Tim Moff Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 My next build is the 1/48 Airfix Hurricane Mk1. I have some P Maks and decals for serial/Sqn Codes to model 249 Sqn Hurricane P3616 GN-F I read the book 'Gun Button to Fire' by Tom 'Ginger' Neil, who was a Pilot Officer and flew with 249 Sqn during the battle. He loved his Hurricane, P3616 coded GN-F. Whilst on a days leave, it was flown by another pilot, Pilot Officer Martyn Aurel King. Sadly he was shot down and killed, having bailed out but suffering a collapsed parachute. PO Martyn Aurel King He is buried in All Saints' churchyard, Fawley, Hampshire For his actions during this engagement in which PO King was KIA, Fl Lt Nicholson of 249 Sqn was to be gazetted for the only VC awarded to aircrew for actions in the battle. http://ww2today.com/16th-august-1940-flight-lieutenant-nicolson-wins-v-c Fl Lt Nicholson VC So I looked into the history, to find an interesting link. PO King was born in West Mersea, 15 minutes down the road from where I live in Colchester. Looking further into it, it became apparent that it is likely that PO King was the youngest serving RAF pilot in the battle and almost certainly the youngest to lose his life. It appears an admin error recorded him as being 19, but his birth certificate would show him to in fact be 18. The CWGC looked into this and apparently agreed to change the record on his grave stone. I is still generally reported that Geoffrey Wellum was the youngest RAF pilot in the battle - interestingly I saw a post on here about a spitfire build, describing him as the youngest spitfire pilot, rather than youngest. Some articles if interested: http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/KingMA.htm https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/16884592.youngest-of-the-few-was-an-18-year-old-from-mersea-island/ https://249squadron.wordpress.com/2016/05/25/in-memory-of-pilot-officer-m-a-king-249-squadron/ https://www.essexlifemag.co.uk/people/youngest-battle-of-britain-pilot-1-6086942 So I thought I would model Neil's beloved P3616/GN-F, but reflecting on the young man who gave his life flying the that Hurricane fighting for his country.... I joined the Army at the age of 16 1/2, joined a frontline unit at 17 1/2 (I would not have been allowed to deploy on operations until I was 18, which I did. This was a throwback to 2 young soldiers from my unit who were KIA at the age of 17 along with another who died on his 18th birthday during the Falklands war....the rules then said they could not deploy to Northern Ireland, but did not count outside that theatre). I also commanded young 18 year old soldiers on operations; so I do feel I have an understanding as to what things were like for these young men, serving at a young age. However, they were forced into the ultimate battle, where losing would mean the end for Britain as they knew its amazing how quickly these airmen became Sqn Leaders and Wing Comds at such young ages.... Our armed forces still deploy young men and women, willing to put their young lives on the line, firstly for their mates, then for their nation..... Pte Damian Jackson, KIA, Helmand Afghanistan, 5th July 2006, aged 19. I must admit I did have misgivings looking at my younger soldiers at the start of that tour in 2006, thinking 'bloody Playstation generation', will they up to it, etc - but they all stood up to the plate and performed.... I just felt the local link, youngest RAF pilot in the battle deserved to be a subject in this GB...... P3616 'GN-F', Hurricane I, 249 Squadron, RAF Boscombe Down. The Hawker Hurricane was the primary air defence fighter of the Battle of Britain and was flown by Pilot Officer Tom 'Ginger' Neil of No 249 Squadron based at RAF Boscombe Down, part of No 10 Group. Hurricane Mk I, P3616 was his preferred mount but on 16 August 1940, when he was on a well-earned 24 hours leave, it was allocated to Pilot Officer Martyn King. That day, Flight Lieutenant James (Nick) Nicolson was leading Red Section, which consisted of P/O King in 'F for Freddie' and the supernumerary Squadron Leader Eric King (no relation). The Section was ordered to a patrol-line Salisbury to Ringwood but it was not long before it was vectored to a raid attacking Lee-on-Solent. During the engagement with Messerschmitt Bf 110 escorts, P/O King was shot down and died when his parachute collapsed and Sqn Ldr King was so badly shot up that he barely limped back to Boscombe Down. The leader, Flt Lt Nicolson was severely wounded in the side and leg, and was about to abandon his burning Hurricane when the attacking Messerschmitt overshot, at which point Nicolson gallantly returned to his controls and shot down his attacker. Badly burnt, he finally took to his parachute but shot on the way down by a watching British Army NCO. For this action, Nicolson was awarded the Victoria Cross the following November. Pilot Officer Neil returned from leave to find his beloved P3616 had been destroyed but when No 249 moved to RAF North Weald on 1 September, he arranged for its replacement, V7313 to be marked 'F for Freddie'. During the continuing Battle, Neil flew 62 times in V7313 before it too was lost on 10 October, and a total of 141 times against the Luftwaffe, by which time he had been credited with 13 confirmed victories. A replica of Hurricane V7313 now stands as 'Gate Guardian' at North Weald airfield. Words © Paul Beaver. Thanks for looking. 16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozzy Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 Thanks for sharing Tim, nice choice of kit it builds into a really nice Hurricane. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Smith Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 4 hours ago, Tim Moff said: I'd do some checking on the profile, just it shows the later type tail wheel. I don't think there are pics P3616, though there are of V7313, there have been discussions on 249 Sq Hurricanes on here, mostly about Nicholson's markings. I'm on a little tablet so a pain to go link hunting on. Both interesting projects you have chosen. Cheers T 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Boak Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 Early Mk.IIs still had the initial tailwheel leg, so it would be very surprising to see the later one on any Mk.I, let alone such an early one. OK, middle production? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted July 8, 2020 Author Share Posted July 8, 2020 Thanks guys - I shall likely go for the kit one, I take it that its the early version? I am no expert here, I try to use other evidence if no actual pics taken, code placements/weathering etc. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted July 13, 2020 Author Share Posted July 13, 2020 Got the initial parts off the sprue ready to prime. It’s provably me,seems a bit over engineered but hey ho, great for open cockpits etc. I broke one spar thingy snipping it off the sprue, will get the CA tomorrow ! some advice - which spinner and props should I use for P3616 - I’m no expert. once I’ve got the RAF/Luftwaffe builds off the sprue and primed I will get on with the cockpits etc so I can work most efficiently time wise with the paint, airbrush cleaning etc .... bench getting a bit busy ! lots to do but hey it’s the Battle of Britain GB - never meant to be easy... 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Smith Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 24 minutes ago, Tim Moff said: which spinner and props should I use for P3616 - I’m no expert. the blunt Rotol unit with the wide at the base blades. these ones 85 Squadron 39 by Сергей Кривицкий, on Flickr Not the pointy one with skinny at the base blades. Note, the kits parts are interchangeable, and I have seen models with the wrong combo Also thread about 249 SQ has some of the very images of 249 Sq planes, compare the codes with the profile the only early BoB image is this details in the link. this shot of Tom Neil was taken by Cecil Beaton, later on in 1940 THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IN BRITAIN, 1941. © IWM (MH 26359) IWM Non Commercial License and now the starboard codes are A-GN.... But, this is later.... Hmm, you are in a tricky area for markings, as when delivered, P3616 probably looked like this so the yellow ring,(thin, thick or full repaint) fin flash (thin, or blue and white,. and front if fin red) were added (with possible variations) and the underside painted in Sky, or a substitute.... Air Britain says P3616 was with 234 Sq before 249 as well. if you can be faffed, have a read of this, https://boxartden.com/reference/gallery/index.php/Modeling-References/Camoflage-Markings/03-Hawker-Hurricane which will explain the variations, and why making a model without a phopto from this era is subject to a variety of uncertainty... There is also a Spitfire one... https://boxartden.com/reference/gallery/index.php/Modeling-References/Camoflage-Markings/01-Supermarine-Spitfire HTH? 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted July 14, 2020 Author Share Posted July 14, 2020 11 hours ago, Troy Smith said: the blunt Rotol unit with the wide at the base blades. these ones 85 Squadron 39 by Сергей Кривицкий, on Flickr Not the pointy one with skinny at the base blades. Note, the kits parts are interchangeable, and I have seen models with the wrong combo Also thread about 249 SQ has some of the very images of 249 Sq planes, compare the codes with the profile the only early BoB image is this details in the link. this shot of Tom Neil was taken by Cecil Beaton, later on in 1940 THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IN BRITAIN, 1941. © IWM (MH 26359) IWM Non Commercial License and now the starboard codes are A-GN.... But, this is later.... Hmm, you are in a tricky area for markings, as when delivered, P3616 probably looked like this so the yellow ring,(thin, thick or full repaint) fin flash (thin, or blue and white,. and front if fin red) were added (with possible variations) and the underside painted in Sky, or a substitute.... Air Britain says P3616 was with 234 Sq before 249 as well. if you can be faffed, have a read of this, https://boxartden.com/reference/gallery/index.php/Modeling-References/Camoflage-Markings/03-Hawker-Hurricane which will explain the variations, and why making a model without a phopto from this era is subject to a variety of uncertainty... There is also a Spitfire one... https://boxartden.com/reference/gallery/index.php/Modeling-References/Camoflage-Markings/01-Supermarine-Spitfire HTH? Thanks @Troy Smith thats really hrelpful, will take a read through and do what looks closest based on the pics! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted July 21, 2020 Author Share Posted July 21, 2020 Got started on the Hurricane, my favourite of the BoB RAF fighters..... Primed up Then I started the 'cage build'.....and nearly broke out the gin!! Fiddly, lots of cursing, guessing etc.... Got there in the end....paint on.... dry fitted.... will crack on and give it a wash etc... 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Dapple Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 Hi Tim, That's a Mk.II Hurricane on the Hurricane Gin label and therefore not suitable for this build, you need the one with a Mk.I on the label Nice work on the internals mate, looking good Cheers, Stew 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 5, 2020 Author Share Posted August 5, 2020 Well had a proper dogfight with the Hurricane , think my port wing top half is slightly warped. involved lots of internal surgery which is fine as it’s a wheels up build... anyone else have the same port wing route gap ? Having stripped the internals back there’s nothing fouling the join etc .... Have to get some filler in there ... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 6, 2020 Author Share Posted August 6, 2020 Got the filler out will try to sand it as best I can ! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterB Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 Hi Tim, I think Dave @Rabbit Leader also had fit problems with the wing on this kit so it may not be just you. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit Leader Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 1 hour ago, PeterB said: Hi Tim, I think Dave @Rabbit Leader also had fit problems with the wing on this kit so it may not be just you. Pete Sure did Pete. I also thought it may have been an isolated case with my kit Tim, however it looks as if it's a common issue. By using a heavy clamp and gluing it down in two sessions, I reckon I'm over the worst so am still hoping I can achieve a decent result. Cheers.. Dave 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 7, 2020 Author Share Posted August 7, 2020 Wow mirror image - thought it was just my poor basic modelling skilz! hope it’s sorted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 10, 2020 Author Share Posted August 10, 2020 Much too hot to build/paint in my garage so I thought I’d start on the canopy masking - 1 Bf-109E4/B dome by hand? Used P Masks for the first time on the Hurricane thankfully pre cuts On the rest of the builds! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit Leader Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Tim, I once used these P masks and would have to say they are extremely tricky to remove afterwards. I’m not sure if mine just liked the coat of Future that I applied or it’s just that they are extremely tacky. It took me a while to remove the layer of residual glue that remained. My advice would be to remove these masks as soon as you’ve finished up painting and clear coating to your final Matt / Sheen finish. Cheers.. Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 11, 2020 Author Share Posted August 11, 2020 14 hours ago, Rabbit Leader said: Tim, I once used these P masks and would have to say they are extremely tricky to remove afterwards. I’m not sure if mine just liked the coat of Future that I applied or it’s just that they are extremely tacky. It took me a while to remove the layer of residual glue that remained. My advice would be to remove these masks as soon as you’ve finished up painting and clear coating to your final Matt / Sheen finish. Cheers.. Dave Thanks Dave - much appreciated...best get a move on or maybe paint the parts 'off build' then add.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 16, 2020 Author Share Posted August 16, 2020 Today 80 years ago PO Martyn Aurel King was KIA over Southampton. As mentioned, he was born not far from here in West Mersea, where I walked my dog earlier. RiP. http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/KingMA.htm I sanded some of the filler away so hopefully not too far off primer 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 21, 2020 Author Share Posted August 21, 2020 Bit more done. close to primer, just need to paint the lower part of the sight and get the windscreen and canopy on. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Dapple Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 Looking good Tim Like the improvised protector for the tailfin aerial mount too Cheers, Stew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 27, 2020 Author Share Posted August 27, 2020 (edited) Paint on this Hurricane as well. canopy frame first, followed by Mr Paint primer for ease. using the RAF Mr Color paint set for this build to give a bit of variety with the DE/Dg/Sky combos. no masks for this one, so traditional blue tac approach ! will do the DE first all over and then mask, DG. Edited August 27, 2020 by Tim Moff 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 29, 2020 Author Share Posted August 29, 2020 Busy day painting - can I ask for honest opinions on the Mr Color Dark Earth paint. when I got it down it looked very green brown.... Especially when compared to Mr Paint in the Spit I thought oh well, that’s the idea, different paint and approach. so I masked up and sprayed the Mr Color WW2 RAF Green first point to note is that I’ve over masked some of the DE so will need to expand the DG coverage in areas - no biggie... however I’m not sure the DE is ‘brown’ enough ? the original Mr Color C22 Left v new DE Mr Color c369 right .... im obviously going to hit it with the DG again and expand the coverage to reflect pattern A a bit better. but before lifting the Sky masking I need to decide wether to switch to the C22 DE or even Mr Paint DE? your advice and opinions are very welcome ! thanks ! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Boak Posted August 29, 2020 Share Posted August 29, 2020 It looks better on the model than just comparing jars. I'd point out that C369 references BS381C/450 which is a post war standard. Although I understand that this should be the same as the wartime AM/MAP colours, perhaps this is a factor. Given the tendency for Dark Earth to fade lighter in service, I think that C22 looks better to my eyeball on this monitor. However if you can obtain a copy of the Arms&Armour/RAF Museum book on wartime RAF colours you can compare them with the wartime standard for yourself. Can I suggest that before doing any more painting you fill in the obvious gaps where the tailplanes fit? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Moff Posted August 29, 2020 Author Share Posted August 29, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, Graham Boak said: It looks better on the model than just comparing jars. I'd point out that C369 references BS381C/450 which is a post war standard. Although I understand that this should be the same as the wartime AM/MAP colours, perhaps this is a factor. Given the tendency for Dark Earth to fade lighter in service, I think that C22 looks better to my eyeball on this monitor. However if you can obtain a copy of the Arms&Armour/RAF Museum book on wartime RAF colours you can compare them with the wartime standard for yourself. Can I suggest that before doing any more painting you fill in the obvious gaps where the tailplanes fit? Thanks Graham - really helpful. seems the mr Color set claiming to be early war colours may be off if the ref is to a later post war colour, but as you say it’s supposed to be the sane it seems! fair pint ref the rail plane gap will see if I can get those filled. will do a test shot of the C22, I’ve used it before for a Lanc and was fine.... no big issue, looks like a bit of freehand coming up ! Edited August 29, 2020 by Tim Moff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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