the official airfix club magazine issue 4 2008 · 2017. 10. 5. · we review the variety of airfix...

T h e O f f i c i a l A i r f i x C l u b M a g a z i n e . . . I s s u e 4 2 0 0 8

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IN THIS ISSUE...

FLIESFROM THENEST!

DIORAMARE-ENACTING A NORMANDYBEACH SCENE

PLUS...PLUS...

Contents

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Many of you will have heard the news that on 1st May,

2008, Hornby took over that other famous British diecast

model institution – Corgi. Hornby issued the following

Press statement following the takeover.

EditorialEditorial2008 September Release Programme Pages 3 & 4

Past & Present - RAF Trainers Page 5

D-DAY...An Epic Tale! Pages 6 & 7

The BAe Hawk of 19(F) Squadron Pages 8 & 9

Model Build - BAe Hawk Pages 10 & 11

Competition Time Page 12

Issue 2 Competition Time Results Page 12

Consultant Editor: Susan Pownell Design & Production: DSP Limited

Membership Organiser: Sarah Woodhouse. 2008 Subscription

Fees: UK POSTAL Version £22.99. UK DOWNLOADABLE Version £14.99.EU DOWNLOADABLE Version £18.99. Rest of the World DOWNLOADABLE Version £20.99.

Cheques made payable to: Hornby Hobbies Limited. Visa, Access, Mastercard,Maestro & Switch accepted with valid expiry date and in the case of Switch &Maestro, either an issue number or a ‘valid from’ date.

Club Address: Airfix Collectors Club. PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK. LE13 IZG.Tel: 0870 062 4001. Fax: 01664 480 257. The Airfix Club Magazine is published on behalf ofHornby plc, Westwood, Margate, Kent CT9 4JX.

The Club accepts no responsibility for errors or ommissions or for views and opinions expressedby contributors to the magazine.

Hornby Plc ("Hornby"), the international models and collectibles group, has today announced that it has acquired the famous die-cast modelbusiness Corgi Classics (“Corgi”). Hornby has agreed to buy the brand, tooling, and intellectual property rights from NASDAQ listed CorgiInternational Limited, for a consideration of £7.5 million. In addition, existing inventory will be acquired for a consideration of c.£0.8 million.

Hornby will focus on managing the business for growth. Key existing marketing, sales and development personnel will be retained, whilst currentlyoutsourced logistics will be integrated into the Hornby structure along with sales administration, finance and operations. It plans to strengthen theproduct range and improve the marketing and distribution support. In the first year after the acquisition, Corgi is expected to be earnings neutral.

The Corgi product range, particularly their Aviation Archive series of 1:144 scale and 1:72 scale diecast metal aircraft is highly complementaryto the Hornby’s existing hobby brands, which includes Airfix models.

Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby commented...“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Corgi. It is a fantastic brand and has a superb reputationworldwide. We intend to build on the brand’s super heritage and invest to build its premier position in the market.The strategic fit with our existing businesses could not be better. We are confident that we will grow the scale ofthe business rapidly and drive it forward.

The team at Hornby has the expertise and a successful track record in managing a portfolio of famous hobbysector brands that have flourished under our stewardship. This team will be complemented by the expertise ofthe Corgi employees who will be transferring to Hornby. Together we have set in place a detailed integrationplan to ensure that we improve Corgi’s performance rapidly. We will focus on product innovation, improving thedistribution network and driving sales growth both in the UK and Internationally.

This acquisition is an extension of the Group’s strategy to build an international hobby and collectibles businesswith a broad range of brands. Looking to the future, we are extremely excited by the potential growth that Corgican deliver.”

Hornby strengthens product range with

£7.5M Acquisition of Corgi...

A03049 BAC StrikemasterThe Strikemaster was an armed version ofthe Jet Provost. It was capable of operatingfrom rough airstrips and featured twoejector seats suitable even for low-altitude

escape. This new 1:72 scale Airfix kit comprises 90 pieces and comesin three kit variations. When finished, it measures 144mm long with awidth of 146mm.


20082008SEPTEMBER RELEASE PROGRAMME

A10104 Martin B-57B CanberraAirfix have also modelled the US versionof the English Electric Canberra – theMartin B-57B. It is available with threevariants depicting it as a USAF B-57B

Martin; an RB-57E or the RB-57G. Dimensions are the same as theCanberra.

A05040 Focke-Wulf Mistel (Ta-154)(Fw-190)The Mistel project involved packing a war-weary bomber airframe with explosivesand guiding it to its target using a fighter

aircraft mounted above it on a set of struts. This version was plannedbut it never flew. 1:72 scale. 111 pieces.

A04201 HMS VictoriousA04201 HMS Victorious consists of 94pieces which make up a model 397mmlong and 58mm wide.HMS Victorious, an Illustrious-class aircraft

carrier, saw action in every theatre in WWII. Her most notableachievements included launching the aircraft that found the Bismarckand subsequently playing a major part in the destruction of the Tirpitz.Both these German battleships are in the Airfix range already in 1:400scale. New 2008 release.

A02329 Bedford Mk TacticalAircraft RefuellerDeveloped for the refuelling and defuellingof helicopters and the Harrier underoperational conditions, the 4 tonners were

used extensively until the 1980s when the MJ series were introduced.This new Airfix model in 1:76 scale has 36 pieces with a length of 92mmand width of 32mm and is a single kit variation.

A10103 English Electric CamberraPR.9This was developed as the photo-reconnaissance version of the Canberraand successfully served in the RAF for

many years. Chile took the aircraft following the Falklands War and the1:48 scale Airfix model contains four options – three RAF and theChilean Air Force to reflect this.The finished model is 423mm in length and 441mm wide. New for 2008,the model comprises 122 pieces.

A04036 Eurofighter TyphoonNamed by the RAF, the Eurofighter hasbeen developed by the UK, Germany, Italyand Spain as a highly advanced combataircraft suited to many roles. It is an

awesome spectacle at the many air shows around the country. The 1:72scale Airfix version has 65 pieces with finished dimensions of 221mmin length and a width of 152mm.

A03076 Gloster Meteor F.8The Gloster Meteor F.8 is an all metal, twinengined aircraft and was the first jet to beoperational within the RAF. First flying in1948, the F.8 was the last in the line of

single seat variants. The 1:72 scale Airfix model has 86 pieces and comeswith two kit options. Finished length 184mm. Width 157mm.

A02326 Bedford Mk4 Tonne TruckModelled in 1:76 scale, this new Airfixintroduction comes as a single kit variationcomprising 25 pieces. It is 87mm longand 33mm wide.

The Bedford MK series was developed to meet the needs of the UKforces to have a general purpose load carrier capable of operating inmilitary environments throughout the world. New for 2008.

A02328 Saracen APC Mk 1/2/3Also new for 2008, this kit contains 46pieces and when built gives a model72mm long and 32mm wide. Its use inthe British Army was chiefly during the

Malaysian Emergency when it was rushed into service due to the needfor an armoured personnel carrier.

Classic Kits

We review the variety of Airfix kits being released between now and the endof September

A50047 The EndeavourThe Airfix kit in 1:120 scale replicates the famous sailing ship that,in 1769, sailed from Plymouth under the command of the legendaryexplorer Captain James Cook. Born in Marton, North Yorkshire, hewas apprenticed to a trade in the seaside village of Staithes and thenWhitby but his passion was always the sea. He eventually went tosea, working his way up from Ordinary Seaman to Master. CaptainCook was to discover and chart much of the southern hemisphere,including the East Coast of Australasia and the unknown islands ofthe Pacific during his several voyages. He chose the bark Endeavourfor several reasons. A Whitby collier, Endeavour was the type of

vessel he knew to be sturdy and practical, solidly built with a broad beam and a shallowdraught making it less likely to run aground. Given its moderate size, it could also be easilymanaged by a small crew.

The Airfix kit comprises 106 pieces and when completed, it has a length of 395mm and awidth of 355mm.


2009 National Junior Modelling Competition

A50044 WasaThe Wasa (Vasa) sank within one nautical mile of the star t of hermaiden voyage in 1628 before she had even left the Stockholmarchipelago.

She was raised in 1986 and is now on permanent display in theSwedish capital.

The 1:144 scale Airfix kit comprises 229 pieces and when finishedis 486mm in length with a width of 170mm.

A50045 Cutty SarkProbably the most famous tea clipper of them all, as well as being thefastest, Cutty Sark plied the Tea Route between China and London.She has been a key tourist attraction moored on the Thames in Londonfor many years but suffered a devastating fire in 2007. It is now hopedto rebuild the sailing ship to her former glory. In the meantime, enjoybuilding this fantastic 1:130 Airfix kit that contains 220 pieces and whencomplete measures a length of 520mm and a width of 140mm.

STOP PRESSGuideline Publications, publishers of Scale Aircraft Modelling and MilitaryModelcraft magazines, are running a junior modelling competition. There aretwo Classes – One for juniors between 8 and 11 years of age and Class 2 for ages12-15, as of 30th September 2008. Airfix is supporting the competition with

the building kits. Regional heats will take place in 2009 but for more information,you need to access the SAM and MM August and September 2008 issues. Theinformation is also available on their website at www.guidelinepublications.co.ukEntry to the competition is free. Good Luck!

A50064 The D-Day CollectionThis evocative set depicts the events surrounding OperationOverlord on 6th June 1944 when the Allies landed on theNormandy beaches in Northern France. The collectioncomes with a Normandy beach-head, tanks, landing craft,

trucks, a gun emplacement and soldiers to enable you to create this momentous day. Thecomponents include 1:72/1:76 scale pieces.

A50048 Waterloo Battle SetThis 415-piece set in 1:72 scale re-enacts the famousbattle in the environs of Waterloo in Belgium on 18th June1815. Much of the battle took place around a villagefarmhouse which sets the scene for the Airfix kit. Heading

the battle for the British against Napoleon of France was the Duke of Wellington, known asthe Iron Duke. As well as the battle scene, the kit contains nine regiments of troops, enablingyou to create your own British victory over Bonaparte, which ended the French aspirationsof ruling the whole of Europe in the early 19th Century.

A50056 Duxford AnniversaryCollection Gift SetThis set commemorates the commissioning of the famousDuxford Airfield in 1918. Now part of the Imperial WarMuseum and the venue for major Air Shows, Duxford inCambridgeshire was – in its early days – a key air base

for many squadrons both from the RAF and particularly in WWII, the USAAF. The Airfix kitmodelled in 1:72 scale contains aircraft from WWII, a narrative from a WWII fighter pilot andother items of historical interest. No of pieces 106.

A50031 BAe Red Arrows HawkGift SetThe Red Arrows are arguably the best known of all theinternational aerobatic teams, seen at all the important

occasions and frequent visitors to Air Shows. This Airfix kit shows the team in their new2008 colour scheme. In 1:48 scale, there are three kit variations to choose from.

Battle Sets, Themed Collections & Sea by Sail

Boxed Gift Sets & Mini Kits

Boxed Gift SetsA50069 HMS Belfast. 1:600 Scale, 250 pieces.A50071 HMS Hood. 1:600 Scale. 131 pieces.A50070 HMS Ark Royal. 1:600 Scale. 171 pieces.A50068 Dogfight Double. Messerschmitt Me262A and De Havilland Mosquito.1:72 scale. 40/97 pieces.A50036 Dogfight Double. Messerschmitt Bf110 and Spitfire Mk IX. 1 :72 Scale. 45/22 pieces.A50037 Dogfight Double. Messerschmitt Bf109G and Bristol Beaufighter TF.X.1:72 Scale.38/55 pieces.A50039 Dogfight Double. 1 Flying Bomb (Doodlebug) and Gloster Meteor III.1:72 Scale. 37/4 pieces.A50040 Then & Now Spitfire & Eurofighter Typhoon Twin Pack. 1:72 Scale. 29/65 pieces.A50041 Then & Now. P-51D Mustang & F-15E Strike Eagle. 1:72 Scale. 125/26 pieces.A50042 Harrier GR7. 1:72 Scale. 102 pieces.A50043 F-18A Hornet. 1:72 Scale. 94 pieces.

Mini KitsA50024 Focke-Wulf Fw190A.1:100 Scale. 21 pieces.A50025 P-47 Thunderbolt.1:100 Scale. 20 pieces.A50026 Mitsubishi Zero.1:100 Scale. 26 pieces.A50027 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle.1:144 Scale. 22 pieces.A50067 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom.1:144 Scale. 22 pieces.

All new for 2008, this series of highly detailed gift sets covers a wide range of modelling interests.

PAST & PRESENT

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By Jeremy Brook - Editor of ‘Constant Scale’

Shortly after in 1970, The Tiger Moth’s successor, the DHC Chipmunk was

modelled. The successor to the Chipmunk, the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.Mk.1,

was in turn modelled in 1975. As well as pilots, the R.A.F. also trained navigators

and weapons operators and to cater for these Airfix released a model of the

H.S. Dominie T. Mk.1 in 1968. It was re-released by Humbrol a couple of years

ago and should still be fairly easy to find.

In 1975, a beautiful model of the Hawker Siddeley Hawk T. Mk.1 was released in

1:72 scale. Not long after entering service, the Hawk was chosen to replace the

Gnat as the mount of the “Red Arrows” and so Airfix changed their kit into a “Red

Arrows Hawk”. Sales of the “Red Arrows” kit far exceed the sales of the training

version. A special boxed version was even made available to potential R.A.F.

recruits in the 1990’s as an incentive to “join-up”!

In 1990, Humbrol announced the

release of a model of the Shorts Tucano

T.1 which was entering service with the

R.AF. Also in the early 90’s a model of

the Gloster Javelin T.3 was released,

though this was a Heller mould and

shortly after it was modified to make a Javelin FAW9 fighter variant. The trainer

version of the Harrier II was also modelled.

In 2003, Airfix announced the release of a new 1:48 kit of the Red Arrows Hawk

(05111) and a kit of the Hawk 100 (05112) and the Red Arrows Hawk is released

this year with the Arrows’ 2008 scheme. The Hawk 128 (05114) is shortly to

join the R.A.F. as its Advanced Jet Trainer and decals for these aircraft will now

doubt shortly be provided.

So over the last 50 years, Airfix have

provided models of most of the training

aircraft used by the R.A.F. during its

first 90 years and judging by 2008’s

releases they will continue to do so for

the second 90 years of the R.A.F.

With the impending release of the new 1:72 scale RedArrows Hawk kit (A02005) and the Advanced Jet TrainerHawk 128/132 (A03073) later this year, I thought it mightbe timely to look at the other R.A.F. trainers that havebeen modelled by Airfix over the last 50 years.

The fifteenth aircraft kit to be moulded by

Airfix in 1957 was the De Havilland Tiger

Moth (01015), probably the most famous

R.A.F. trainer of all. It shows the enduring

popularity of this little bi-plane that it is

still in the range today. In the early 1960’s, Airfix would model the then current

R.A.F basic jet trainer, the Hunting Jet Provost T. Mk.3 (01029) followed shortly

after by the new advanced trainer the Folland Gnat T. Mk.1 (01036).

The Jet Provost would later disappear from the catalogue when the new BAC

Jet Provost T.Mk.5/Strikemaster was released in 1974, which kit (A03049), is

also being re-released this year.

The Gnat might have gone the way of the

Jet Provost but for a decision to alter the

mould to enable a model of the R.A.F.’s

display aircraft for the new “Red Arrows”

display team to be modelled. This was a

very clever move as the kit has become one of Airfix’s best sellers and was one

of the first kits released by Hornby, despite the presence of the “Red Arrows Hawk”.

We may not have seen “Red Arrows Gnats” flying for 30 years but many

modellers born long after their disappearance are still fascinated by them. Apart

from the odd preserved example the only place to see Gnats in action is in the

1991 spoof film “Hot Shots”!

By far the most popular trainer in terms

of numbers built was the Avro 504K and

a lovely model of an R.A.F. trainer version

was released by Airfix in 1967. It was

recently re-released by Humbrol so should

still be available in some model shops.

RAF TRAINERSRAF TRAINERS

MEMBERS’ MAILI joined the Airfix Club for my

youngest son Matthew – he will

be delighted to receive the Spitfire

and Club goodies – after he saw

your stand at the Scottish Model

Championships in Per th earlier

this year. Since then he has had a

keen interest in aircraft modelling

and has just completed his first

kit – the recently re-released

Airfix Gladiator. Having grown up with Airfix myself in the 1970s, it is good to

see Matthew’s enthusiasm for the brand. He now has a Bird Dog, Anson and

Mosquito to build and has just started the Tempest.

Allan Callow, Aberdeenshire.

I am a new member to the Airfix Club but have been a keen model maker since

I was about ten years old, when my Dad used to help me build them. He was

just as keen as me and had a long history of constructing Airfix models. I myself

have completed many kits over a period of over 40 years!

I am still as keen as ever but in the last 15 years or so have specialised in

making airliners and civil aircraft, along with creating dioramas of the same

subject. I am currently building the Dragon Rapide to include in a diorama.

Previous builds include the 747 Jumbo Jet, Concorde and more recently the

Britten Norman Islander – to make at a later date. I would love to see other

civil aircraft introduced into the Airfix range in the future. In the meantime, long

may you reign!

David Seabridge, Staffordshire.

Ed: Thanks for writing David. Perhaps you would like to send us some

images of the Airfix dioramas you have created. In the meantime, we

have passed your future suggestions to

our Airfix development team.

To find out more about Constant Scale and the history of Airfix visit:

www.airfix.com - then click on Clubs Directory and select ‘Airfix

Collectors Club’


The Medway Modelling Club have achieved a worthymodel build of a Diorama based on the Normandy D-Daylanding on 6th June 1944.The scene depicts the seaborne landings of the assaultcraft and troops, the beach battle, the cliff-top defencesand the Allied aircraft giving support to the landing craftbringing in further troops from the ships further out at sea.

It was built by Kevin Nunn, Peter and Max Birkett and Chris and Mike Porter, allfrom the Medway Modelling Club. Max and Mike are both junior members. Theproject was constructed at the request of the Mail on Sunday for their on-linemagazine and took over 750 hours to construct. You can also view it on theirwebsite at www.mailonsunday.co.uk/moslive/article-1026013/How-Make-Airfix-diorama.html

Omaha Beach was the code name for the operation at one of the principal landingpoints of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landingson the coast of Northern France which took place on 6th June 1944. This part ofthe operation was the responsibility of the United States Army troops with seatransport supplied mainly by the US Navy with some support by the Royal Navy.

Their task was to land at both the western and eastern sections of the beach. Theinitial assault comprised tanks, infantry and combat engineer forces with the aimof reducing the coastal defences held by the enemy to allow larger ships to comein as part of a second phase of the operation. The overall plan was to secure thearea of about five miles to link up with the British landings at Gold Beach to the eastand linking up with VII Corps at Utah Beach to the west. All this was in the face ofthe German determination to defeat any seaborne assault at the point of landing.

Whilst the day was ultimately declared a victory for the Allies, little went as plannedand around 3000 Allied soldiers lost their lives. Enemy losses were assessed ataround 1200. Difficulties in navigation including bad visibility caused many of thelanding craft to miss their targets.

The sea was very rough which left many of the soldiers seasick. Under heavyenemy fire, the engineers who landed first struggled to clear beach defences whichmeant that further landings were channelled through a much narrower area thanplanned and casualties were heavy. The surviving assault forces were not able toclear the heavily defended exits from the beach and delayed subsequent landings.Groups of survivors did eventually achieve assaults, scaling the cliffs between themost heavily defended points. By the end of the day, two small footholds had beenwon, resulting in greater success inland over the next few days where Germandefences were found to be weaker.

How they did it...First of all, we consulted reference material of the time including maps, books andfilm clips to make sure we used correct models of the period and that the landscapewas accurate. It is always important to pick out the fact from the fiction!

We also selected a team who could work together and had the necessary skillsbetween them to complete the task. It was also important to be able to visualisethe whole thing and to include elements that people would recognise as beingD-Day from both history and their knowledge.

If you break down the 750 hours the project took to construct, you are lookingat approximately 120 hours for the scenery – cliff, beach and seascape plus 4-6hours on each of the models. For instance, landing craft took around 6-8 hoursincluding painting and application of decals and this did not include time allowedfor glue and paint to dry.

Starting with the scenery, the cliff faces comprised a base structure of contourshaped foam board which had an infill of cardboard and scrap paper sealed withwatered down PVA glue. Once set, we laid a skin of Mod Roc, basically animpregnated plaster bandage, to form a shell. The real trick was the painting andthe addition of crumbled dry lumps of Polyfilla type material to create rock facesas well as shading these areas to achieve even greater realism.The modellerassigned to this task was a graphic designer so there was great artistry involved.

The sea was Polyfilla laid in a bed about 3mm deep and then combed to formwaves. We then painted it with a mixed blue colour before detailing it in white toform the wake of the boats and the wave tops. Finally coats of polyurethane varnishwere applied to give the wet look. If the scene had been smaller, we would haveused clear resin but this is a very difficult material to use and we felt that ourmethod produced a better result.

Sand scenes are probably the easiest to build as it settles well over contours andis never just pure sand. There are always bits of rock contained in it and you canconveniently ‘weather’ the models by putting a coat of sand dust over everything.

The model painting was also quite involved. First we washed the pieces in weakwashing up liquid, rinsed them in clean water and allowed them to air dry. We thenprimed them with a base coat of matt paint – normally grey or white, followed bythe main colours, adding shading for depth or thinned blacks to bring out details.The next stage was to apply a gloss varnish before applying the decals. Followingthat, we applied weathering where appropriate on such parts as exhaust systemsand the wheels – putting more ‘mud’ or ‘sand’ at the top than on the bottom. Finallywe applied a further coat of appropriate varnish. For instance, a gloss finish isunlikely on army equipment but looks right on trucks, cars and aircraft. Satin is agood choice for aircraft whereas matt is as good for military items, tanks, lorriesand ships.

D-DAY...AN EP

KEVIN NUNN TOLD US HOW

What you need to re-enact the DogGreen, Omaha Beach scene:


A useful tip is that two thin coats are better than one thick coat of anything.

Paint effects on the landscape were interesting to do. All the green areas areachieved with sand glued on with PVA glue and then painted with different shadesof green – mostly dark. Even the beach sand is painted to a darker tone that itwas naturally. The edges of the beach where it meets the water were achievedwith thick and thinned varnish to give a wet/damp look with the main beach areapainted in a variety of greys and base colours for depth and shading.

One of the team was responsible for putting men inside vehicles, which proveda very fiddly job as it was difficult to retain the figures in the correct poses. I foundpainting the figures the most boring because there were so many of them. I paintedmost of the cliff attackers, changing the poses at the same time. This section isalso my own personal favourite within the diorama.

Whilst we may attract criticism for lack of detail and landscape perspective, weare all pleased with the result. Who else, with the exception of museums perhaps,has achieved a scene on this scale, particularly as we are all amateur modellers?

And our next project, you may ask? I would like to tackle the Battle of the Bulge– that would be a major project but well documented.

The Medway Modelling ClubFounded in 1983, the Medway Modelling Club, run by modellers for modellers, attractsenthusiasts interested in all types of models, from aircraft, vehicles, figures, tanks andAFVs to sci-fi, ships and much more. Most models use the medium of plastic but notexclusively. Club nights are held between 7.30 and 10 pm on the first Tuesday of eachmonth at the Disabled Persons Sports Hall, the Strand, Gillingham, Kent. Activitiesinclude competitions, raffles, demonstrations of modelling techniques, guest speakersand members’ project displays. Refreshments are available. For more information onjoining the Club, contact Kevin Nunn on Telephone 01795 421456 before 8 pm.

The age group of members ranges from 10 to 81, although the Club insists that childrenunder 16 years of age are accompanied by a parent at all times.

2008 sees the 25th Anniversary of the Club and the highlight of the year’s activities isan exhibition planned for the 5th and 6th September at the Royal Engineers Museum,Gillingham, Kent ME4 4UG. The planned attractions include a model exhibition, tradestands, competitions, as well as the chance to look round a great museum hosting awealth of vehicle exhibits. Refreshment facilities are available.

All the kits used were either 1:72 or 1:76 scale.

Airfix product1. Small troop-carrying landing craft £3.99.

2. Sherman ‘Crab’ mine-flail tanks Each tank £4.99.

3. Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tank £4.99.

4. White M3 A1 half track with trailer £4.99.

5. Large landing craft carrying tanks and other vehicles (LCM and tank) £6.99.

6. Opel Blitz truck and Pak 40 gun with crew £4.99.

7. The Coastal Defence Fort Set includes coastal battery featured on the clifftop and two sets of figures – attackers and defenders. Gun emplacement set£14.99; British Commandos £3.99; British infantry £3.99; German infantry£3.99 and American Marines £3.99.

The scene also included some Non-Airfix kits to complete the detail.

8. Coastal defence bunker £7.99.

9. Small bunker and accessories £7.99.

10. Anti-tank/anti-aircraft bunker £7.99.

11. North American P-51B Mustang fighter with D-Day stripes £4.99.

These are some of the events where you will find an Airfix presence during

the coming months. We’ll keep you updated on further venues via our Club

website at www.airfix.com...See you there!

28 - 31st August: ‘Bournemouth Air Show’, Bournemouth.18th October: ‘Yeovilton Autumn Model Show’, Fleet

Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Somerset.

DIARY DATES

PIC TALE!

Editor’s note: With the recent Corgi acquisition by Hornby Hobbies, there are nowseveral Corgi Aviation Archive diecast aircraft models (not kits) in the correct scale thatwould enhance this diorama admirably.

W THEY DID IT!


RAF put the clock back 70 years when she took ona Special 2008 Colour Scheme...In looking up into the skies this year, you will be excused from thinking you areexperiencing a double take.

2008 marks the 70th Anniversary of the 19(F) Squadron equipping with the Spitfireat Duxford in Cambridgeshire. It was in August 1938 that the Duxford basedSquadron, at that time flying Gauntlets, received the ninth production Spitfire MK 1K9795, assigned to them under the command of Squadron Leader Henry Cozens.This made it the first RAF Squadron to equip with the famous fighter.

It was to be December 1938 before the Squadron had its full complement of 16Spitfires, by which time intensive trials had been conducted that would lead to ahost of improvements and a Pilot’s Handbook for the new fighter. It is alsonoteworthy that in March 1940, Flying Officer Douglas Bader was posted to thesquadron and his first introduction to the Spitfire. This was in spite of his horrificflying accident eight years earlier.

Monday 14th April Tuesday 15th April Friday 18th April Sunday 20th April

Thursday 24th April Friday 25th April Saturday 26th April

Wing Commander Adrian Hill, the current ‘Boss’ of No.19 Squadron wasdetermined that a unique date in the annals of the RAF and his squadron’s historywas not going to pass without due recognition. With the RAF celebrating its 90thAnniversary this year Wing Commander Hill was of the opinion that the 70thAnniversary of the Spitfire’s first entry into RAF squadron service should also havesome prominence.

As a result and following an approach to the powers that be, 19(F) Squadronreceived both sponsorship and special permission earlier this year to re-livery oneof their Squadron’s Hawks in a Spitfire camouflage scheme of that immediatepre-war period. Leading up to the decision on the definitive livery, dialogue withthe RAF Museum and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight had brought up severalsuggested colour schemes. It was understood that the original camouflage schemewas dark brown and dark green upper surfaces with aluminium undersides and Atype roundels and other A type roundels edged in yellow (A1).

The BAe Hawk


Monday 21st April Tuesday 22nd April Wednesday 23rd April

Monday 28th April Tuesday 29th April Wednesday 30th April Thursday 1st May

Friday 11th April 2008 The confirmation of approval to create a 70th Anniversary Scheme was received during the afternoon and was announced by Wing Co A. Hill CO of 19Sqdn. Monday 14th April 2008 –At 13.30 hrs Hawk T1 XX184 was quietly towed from the short line and carefully backed into the Paint Shop Bay at RAF Valley. Hawk XX184 has recently returned from service withRoyal Navy's Fleet Requirements Air Direction Unit (FRADU)

Tuesday 15th April 2008 The Babcock paint shop team, making the necessary preparations. By 0900 hrs Hawk XX184 had been placed on service jacks and the undercarriage retracted. Initial preparation began.The airframe was thoughly washed and delicate areas protected. By 1300 hrs an extensive area of the lower fusulage had been sanded. Work proceeded over the next 48 hrs.

Friday 18th April 2008 Gone was the pristine shiny black and almost two thirds of the fuselage had been rubbed down to base. the contrast clearly shown in the view of XX184. Whilst this was happening variousexternal store were also prepared.

Sunday 20th April 2008 Yes, by Sunday, the Paint Shop Team had managed to denude the lady. XX184 was indeed a sorry sight, yet still exuded a quiet dignity.Monday 21st April 2008 By 1400 hrs the careful process of degreasing had been completed prior to the application of the primer. XX184 surrounded by white suited persons began to take on a whole new character.

Going, going, gone was the dark dingy grey. The bright primer started to show the lady in a whole new light.Tuesday 22nd April 2008 The meticulous preparation of masking the fuselage and other areas prior to applying the aluminium undersurface began early on Tuesday morning. By afternoon the Painting Team had

applied along the fuselage and wings this unique colour scheme.Wednesday 23rd April 2008 Drawings and Regulations to hand, the marking out of the upper wing and fuselage scheme progressed leaving XX184 looking more like a hovercraft than a fast jet. In the afternoon the

team suited up again to put the various coats of the top scheme on XX184's fuselage.Thursday 24th April 2008 The fuselage, painted the previous day, had once again been protected in preparation for painting of wings and fin. By 1145hrs the fin and wings had had the camouflage scheme applied.

Come 1500hrs the ground crew had put XX184 back on her own legs. With coverings removed XX184 stood majestically with her new coat of colours.Friday 25th April 2008 The Paint Team began marking out for Roundels and spraying parts which hitherto had been out of reach.Saturday 26th April 2008 Once again XX184 was wrapped in a gossemer blanket. The meticulous process of applying approximately 270 stencils began.Monday 28th April 2008 Bullseye well perhaps not. The initial stages of applying the roundels to XX184 was well in hand by 1300hrs. The efforts of the Paint Shop Team were acknowledged when Grp Cpt Connell,

the Base Commander of RAF Valley, called in to view progress.Tuesday 29th April 2008 The steady progress of applying the various warning and safety markings continued only to be interrupted by the armourers attending to fit the external stores, gunpod and pylons. At last

XX184 was looking the part.Wednesday 30th April 200 The first sight of XX184 in all her splendour evoked memories of years long gone. Resplendent in her 1938 guise the lady seemed so tranquil yet had the order to Scramble been given.Thursday 1st May 2008 Scramble! Scramble! At 1035hrs on this sunny May morning Hawk T1 XX184 of 19 Squadron bridged 70 years of time when 'Python 3' rolled, piloted by Wing Co. Adrian Hill and crewed

by Flt Lt 'Paddy' Ireland. XX184 took to the air from RAF Valley - a stirring and memorable sight.

The few photographs from the period showed that a prominent number 19 hadbeen applied to the fin. Whilst the RAF Museum determined that the numbers wereRed for A Flight and White for B Fight, the BBMF believed that the colour Yellowwas applied to the commander’s aircraft.

After considering the various options, Wing Commander Hill sought approval forthe repaint of a T1 BAe Hawk trainer jet aircraft in the camouflage scheme as wornby the first Spitfire when it was delivered to the Squadron in August 1938, with theaddition of number 19 in yellow on the fin. On 11th April 2008, permission wasgranted from RAF Valley and Babcocks Defence Systems to proceed. They alsoapproved the addition of an Aden cannon pod to reflect that 19 Squadron hadbeen the first unit to receive the cannon armed Spitfire Mk 1b. It is the first timethat a serving RAF aircraft has been decorated in the distinctive brown and greencamouflage scheme. Following the announcement by Wing Commander AdrianHill on 11th April, Valley Aviation Society have documented the progress on therepaint of XX184 between then and the presentation of the finished aircraft on1st May.

The repaint received funding from BAe Systems and Babcocks. PPG Aerospace inCounty Durham supplied the paint to the nearest specification of the period. Thecompany kindly donated the paint as a contribution towards the project. On 14thApril, Hawk T1 XX184 was quietly and carefully backed into the paint shop bay atRAF Valley, into the hands of the crew known locally as the ‘A’ Team. The planehad recently returned from service with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Requirements AirDirection Unit. The initial work involved placing XX184 on service jacks andretracting the undercarriage. The airframe was thoroughly washed and delicateareas protected. The fuselage was then sanded down over the next couple of days.By the end of the first week, the pristine shiny black paintwork was now reducedto the base metal ready for the next stage.

Monday 21st April saw the careful process of degreasing prior to the applicationof the primer. XX184 was surrounded by a team of white-suited persons.

The grey base metal was soon covered in a bright primer showing the lady in awhole new light. Using drawings and the RAF regulations to hand, the team markedout the upper wing and fuselage decoration before putting on the various coats ofthe top scheme on XX184’s fuselage. It was then protected in preparation for thepainting of the camouflage scheme on the wings and fin. By 3pm on 24th April,XX184 was back on her own legs and with the covering removed, looked quitemajestic in her new coat. Next came the job of marking the position for the RAFroundels and spraying parts that had been out of reach during the previous stages.The aircraft was then wrapped in a gossamer blanket before the meticulous processof applying approximately 270 stencils.

It was now Monday 28th April and the final stages in the countdown to thepresentation of the finished Hawk scheduled for 1st May. The paint shop teambegan the initial stages of applying the roundels and their effor ts wereacknowledged when the Base Commander of RAF Valley, Grp Cpt Connell calledin to check on progress.

The next step was to apply the various warning and safety markings, whichcoincided with the armourers needing to fit the external stores, gunpod and pylons.By 30th April, XX184 was resplendent in her evocative 1938 guise and looked allready for action, should the word to Scramble be given. She was given the chancethe next day when just after 10.30 am in clear blue sunshine, she put the clockback 70 years. Piloted by Wing Commander Adrian Hill and crewed by Flt. Lt.‘Paddy’ Ireland, who was retiring from the RAF that day, she took to the air fromRAF Valley, watched by the team who had effected the new colour scheme.

For all concerned, it was a stirring and memorable sight and a worthy 90thAnniversary tribute to all RAF and Allied pilots that flew and fought and died in thefamous SPITFIRE.

In August this year, 19(F) Squadron will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of thearrival of the Spitfire on squadron in a special event as part of the Valley AviationSociety Photocall and 19 Squadron Families Day.


BAe HAWK 19(

The subject of our Model Build in this issue comprises of the 1:48 scale Red Arrows HawkA05111 decorated in Camouflage colours to mark the 70th Anniversary of RAF 19(F) Squadron.

This ‘step by step’ guide has been created using the 1:48 scale Airfix red Arrows Hawk(available at www.airfix.com) using a special decal scheme which alongside the paintinginstructions will be available to buy soon from www.hannants.com.

The completed model shown here will later be donated to the Valley Aviation Society inconjunction with the anniversary.

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1. Construction starts with the cockpit area. The cockpit of the Airfix Hawk is relativelysimple but once the crew figures are added and the canopy is in place it is goodenough. (Picture 1)

2. The insides of the fuselage and cockpit tub were then given a coat of Humbrol No1 Spray Acrylic Primer. (Picture 2)

3. The interior of the Hawk is then brush painted with H165 Medium Sea Grey with thefloor areas painted H27 Sea Grey and the seat cushions H86 Light Olive. The detailson the instrument panels and cockpit switch panels aren’t an exact copy of the realHawk painted in the No 19 Squadron scheme, but with a little detail painting of H33Matt Black and H34 White it looks close enough. Again, with the model completedit is acceptable. (Picture 3)

4. Once the cockpit is installed into the fuselage half there is an area available to addnose weight. Here I used some lead shot with PVA glue added to stop the lead shotfrom moving and rattling. (Picture 4)

5. The main wing was then constructed with the flap hinges and hard points fitted.The Airfix 1.48 Hawk gives you the option of having the flaps raised or lowered.(Picture 5)

6. The fuselage was then glued to the wing assembly and at this stage I also addedthe jet intakes, fuselage top piece (behind rear seat), fins on lower fuselage, aerialsand the cannon pod. I deliberately left off the rear wings as it is easier to spray theseseparately and add them later. A small amount of filler was needed on some of thejoins particularly the jet intakes, nose area and where the underside of the wing fits tofuselage at the front end. (Picture 6)

7. Some screwed up paper towel was stuffed into the cockpit and the whole modelsprayed with Humbrol acrylic Primer. (Picture 7)

8. While the primer was drying I painted the inside of the cockpit canopy frames withH33 Matt Black. (Picture 8)

9. The upper surfaces were then sprayed with Humbrol spray acrylic H29 Dark Earth.Once the paint had dried any further filling and sanding could now be done. (Picture 9)

10. The crew figures were added. I painted the overalls H86 Light Olive with H93 DesertYellow harnesses with some H33 Black on the oxygen tubes and masks. The Helmetswere painted H21 Gloss Black. (Pictures 10 and 11)

11. The canopy was then fitted with some PVA glue to prevent fogging. The canopy wasthen masked with Humbrol Maskol leaving the canopy frames unmasked. Some piecesof paper were added into the Maskol which would make it easier to remove oncepainting was complete. Then the model had another coat of H29 Dark Ear th.(Picture 12)

12. Once the paint had set all the areas that were to be left Dark Earth were covered withMaskol again with pieces of paper added to help remove it later. The upper surfaceswere then sprayed with Humbrol Spray acrylic H30 Dark Green. H30 Dark green isprobably not the most accurate colour to use in Pre (and early) World War 2 schemesbut it is the only green close enough in the Humbrol Spray paint range, and as Iwanted to build this kit solely using Humbrol spray paints. If you are brush paintingor using an airbrush a better colour to use is H116 US Dark Green. (Picture 13)

13. The Maskol was then removed by pulling the pieces of paper enough to get a pairof tweezers onto the masking fluid to pull it off. (Pictures 14 and 15)

14. I then left the model for a day for the paint to set. I was really pleased with the resultsof using these Humbrol Spray paints. They are easy to use and do give an excellentfinish. I hope in the future Humbrol will increase the range. All the upper surfaceswere then masked with a mixture of fine tape and Maskol and then the undersideswere sprayed with Humbrol Acrylic H11 Silver. At this stage the rear wings whichwere sprayed separately were then fitted. (Picture 16)

15. The next job was to install the undercarriage and the gear doors (which were alsosprayed separately). The model is almost ready for the decals. (Picture 17)

16. The decals have been added and with this set there are a lot of stencils! Otherfinishing touches were the wing tip lights, nose probe and touching up inside thewheel wells with H166 Light Aircraft Grey.

Now the kit is complete. (Pictures 18, 19, 20, 21)

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(F) SQUADRON

w w w . a i r f i x . c o m

Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe Offer...The Airfix Club are offering the opportunity for all club members to purchase an additional Supermarine Spitfire MkXVIe kit.You will then be able to build both the TE199 (clipped wing) and TD248.

UK members £13.99 (postage and packaging included). Overseas members £15.99 (postage and packaging included).

To order your Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe please fill in your details below and return thecompleted form with your selected method of payment to: Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe offer,PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray, Leicester LE13 1ZG. Once payment has been received pleaseallow 28 days for delivery in the UK.

Title Initials Surname

Address

Post code Country

Telephone (daytime)

Club Membership No. (if applicable)

Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe - Quantity required x1 x2 x3 Other

Signature (of parent/guardian, if under 16 years)

I enclose cheque/postal order for £ Cheques should be made payable to HornbyHobbies Ltd. Overseas members, please note that cheques should be either in the form ofa Eurocheque, a cheque drawn on a London bank or an International Money Order.

OR

Please debit £ Sterling to my

Visa Access Mastercard Switch/Maestro

Card Number

Switch/Maestro Issue No.

Start Date Expiry date

Signature Date

If you wish to order but do not want to damage your magazine, please photocopy the order form and use thatto place your order.

Calling all Junior Club members aged 14 or under. Airfix are giving you thechance to improve your history with a fantastic prize of the brand newA50064 D-Day set!

On 6th June 1944, under the code name Operation Overlord, the Allieslanded on the Normandy beaches in Northern France at the start of a militarycampaign to free the occupied countries of Western Europe from the clutchesof the enemy.

The Airfix set in 1:72/1:76 scale, going to one winner, includes a collectionof tanks, landing craft, trucks, gun emplacement and soldiers, complete witha Normandy beach-head.

To enter the competition, please answer the following questions:

1. D-Day took place on which date during the Second World War?

2. Who were the Allies fighting (a) France (b) Spain or (c) Germany?

3. Which Allied Forces were involved in the landing at Dog Green andwhat was the code name for this particular part of Operation Overload?

Put your answers on a postcard with your name, address, membershipnumber and most importantly your age and send to Airfix Issue 4 JuniorCompetition, PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK. LE13 1ZG.

Answers should reach us no later than 31st October 2008.

JUNIOR COMPETITION TIME

If you are an avid aircraft enthusiast, you will want to have a go at winningthe superb Airfix prize we are giving away this time.

We are offering one of the brand new A05115 Spitfire Mk I models andan example of the A05111 Red Arrows Hawk with special 19(F) Squadrondecals.

Both are 1:48 scale and will go to one lucky winner who can answer thefollowing questions:

1. Where are 19(F) Squadron based?

2. 2008 marks which anniversary of the Squadron?

3. How many Red Arrows Hawk aircraft take part in the famousaerobatic display?

Put your answers on a postcard with your name, address and Clubmembership number and send to Airfix Issue 4 Competition, PO Box 25,Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1ZG. UK.

Entries should reach us no later than 31st October 2008.

COMPETITION TIME

1 The winner will be the first selected at random from theall-correct entries received by 31st October 2008.

2. The competition is limited to one entry per currentmember of the Airfix Club.

3. Duplicate entries will be disregarded.4. The results of the competition will be announced in issue

5 of the Airfix magazine and the winners notified by post.5. The competition is not open to employees of Hornby

Hobbies, their agents or families.

6. No correspondence to be entered into in conjunctionwith the competition.

7. No cash equivalent is available.8. The Airfix Club accepts no responsibility for entries lost

or damaged in the post.9. Entries defaced or altered in any way will be deemed

null and void.10. The judges’ decision is final.

Rules of Entry.

1. The winner will be the first selected from the all-correctentries received on the closing date of 31st October 2008.

2. The competition is limited to one entry per Airfix Clubmember aged 14 years or under.

3. Duplicate entries will be disregarded.4. The results of the competition will be announced in Issue 5

of the Airfix magazine and the winner notified by post.5. The competition is not open to employees of Hornby

Hobbies, their agents or families.

6. No correspondence to be entered into in conjunctionwith the competition.

7. No cash equivalent is available.8. The Airfix Club accepts no responsibility for entries lost

or damaged in the post.9. Entries defaced or altered in any way will be deemed

null and void.10. The judges’ decision is final.

Rules of Entry.

COMPETITION RESULTSIn issue 3, we were giving away a superb Battle of Britain Memorial Flight canvas to onewinner of our adult competition. And the winner is Mr C Flemming from Staffordshire.Congratulations!The answers to the competition questions were:1. 1793. 2. Locomotives. 3. General Ernst Udet.

And the lucky winner of our Junior Competition, carrying away a full set of fantastic 1:72scale Airfix figures is Mstr M Maclean aged 12 from Essex.And the answers to the questions were:1. King Richard the Lionheart. 2. Sherwood Forest.3. Guy of Gisborne.

the official airfix club magazine issue 4 2008 · 2017. 10. 5. · we review the variety of airfix...

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