Vic Balshaw
Major General
G'day folks. I've done a few postings on the forum and thought it about time I introduced myself. I first discovered forum when looking for information on my pet modelling theme where I was soon chatting to one of your illustrious member. Also, the welcome from others was warm and encouraging with such intricate detailing of models and a varied range of subjects that it's spurred me into trying to improve on my own modelling skills. My theme is the building of all aircraft types of one RAF Squadron from 1918 onward. My subject is 56 (Firebirds) Squadron in 1:48 scale which I have been working on for a number of years and as I discovered, I'm not the only one to have selected this particular squadron and in this respect, my sincere apologise to "Airframes" (Terry) for gazumping you on your chosen theme, to be honest I'm delighted someone else has chosen to duplicate the aircraft history of THE squadron. And in line with this theme, there is another among your ranks has selected 74 Squadron, good luck to you both, it's a great and varied challenge, and please keep us posted on progress.
Anyone else out there building a squadron?
Why 56 Squadron. Well they were my first and last operational fighter squadron during my 14 year RAF career (ground staff). My first time was when they had just converted to the Lightning F.1A and I was lucky to still be at Wattisham when they were the "Firebirds" display team for the season of 1963. I again caught up with the squadron in the early 70's when they were the Eastern Mediterranean defence squadron as a member of CENTO, in Cyprus.
and my latest addition to the flight line, a Phantom FGR Mk 2 at RAF Wattisham in July 1992. Its a 1:48 Hasagawa kit and very nice kits they are.
In the pipeline is a second Hasagawa Phantom that will be in conventional squadron markings and an Italieri part built F.3/ADV Tornado that is more filler than plastic. In the past I've bagged the Airfix kit for it's poor fit and I now consider the Italieri in this model to be just as bad.
The F.1A Lightning was my first aircraft on the flight line, thrown together some 7 years ago (yes, that's how long I've been on this project). At that time my modelling skills were somewhat crude and many of my earlier models need dusting down and refurbishing, something I may tackle when the mood takes.
And I finish with the squadron flight line and my secret stash.
To all you worldly folks out there, keep posting, it's fun reading and very informative.
Anyone else out there building a squadron?
Why 56 Squadron. Well they were my first and last operational fighter squadron during my 14 year RAF career (ground staff). My first time was when they had just converted to the Lightning F.1A and I was lucky to still be at Wattisham when they were the "Firebirds" display team for the season of 1963. I again caught up with the squadron in the early 70's when they were the Eastern Mediterranean defence squadron as a member of CENTO, in Cyprus.
and my latest addition to the flight line, a Phantom FGR Mk 2 at RAF Wattisham in July 1992. Its a 1:48 Hasagawa kit and very nice kits they are.
In the pipeline is a second Hasagawa Phantom that will be in conventional squadron markings and an Italieri part built F.3/ADV Tornado that is more filler than plastic. In the past I've bagged the Airfix kit for it's poor fit and I now consider the Italieri in this model to be just as bad.
The F.1A Lightning was my first aircraft on the flight line, thrown together some 7 years ago (yes, that's how long I've been on this project). At that time my modelling skills were somewhat crude and many of my earlier models need dusting down and refurbishing, something I may tackle when the mood takes.
And I finish with the squadron flight line and my secret stash.
To all you worldly folks out there, keep posting, it's fun reading and very informative.
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Looking forward to more pics and stories!
