--> 1/48 Seafire XV - Post-War Warbirds

[Catch22]

User Name: Catch22
Name: Cory
Category: Intermediate
Kit: Special Hobby Seafire F Mk.15
Scale: 1/48
Accessories: Belcher Bits decals

 

[Catch22]

The Royal Canadian Navy received Seafire XVs initially for use on the carrier HMCS Warrior, which was "a Colossus-class light aircraft carrier which served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1946 to 1948, the Royal Navy from 1948 to 1958, and the Argentine Navy from 1959 to 1969. In Canadian service, Warrior was not truly suitable for cold weather operations and she was traded back to the Royal Navy for a carrier of the Majestic Class which became the much-loved HMCS Magnificent."

The Seafire XV wasn't in RCN use for very long at all and was quickly phased out in favour of Sea Furies.

"803 Sqn RCN was transferred from the FAA and formally established in 1946 as the fighter squadron for the newly commissioned HMCS Warrior. Although initially equipped with Seafire LIIIs while training in the UK, this squadron was equipped with ex-FAA Seafire XVs in Canadian service. HMCS Warrior only served in the RCN for two years (she was not winterised) and the Seafires lasted in service only slightly longer. In 1947, 803 handed down its machines to its newly established sister squadron (883 Sqn) and proceeded back to the UK to transition onto Sea Furies. 883 Sqn and No.1 Training Air Group continued using Seafire XV until 1949, when they were dropped from service. One of the last appearances of the Seafire XV in Canadian service was at the 1949 CNE in Toronto, a swan song marred by a mid-air collision which resulted in the deaths of two pilots. As a final note, one of the other pilots of that demonstration team, Lt. J. MacBrien, went on to win the Distinguished Flying Cross flying F9F Panthers in Korea while on exchange with the USN."

I'm not married to an individual aircraft, but I have markings for PR 479 "AA*B" pictured above, and PR 434 "AA*J". I have an actual photo of 434 which may turn the tide its way. I also have the markings for the aircraft in its original DSeaG/DSlateG/Sky scheme, but I think I have enough aircraft in those colours laying around. It seems there is some confusion over whether the paint colours were DSG/Sky or DSG/Sky Grey, which was the correct colouration according to regulations.

I've had a very hard time finding photos but here is what I do have.

 

[Donivanp]

Nice

 

[fubar57]

Beauty.

Geo

 

[Catch22]

Awesome George, thanks!

 

[Crimea_River]

Here you go Cory, my full set of pics taken of AA-N PR451. This one is located at the Military Museums here in Cow Town.

 

[Crimea_River]

Volume 2:

 

[Crimea_River]

Volume 3:

 

[T Bolt]

Nice one Cory

 

[Catch22]

Thanks Glenn.

Fantastic Andy, thanks a ton! I have seen it once, but it was kind of jammed into a corner and I didn't get very good photos. Yours are great.

 

[Wildcat]

Nice subject choice!

 

[Wurger]

 

[Wayne Little]

Good one....looking at doing the Mk.XVII myself...

 

[JKim]

Cool choice! That spinner looks so big compared to other Spitfire marks.

 

[Catch22]

Thanks guys! Does have a bit of a schnoz on it, doesn't it John? I think the stripes on the camo'd ones' spinners make them look even longer, but that may be just me.

 

[Airframes]

Good choice Cory. Looking forward to seeing the kit - it could be a good candidate for conversion to a more accurate Mk.XIV Spit.

 

[Crimea_River]

Or maybe Airfix will make a new one.....there I go again.

 

[Airframes]

And I'll second you again !

 

[Catch22]

Thanks Terry. I've heard some complaining about the slope of the nose but I haven't really looked at it myself to know. Here's a completed one in the scheme I'll be doing which may help you.

1/48 Special Hobby Seafire Mk 15 by Wlad Franco-Valias

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Cory.