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Classic Airfix (Roy Cross memorial) GB Chat


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On 7/25/2024 at 3:56 PM, Troy Smith said:

 

One bit if trivia, the Commando hat is in reality a tubular woolen scarf, which can be made into a hat, but it smooth, not ribbed. 

 

 

I remember my father kept his after he was de-mobbed and I used to wear it - I believe the correct name was "cap comforter" and think it was rather too short to be a scarf. I suspect it was perhaps intended to be worn under a tin helmet, and indeed the article in Wiki confirms that use in WWI though is a bit vague about later use. Those Commando units that did not wear a green beret or Tam O' Shanter seem to have adopted it.

 

Pete

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4 hours ago, PeterB said:

I believe the correct name was "cap comforter"

A search shows this to be correct.

4 hours ago, PeterB said:

and think it was rather too short to be a scarf.

I had one in the early 80's and used it as a scarf,  but with a leather jacket.   It was short but did work and was very warm.

I bought it a place in The Lanes in Brighton that sold militaria, and the chap showed me how to make it into the cap comforter.   I have one in the house somewhere as well.

Very warm hat as well.

4 hours ago, PeterB said:

I suspect it was perhaps intended to be worn under a tin helmet, and indeed the article in Wiki confirms that use in WWI though is a bit vague about later use. Those Commando units that did not wear a green beret or Tam O' Shanter seem to have adopted it.

I suspect it's fame come from the Dieppe raid.

r0ouhexukog61.jpg

 

The chap getting a light is a US Ranger

https://foxholefashion.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/1st-ranger-battalion-august-1942-americas-first-european-raiders-dieppe-france/

 

123-12.jpg

 

 

Ranger dress was somewhat iconic due to their extensive use of British items. The standard M1937 wool uniform is worn with cartridge belt. The inclusion of a Royal Navy life preserver, Cap Comforter and British 1937 Pattern Small Pack with demolitions. Although post raid photos show the Cap Comforter, looks as if they wore their own M1917a1 Kelly helmets during the raid.

123-11.jpg

 

which is totally new to me,  but does show the cap comforter well....

 

Hmmm....  interesting.   IIRC the Multipose US Infantry came with a cap that could be bashed into this,  just a shame the came with the para type boots, and not the gaiters..

 

cheers

T

 

PS  just spotted this comment on the linked page on US Rangers

 

" It’s certainly possible that Rangers attached to units other than No. 4 Commando wore the caps after the raid, but the Rangers photographed wearing the cap after the raid are among the four assigned to No. 4 Commando, and No. 4 Commando personnel wore the caps en masse as a mark of distinction for rapid identification in the assault, so this is why these Rangers are wearing the cap."

Edited by Troy Smith
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14 hours ago, rob Lyttle said:

OK for me to join in, chaps??

 

Of course!  Welcome aboard Rob 👍

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32 minutes ago, stevej60 said:

Can someone clarify Dapol kits were originally Airfix in origin or Airfix Via Kitmaster?

The ex-Airfix Trackside stuff (buildings) are Airfix originals; the rolling stock including the locos is ex-Kitmaster bought by Airfix, though Airfix may have made some original tools (which I somewhat doubt, as all the rolling stuff is somewhat finer in detail than was Airfix's style in the very early 60s - look e.g. at rivets on Airfix planes of the period in comparison with those on the wagons). 

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12 hours ago, Richard Humm said:

I should stay off Ebay

I keep telling myself that as well but do I listen?

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I have been off-line for a while. I needed to help my father out a little bit concerning some health issues.

 

Yesterday I finished my diorama with two Gee Bees in 144th (RFI coming soon), so now onto the Airfix GB.

 

Here is what I am planning (it has changed slightly):

1. Blenheim

2. Brisfit (the one from the Children's Hospital raffle)

3. David Brown Tractor (from Short Stirling kit)

Everything after that is a bonus, but the priorities are to build the Hampden, then the Stirling, followed by the Wellington and finally the Battle (which is a Bilek boxing to begin with). I am really tempted to get a few other older Airfix kits, but I think I should focus on buying Heller kits for that upcoming group build.

Edited by Modelling Masochist
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24 minutes ago, Modelling Masochist said:

I have been off-line for a while. I needed to help my father out a little bit concerning some health issues.

 

Yesterday I finished my diorama with two Gee Bees in 144th (RFI coming soon), so now onto the Airfix GB.

 

Here is what I am planning (it has changed slightly):

1. Blenheim

2. Brisfit (the one from the Children's Hospital raffle)

3. David Brown Tractor (from Short Stirling kit)

Everything after that is a bonus, but the priorities are to build the Hampden, then the Stirling, followed by the Wellington and finally the Battle (which is a Bilek boxing to begin with). I am really tempted to get a few other older Airfix kits, but I think I should focus on buying Heller kits for that upcoming group build.

I forgot I had a Mig-23 as well. This will be between the tractor and the Hampden as I need more nose weight.

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4 hours ago, Modelling Masochist said:

I forgot I had a Mig-23 as well. This will be between the tractor and the Hampden as I need more nose weight.

You see, Mod Mas, not everyone would be able to make sense of that sentence, but WE can....🤩 

Carry on 

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1 hour ago, rob Lyttle said:

You see, Mod Mas, not everyone would be able to make sense of that sentence, but WE can....🤩 

Carry on 

I guess you are right. Ha ha. I find myself rather tired (been up for a long time working on the Blenheim, but it is almost done, save for the engines, antennae, painting and decals). I am feeling a little bit cross-eyed now, so I should probably rest.

 

Cheers.

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Saw an old advertisment for the then new MRCA from the seventies with a message from the President of the Airfix modelling club,the comedian Dick Emery.

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Hi all. I don't know if this has been posted already but Wonderland Models in Edinburgh has acquired a *massive* haul of vintage kits, not just Airfix, but other makes too. It looks like a veritable Aladdin's Cave of old kits. 

 

The kits are not being advertised on the website but it's possible to email re. what kits are available. I've already enquired after a couple of my wish-list kits, and I'm planning a trip to the shop in the next week or two. 

 

Excellent timing for this Group Build. 

 

https://www.wonderlandmodels.com/blog/huge-collection-of-vintage-aircraft-model-kits-books-magazines-and-decals/

Edited by Aww94
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1 hour ago, Aww94 said:

Hi all. I don't know if this has been posted already but Wonderland Models in Edinburgh has acquired a *massive* haul of vintage kits, not just Airfix, but other makes too. It looks like a veritable Aladdin's Cave of old kits. 

 

The kits are not being advertised on the website but it's possible to email re. what kits are available. I've already enquired after a couple of my wish-list kits, and I'm planning a trip to the shop in the next week or two. 

 

Excellent timing for this Group Build. 

 

https://www.wonderlandmodels.com/blog/huge-collection-of-vintage-aircraft-model-kits-books-magazines-and-decals/

Yes, I noticed these on the shelf beside the brand new Airfix kits when I was in a couple of weeks ago - what a surprise! No ‘red stripe’ type boxings but the next ones with the green or blue logos. They’ll be setting up a stand of bagged kits next!

Edited by Ventora3300
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On 05/08/2024 at 22:55, stevej60 said:

Saw an old advertisment for the then new MRCA from the seventies with a message from the President of the Airfix modelling club,the comedian Dick Emery.

 

"Oh you are awful, but.....

 

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I hope I am wrong but it looks like Sovereign Hobbies has suspended production and sale of the Colourcoats paint range if I am reading the message on their website correctly.

 

Pete

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9 hours ago, PeterB said:

I hope I am wrong but it looks like Sovereign Hobbies has suspended production and sale of the Colourcoats paint range if I am reading the message on their website correctly.

 

Pete

You did - there's a thread in the "resources" section.

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I was very pleased about how the silver metallic paint turned out on the Boeing 707 and this put me in mind of this little chap - I think I'll fit in this Mig15 while I'm on a roll with the paint can!

F10K990.jpg

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I've just returned from a short holiday in Germany. When I go abroad I leave behind the internet and try to ignore my phone, leaving it in the luggage for emergencies.

This time away I found myself studying the runway and apron markings at Stanstead and Memminghen and thinking how I can incorporate some of the details into my airliner builds. Ryanairs 737's also came in for a bit of closer inspection than I would usually give them. Had my phone been in my pocket, I could have recorded things a whole lot better than trying to commit things to memory. Sometimes you just can't win!

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I'll be taking time out from building classic airfix models to take part in next weekend's Blitzbuild where I'll will build this classic Airfix model kit!

410262137SDC14219

 

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5 hours ago, John Masters said:

I'm pretty sure I signed up for this.  I will get to it when I can.  😃

 You did indeed!

 

0n 13/05/2024 at 22:10, John Masters said: Sounds great!  I’m in!

 

Have you had a think yet on which kit to build? All the best. Mike

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