Grey Beema

Do you have to be mindful of the rolling Programme of upgrades going on with the Typhoon? Notable upgrades were the three blade to four blade airscrew and replacement of the Typhoon tailplane with the larger Tempest tailplane. Photographs are key to understanding which go on which airframe at which date as there was a rolling upgrade Programme - although I think the Bombphoons were prioritised for the four blade airscrew..

Oxford Blue? As far as I am aware in '45 FAA Hellcats were either in Temperate Sea Scheme (Extra Dark Sea Grey, Dark Slate Grey & Sky (or US equivalents)) or Gloss Sea Blue (USN Colour). I don't recall seeing any in Oxford Blue. I have seen images of an Admirals Barge in Oxford Blue but that was a Beech 18

During Operation Pedestal, the Malta convoys, the Royal Navy made great efforts to protect the convoys making their way towards Malta. During Operation Pedestal Three aircraft carriers, HMS Eagle which was sunk during the Operation, HMS Indomitable which was damaged and its deck put out of action and HMS Victorious, were charged with protecting the convoy until it got within range of the islands air defences. During 12th August '42 Lt 'Dickie' Cork succeeded in shooting down 5 enemy aeroplanes in a single day. It is known that Cork (880 NAS) flew two Hurricanes during the day, which are bel

Completely agree with everything said. I believe there is a trend for generally over weathering aircraft. It is almost that people are modelling others models rather than the real subject. If it ain't in a photograph then it didn't happen.... In my case I mainly model FAA aircraft. I had a recent debate on another forum with someone who had heavily weathered a specific Seafire. They made a grand job and it looked superbly battered which was fine but as I pointed out to the modeller, the aeroplane was less than a month serving with the squadron when the specific event occurred therefore t

I've have ordered the 1/48 set. Going to do Maj Ronnie Hay's Fleet Air Ram Corsair... I have a Tamiya Corsair already waiting...

If there is going to be an FAA Corsair - I'll be in the market for at least two. Richie Cork and Ronnie Hay. At least it saves having to work out where the wingtip cut goes?.

Agboak, Would you have any news on when Stuart LLoyds next book is going to be published? I have the Altantic & Med 39-41 edition and would like the next in the set..

Thanks Chuck....

Donald Sheppard was the only Corsair 'Ace' of the FAA (only 'Ace' who scored all his victories in the Corsair). He was a Canadian Pilot from Toranto, who flew with 1836 NAS From HMS Victorious. Flying Corsair MkII. Not really sure how the MkII relates to the F4U-1D. AFAIK all FAA Corsairs had the clipped wings (4in off each wing I think) (with maybe the exception of the MKI) so that they could be struck down in the lower clearance armoured British Fleet Carriers.. Don Sheppards Corsairs (JT410 & JT537) were both painted Temperate Sea scheme - such a pleasant change from GSB...

Think I'll ask my Brother in the UK to buy it then post it over to Ireland. Has to be cheaper...

That is really good and going to help a lot. Thanks Steve... Its just down to Engines (cowl & scoops), folding wings & guns... Looks like the Tamiya kit is the best place to start...

Guys, I want to ask a question that has probably been asked before but anyway... I am going to model an FAA Martlet II (probably an operation Torch machine, temperate sea scheme, RN/USN mix of markings). I think that equates to the Grumman F4F-4. Which is I think the six gun wing. Is this correct? I am going to use as the basis the Tamiya F4F-4, I dont know the serial of the aircraft I am doing yet (gonna check that out later) so not sure yet of the cowling detail differences.. Any advice around that? Thanks for your help in advance... Phil

I find this site interesting - it helps with the inspiration. Really need to go back to the photo's that are the primary reference but it'll keep you amused in the mean time... http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/b/439/9/1

Steve, I think that there are two Royal Navy Officers in your picture of 242 Sqn. Sub Lieutenants R (Dickie) J Cork and R (Jimmie) E Gardner both served with 242 in the BOB. I am actually not sure which they are but have seen a reference to them being in the photo. What it does prove is that you can't distinguish them by their flying kit... Phil

Thanks Agboak. Its worth a try. When you say you were looking into Corks later aeroplane - is that the Sea Hurricane with the 'C' cannon wing debate? I think I was reading about it on a different forum during the week

I am building a series of models of aeroplanes flown by Royal Navy Aces. I have Stan Orrs Hellcat Mk I almost complete. William Atkinsons Hellcat MkII complete. Rawling Seafire III build (not yet finished) all in 1/48. Bill Bruens Sea Hurricane in US navy markings, Stan Orrs Fulmar complete in 1/72... I am currently researching aces Sub Lieutenants R (Dicky) J Cork and R (Jimmy) E Gardner who both flew Hurricanes in 242 Squadron RAF commanded Douglas Bader during the Battle of Britain. Both pilots became aces serving with the RAF. What I am looking for in particular are the serial numb

I have a personal theory that we tend to build models of the best models we have seen, using really clever techniques to copy them when really we need to carefully study photographs of our subject and copy the finish. Not easy but why do all that work and then copy someone elses interpretation... I tend to model Naval aircraft, the thing with them is that they never seemed to have lasted long enough in service to weather that much. Navy pilots seemed to break them quite frequently... Especially Seafires... My Dad was an aircraft sparks in the FAA. "If it don't move hit it with a hammer,

Vulcan for me. Sleek & gracefull...

There is a lat war Corsair being restored in the FAA museum. Have a look at the site. They are peeling it back to its 1945 paintwork... Which was Sea Blue, however Corsairs had previously been painted in the Temperate Sea Scheme and did serve in the pacific in that scheme...

It was those box tops that got me into the hobby. I used to save up and buy kits based on the boxtop artwork. They were assembled, painted, decalled and in action by the end of the day... I had aeroplanes hung from the bedroom ceiling. Some were burning with smoke and flame tails made of cotton wool (for some reason mostly the enemy ones).. My elder brother used to claim 'Ace' status, as he would down whole squadrons in the morning just by putting his shirt on and downing a few with his waving hand.... Those were the days......

MAX67's model were really good. Remember - don't over weather them.... Perhaps I should start a campaign....

Hi Alessio I wouldn't be a regular Jet builder but have done a couple of Low Viz USN jets before - by brush... To be honest I would leave it. You have to study photos really hard to see the demarcation line - especially in strong light. I understnd the paint used is very porous (experts please correct me here) - What would make it better is to emulate the the 'patchwork quilt' that the paint turns to throughout the cruise - maintenance & corrosion control will soon make it hard to identify the exact shade..

Search around on this site. I am sure there was a previous subject on USN colours in the last couple of months. I have a feeling tho (and definately in the Royal Navy) - the wheelwells were the underside colours. Thus Sea Blue or Sky (RN) depending on the underside colours. I think the interior cowl colours were dependent on the factory. Anyway search for the link in this forum...

Great model Max. I like the Sea Hornet and Firefly as well. I think what I like about it is that the weathering is subtle. I know that post war aeroplanes had a better maintained finish BUT and I am probably going to speak a heracy, I do think there is a tendancy to over weather models.

Some links http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/1997...il_lysander.htm