Saunders Roe SR.A/1

[Pete in a shed]

Hello all. Here’s my latest from the shed, not my usual fare, but a change is as good as a rest they say.

 

The SR.A/1 jet flying boat fighter concept was brought about because of the success of Japanese water borne aircraft during WW2. In 1943 the Air Ministry funded the development of three Saunders Roe designed aircraft which were completed after the war had finished. The first flight being in 1947. After evaluation the aircraft was not deemed capable of matching the performance of land based aircraft and was not ordered. Two of the aircraft crashed during testing and were lost. The pilot of one was rescued by the occupant of a support launch who dived into the water fully clothed after the aircraft suffered a landing accident. He pulled the pilot free from the cockpit of the sinking aircraft saving his life. That pilot was Eric ‘winkle’ Brown who became one of the most famous test pilots of the time.

 

The kit was typical short run, taking a bit of work to get it together. I replaced the supplied flimsy PE nose grill with silver nickel rod, other than that it was built from the box. It was finished in a mixture of Humbrol 27001 and 27002 and sealed using Xtra color varnishes. The base is from coastalkits.

A nice change from the norm I enjoyed the challenge of this build.

Here are a few pics, hope you like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking.

Pete

 

 

[Pete in a shed]

Having huge picture problems, embed function seems to have been lost in one drive. Please could someone tell me if you can see 5 photos.

Pete

[Bullbasket]

Yes, they're there, and very nice they are too. Good work.

 

John.

[Pete in a shed]

Thank you John. I seem to have found a way round the problem thank goodness. 

Pete

[Andy H]

All good here. 👍

 

Lovely finish on an unusual aircraft.

[Meatbox8]

Very nice indeed. This is the first of this kit I have seen built and it looks great. Going to have to gey myself one.

[Alpha Delta 210]

Fantastic model of a very unlikely fighter concept. 

[Tribesman72]

Now that is nice. Only the second of these I’ve seen built, and the first in a scheme actually worn by the aircraft. Very good job indeed. 

[Andrew.S]

Well done, you did a good job! 

[Wolfhound32]

Great build Pete, well done😊!
I have this great kit in my stash (and also the SR.45 Princess in 1:72 scale).

 

Saunders Roe planes just have those unique lines.. 

[kapam]

That's a top-notch build of an odd-looking aircraft.

Your natural metal finish and panel highlighting are right on the money!

👏👏👏👏

[CJP]

Very nice model of an unusual aircraft - photos good too

Chris

[Adam Poultney]

Certainly is an ugly duckling! 

Great model model of it, the silver is excellent

[Mr T]

A very nice build, I saw the remaining airframe at Solent Sky in Southampton last year. Imposing looking in real life. The kit is in my stash and tempted to get it out. 

[Pete in a shed]

2 hours ago, Mr T said:

A very nice build, I saw the remaining airframe at Solent Sky in Southampton last year. Imposing looking in real life. The kit is in my stash and tempted to get it out. 

I did'nt know there was a surviving airframe. I shall definately take a peek at it over in Southhampton the next time I am down in Portsmouth visiting the Historic Dock Yard.

Thanks

Pete

[MACALAIN]

Nice, well done.

 

Alain

[Tribesman72]

2 hours ago, Pete in a shed said:

I did'nt know there was a surviving airframe. I shall definately take a peek at it over in Southhampton the next time I am down in Portsmouth visiting the Historic Dock Yard.

Thanks

Pete

 

I nearly mentioned the Solent Sky 1:1 example, but assumed you'd already been as your work looks the part! They have one of the Beryl engines it used, displayed separately, and I think the floats can still be lowered and retracted too

[Mr T]

The other Beryl engine ended up in Donald Campbells ill fated Bluebird that he died in on Coniston Water. Not sure what happened to it when the wreck was raised. 

 

[russ c]

Superb build and paint Pete, really nice work

[Rando]

Really cool and unique subject, I always like seeing these experimental planes being built up into nice models like you made here. Very nice metal finish 👍

[Homer]

Congratulations on a fine model well done 👏 

[RidgeRunner]

Nice one, Pete!

[JWFP]

Nice build of an unusual prototype thanks for sharing.

[SebTartar]

Beautiful model of an... eeer... "unusual" aircraft.

The front fuselage makes me think of a pelican head!

Edited April 15, 2024 by SebTartar

[Sky Keg]

Pete, my apologies for missing this beauty from you.  Unique and very cool!!!!   Superb work as always!!!! 

 

Mike