Airframes
Benevolens Magister
I decided to make a start on this, the second build of aircraft flown by Flt.Sgt R.W. 'Bob' Cross, DFM, the highest-scoring RAF pilot in ACSEA during WW2. (See Commonwealth GB for his Spitfire MkVIII, and background info.)
Despite some erroneous information in various publications, including some by respected historians/authors, with the aid of Bob's Log Book, I was able to confirm that he flew Hurricane '637' on 2 May, 1943, destroying one Army Type 97 bomber, and damaging a '01' Oscar, both confirmed.
The Log Book entry does not give the full serial number, and neither is the individual code letter shown, but a search of Hurricane serial number listings indicates this aircraft was almost certainly BN637, a cannon-armed MkIIc. As for the code letter, I'm still researching this, as this period was one of transition, with very often no squadron codes displayed, only the individual letter, and non-standard, 'un-official' roundels pre-dating the official 'SEAC' two-tone blue variety.
The only suitable kit I could obtain was the 1964 vintage Monogram example which, although requiring quite a lot of work, and a few corrections, is generally accurate overall.
The upper wings display raised detail, with the gun access hatches for the mg armed Mk1 and MkIIA/B, whilst the undercart bay is non existent, and inaccurate in outline. (PICS 2 and 3)
These will be corrected, with engraving, minor surgery and some extensive scratch-building.
The tail-planes need some work, not least being the re-shaping of the trailing edge of the elevators. (PIC 4)
The fuselage access panels need to removed and re-engraved correctly, as do the hand hold and 'kick-in' footstep, and the exhaust shield needs to be removed. (PIC 5)
The biggest area needing attention is the cockpit, with only a very basic bulkhead, a pilot figure and a decal for the instrument panel being supplied! (PIC 6).
I could use the new Aires resin cockpit set, but that feels like cheating, so a large amount of scratch-building will be done in this area.
The surface detail on the wings seems heavy at first glance, but, after a very light sanding, and a primer coat, it should replicate the 'mushroom' headed rivets quite well, whilst some other areas will be re-engraved as required.
I hope to start on the corrections in the next few days, and I'll post some more pics soon.
Despite some erroneous information in various publications, including some by respected historians/authors, with the aid of Bob's Log Book, I was able to confirm that he flew Hurricane '637' on 2 May, 1943, destroying one Army Type 97 bomber, and damaging a '01' Oscar, both confirmed.
The Log Book entry does not give the full serial number, and neither is the individual code letter shown, but a search of Hurricane serial number listings indicates this aircraft was almost certainly BN637, a cannon-armed MkIIc. As for the code letter, I'm still researching this, as this period was one of transition, with very often no squadron codes displayed, only the individual letter, and non-standard, 'un-official' roundels pre-dating the official 'SEAC' two-tone blue variety.
The only suitable kit I could obtain was the 1964 vintage Monogram example which, although requiring quite a lot of work, and a few corrections, is generally accurate overall.
The upper wings display raised detail, with the gun access hatches for the mg armed Mk1 and MkIIA/B, whilst the undercart bay is non existent, and inaccurate in outline. (PICS 2 and 3)
These will be corrected, with engraving, minor surgery and some extensive scratch-building.
The tail-planes need some work, not least being the re-shaping of the trailing edge of the elevators. (PIC 4)
The fuselage access panels need to removed and re-engraved correctly, as do the hand hold and 'kick-in' footstep, and the exhaust shield needs to be removed. (PIC 5)
The biggest area needing attention is the cockpit, with only a very basic bulkhead, a pilot figure and a decal for the instrument panel being supplied! (PIC 6).
I could use the new Aires resin cockpit set, but that feels like cheating, so a large amount of scratch-building will be done in this area.
The surface detail on the wings seems heavy at first glance, but, after a very light sanding, and a primer coat, it should replicate the 'mushroom' headed rivets quite well, whilst some other areas will be re-engraved as required.
I hope to start on the corrections in the next few days, and I'll post some more pics soon.
