I could cut the cowling and add some sanded 1/8" sheet. The Hurricane I kit I'd get for Singapore would be the "desert" variant by Airfix, as it has the tropical equipped Vokes. Not sure if the Sea Hurricane has that, it's in my stash, I reckon I should look! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gmat Posted February 21, 2020 Share Posted February 21, 2020 Here is a link to page 5 of the 27 Squadron Blenheim Mk. 1F. Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gmat Posted February 21, 2020 Share Posted February 21, 2020 Here is a PDF from EASTWARD Easter 2014 . Eastward The RAF Butterworth &Penang Association There is a section talking about Butterworth and 62 Sqdn in 1941. 27 Sqdn is also mentioned. https://docplayer.net/92844668-Eastward-easter-2014.html#show_full_text A request to identify a wreck, identified as a Blenheim Mk1. Some info on S/Ldr Scarf the VC winner. Aircraft Wreck Identification Needed, Date December 1941 Malaya thread http://www.adf-messageboard.com.au/invboard/index.php?showtopic=1625 Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Boak Posted February 21, 2020 Share Posted February 21, 2020 They were also posted, and discussed, on this site. The additional length is in the fuselage section aft of the cowling. As well as this there is a different fairing to the wing leading edge. The Mk.II Hurricane also has a deeper radiator and a different air intake, both tropical and temperate. It had a different tailwheel leg, and a different propellor/spinner, although the last was seen on late Mk.1s. At least some early Mk.Iis appear to have retained the early tailwheel. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Smith Posted February 21, 2020 Share Posted February 21, 2020 6 hours ago, WrightField said: What would be required to modify the Airfix 1/48 Mk I Hurricane/Sea Hurricane to the twelve gun IIB? A little research leads me to believe there is no difference (as far as the kit would be concerned) other than probably some rescribeing and cutting for outboard wing guns. What would that entail, are there any drawings for panel references, etc.? Hi Dennis detail of Mk.I vs Mk.II are here, as well as the prop details As you are in the US, I would suggest searching for a Hasegawa Hurricane Tropical IIb kit, It has it's faults, but it's what you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaselden Posted February 22, 2020 Share Posted February 22, 2020 (edited) Here's another thread on 27 Sqn Blenheims in Singapore: Sadly, most of the image links are long-since defunct but I did copy all the images at the time (I was a right-click/save-as fiend when I saw the colour images). Happy to help with questions about specific airframes. Edited February 22, 2020 by mhaselden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now