Model Aircraft 2014 10 PDF

01-Cover-AM-1014_01-Cover-AM-0607.
qxd 12/09/2014 16:13 Page 1
P-8A
POSEIDON
EXCLUSIVE
WADDINGTON
SHOW REPORT
e
r
th 2014
e Sky of
Tig S
A V A R IADTIXION
ECNK ISGEAM
T SPITF
IRE V AN
R
FIGHTE
BA
N N ER
RED2 –BSAABRE DANCIN
G
A
TIES VENTUR PART SAMPUBLICATIONS.COM
L DU Vol 13 Iss 10 October 2014 £4.25
SPERCY AIAND SCALE
HISTO
Bv 141
AIRWARS VOGT’S UGLY BABY
Printed in the UK
02-Revell-Spitfire-1014-WP_Layout 1 12/09/2014 16:30 Page 1
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIa
R A ND
B EW
N NG!
LI
TOO
03986
0398
1:32
1:3 Visit our brand new
website and online shop
www.revell.de/en
The Legendary Spitfire facebook.com/Revell @RevellGermany
Ɏ7H[WXUHGVXUIDFHVZLWKILQHO\HQJUDYHGSDQHOMRLQWV
Ɏ'HWDLOHG0N ,,DZLQJVZLWK0*RSHQLQJV
Ɏ'HWDLOHGFRFNSLWDQGLQVWUXPHQWSDQHO
Ɏ'HWDLOHGVHDWVXVSHQVLRQ
Ɏ'HWDLOHGIRRWSHGDOFRQWUROUXQV
Ɏ6HSDUDWHFRFNSLWGRRU
Ɏ5RWDWLQJSURSHOOHU
Ɏ'HWDLOHGH[KDXVWV\VWHP
Ɏ'HWDLOHGXQGHUFDUULDJH
Ɏ6HSDUDWHFRFNSLWJOD]LQJ
Ɏ'HFDOVHWIRU5$)YHUVLRQV
REV ELL HA S MOVE D :
Available from branches of
Revell GmbH, Unit 10, Old Airfield Industrial Estate,
Cheddington Lane, Tring, HP23 4QR
Tel: 0845 459 0747, Fax: 01296 660041, Email: ukbranch@revell.de
© 2014 Revell GmbH. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc. and all good model stockists.
All rights reserved. Trade enquiries welcome.
Mastered-Ads-AM-1014_15-Ads-AM-0707.qxd 12/09/2014 16:27 Page 3
For £67.99 you

don’t just get
this...
You get all this
Other kits also available

“We don’t just sell them, we also use them”
04-05-Contents-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:46 Page 4
4 Contents www.sampublications.com
Red Banner Fighter

16 Part Two – Sabre Dancing
By Leonid Krylov and Yuriy
Tepsurkaev
The Lockheed Ventura in

28 Commonwealth Service Part 4
Ventura Mk IIs in action over Italy part 1
By Tony O’Toole
Red Leader
41 Pepelyaev’s Korean War MiG
By Bill Bunting
Scaling down a Sea God

42 The P-8A Poseidon in 1/144
By Mike Verier
IPMS UK Column (Chris Ayre)

53
Kit News
54
Accessories News
55
Decal News
56
Workbench
58 Pearl of the Sky
Events
62
Shop & Web Guide
64
And Finally
66
Cover Artwork by John Fox
www.design-phoenix.com
6 The Avro Anson in RAF 20 A Bit on the Side 24 Airwars in 30 Special Ventura
Service Vogt’s Ugly Baby – the BV 141
Focus Modelling the Revell Ventura Mk II in 1575 (SD) Flight
A Photo Essay By Ben Bailey Flying with the ‘Tigers’ Colours & Markings
By Tony O`Toole A look at the history of No.74 Squadron By Tony O’Toole
By Andy Evans
04-05-Contents-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:47 Page 5
Model Aircraft | October 2014 5
The Past, the Present and the
CONTENTS – VOLUME 13 ISSUE 10

Shape of Things to Come
H
aving just worked through this month's material, I Modelling and history cross over a few times this month, with the 1/72
have to take my hat off to the various contributors MiG-15, 1/48 Ventura and some fascinating insights into a couple of over-
whose work has made up this issue. It really is one looked Spitfire sub-types. Andy Brooke’s work is redolent of this magazine
of the best I’ve seen for ages. in the heyday of Neil Robinson, and he has not only done the research, but
I’m also pleased with the new format, as it enables me to gauge the he has built the models too!
content better and ensure that the core historical material is better Right up to the minute is this month’s helping of modern stuff from
represented. In this issue it has been my very great pleasure to cram it in Mike Verier, with a walkaround of the new P-8A at RIAT, along with a
so tightly that I can guarantee we have more scratch conversion from a Revell kit in 1/144, and this is joined in the
value per page than we ever have before – if ‘Contemporary’ section by a photo report from
you’re looking for quality aviation and modelling Waddington, just to make sure we have
journalism, that is. something in for everybody.
Historically we have part two of the fascinating eye- So, a packed and essential issue this month.
witness account from the Soviet side of the fence in Korea, Plenty of everything for everyone, and lots more
along with Tony O’Toole’s in-depth research on the Ventura of the same to come!
Mk II – a subject that gets covered in the modelling section Model Aircraft just got better – again!
also. The Anson photo feature gave me no end of pleasure
too, as it is among my very favourite aircraft, ranking up Gary Hatcher
there with the Fw 58 and the Blackburn Skua. Editor
Model Aircraft
34 Enigma Variations 38 Take the TRAM 46 The Sea God Lands 50 Viva Espania and
Spitfire back seat drivers Second Time Intruder Close-up of Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon
Swedish Rhapsody
By Andy Brook By Garry F. Prettyman. By Mike Verier Again
Waddington International Air Show 2014
By Ray Ball
06-12-Avro-Anson-HIST-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:08 Page 6
6 THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE www.sampublications.com
Seen wearing its pre-war codes KQ-E during 1939, this Anson Mk I is serving with 502 (Ulster) Sqn of the Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland and used for coastal patrol
duties, note the red hand of Ulster situated within the star marking on the tail fin. It wears red and blue B Type roundels and although the codes should be Medium Sea Grey, they actually
appear white
Photo Essay
The Avro Anson in
RAF Service
By Tony O`Toole
(All Photos - Tony O`Toole Photo Collection)
T
Inception and this was so successful that the Air Ministry
he Avro Anson, or `Faithful Annie' as it was approached Avro during May 1934 to see if their chief
often called, has a number of claims to fame, designer Roy Chadwick could adapt the Avro 652 to fill
being the first monoplane twin-engined a requirement they had for a coastal patrol type, which
aircraft to enter RAF service, the first to have would result in specification 18/35. Thus the Avro 652A
a retractable undercarriage and it was one of the more or Anson was born, and powered by a pair Armstrong
long-lived aircraft of its era, serving with the RAF for Siddeley Cheetah engines the first one flew on the
over thirty years between 1936 and 1968. The original 31st December 1935, and the first RAF unit to receive
design was adapted from a civilian passenger aircraft the type was 48 Sqn which received its first examples
known as the Avro 652 ordered by Imperial Airways, three months later.
Anson Mk Is were used operationally by Coastal Command

from 1939 well into 1941 and this trio of 48 Sqn aircraft are
seen flying over the Mersey estuary during 1940 while based
at RAF Hooton Park near Ellesmere Port, which was ideally
situated to protect the sea lanes approaching the vitally
important docks at Liverpool
Wartime
When war broke out the Anson was in widespread service with
Coastal Command in the general reconnaissance (i.e. coastal
reconnaissance) role but it was already in the process of being
replaced by the more modern American Lockheed Hudson, which
Another 502 (Ulster) Sqn AAF Anson Mk I, this time after the codes had changed following the commencement of hostilities. The was faster and had a longer range plus a larger bomb load.
codes were changed to YG and YG-O here appears to be N5713, still serving at RAF Aldergrove during late 1939 or early 1940 as Nevertheless the Anson still proved effective and over the English
the yellow outline has yet to be added to the red white and blue A Type roundel on the fuselage and no fin stripes are present. Channel on 1st June 1940 an Anson from 500 Sqn Auxiliary Air Force
The undersides appear to be silver and the upper surfaces are Dark Green and Dark Earth managed to down two Bf 109E fighters! By 1941 the Anson was
THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE

Production Versions
Mk I Mk V Mk C.19
The Avro Anson Mk I was the most numerous The Mk V was a development of the Canadian Mk As the end of the war came close the Brabazon
version of the aircraft. A total of 6,742 were II and this time the entire fuselage was produced Committee was established to examine how to
produced, 3,935 at Woodford and the rest at from moulded wood. The square windows of the convert the British aircraft industry to civil
Yeadon. It was powered by two Armstrong Siddeley earlier models were replaced by circular portholes production. The Anson C.19 was first developed
IX radial engines, it was usually armed with two and the Mk V was powered by two 450hp Pratt & during 1945 to match the Brabazon Committee’s
machine guns – one fixed forward-firing Vickers gun Whitney R-985-AN-12B engines. The Mk V could Specification 19 for a small passenger aircraft and
in the nose and one Lewis gun in a dorsal turret, but accommodate five trainees, compared to three in it saw civil service as the Avro 19. Based on the Mk
at least one was unofficially fitted with a 20mm the earlier models, and 1,050 Mk Vs were XI, the C.19 could be distinguished by five oval
cannon and in the trainer role the guns were often produced. windows on each side of the fuselage and it had a
omitted. The bomb load was a miniscule 360lb, properly furnished interior suitable for VIP
contained in cells under the wing centre section. Mk X passengers. Between 1945 and 1946 264 C.19s
The Mk X was a transport version of the Anson were produced, twenty by converting Mk XIIs and
Mk II based on the basic Mk I. It was built in Britain and the rest as new production.
This was the first Anson to be produced entirely in fitted with a reinforced cabin floor but it still
Canada and it was powered by two Jacobs L-6MB retained the manually operated hand cranked T.20
engines. Most of the fuselage was the same as in landing gear.103 Mk Xs were produced at Yeadon. The T.20 was a post-war development of the
the Mk I apart from the nose, which was made of Anson, built as a training aircraft for Southern
moulded plywood, and it was equipped with Mk XI and Mk XII Rhodesia. Fifty-nine were built, starting in 1947.
hydraulically operated flaps and landing gear. The The Anson Mk XI and XII were the first to feature
first Mk II flew on 21st August 1941 and 1,832 the later style of raised roof designed to increase T.21
were produced. headroom inside and were also equipped with The T.21 was a navigation trainer produced for
hydraulically operated flaps and landing gear. The Flying Training Command. 252 were produced
Mk III Mk XI was powered by the 395hp Cheetah XIX between 1948 and 1952 and a T.21 was the last
The Mk III and Mk IV both appeared before the Mk II engine while the Mk XII used the 420hp Cheetah Anson to be completed.
and were produced for the British Commonwealth XV. 91 Mk XIs and 254 Mk XIIs were produced,
Air Training Plan, with the fuselage built in Britain beginning in 1944. Late production Mk XIIs were T.22
and the wings in Canada, and the Mk III was given an all-metal wing under the designation Mk The final variant of the Anson was the T.22 radio
powered by Jacobs L-6MB engines. XII Series 2. trainer. Fifty-four examples of this model were
built, starting in 1948.
Mk IV Mk 18
The Mk IV again combined a British built fuselage The Anson Mk 18 was a version of the C.19
with Canadian wings and it was powered by two ordered for the Royal Afghan Air Force and
Wright Whirlwind R-975-E3 engines. A total of 223 equipped for police duty. Twenty-five Mk 18s were
Mk IIIs and Mk IVs were built before production built, twelve for Afghanistan and the rest for India.
moved to the all-Canadian built Mk II.
Another role undertaken by the Anson Mk I was Air Sea Rescue, by searching for downed crews and
dropping emergency supplies to them. One of the units to fly the type was 278 Sqn, which also
The Anson also served in an operational training role and at the start of the war this duty was operated the Lysander and later the Spitfire, Sea Otter and Warwick. In this photo Tiger Moth
carried out by squadrons such as 185 Sqn, which was a Bomber Command Hampden training R5059 of this unit, coded MY, can be seen alongside a pair of Ansons, one of which is EG540 coded G
unit based at RAF Cottesmore. Anson Mk I, N9832 of this unit bears the codes GL-G and is
taxiing out for a training sortie on the snow during the winter of 1939-40
This Anson is NK530 and represents the specialised transport variant of the Mk I that had a
strengthened floor and was designated the Mk X. It served with 1697 Flight, RAF Hendon
Station Flight, 2nd Tactical Air Force Comms Sqn, 575 Sqn and the Airborne Forces Experimental
Establishment, which moved to RAF Beaulieu in 1945 and this is most probably the location of
Ansons were also used overseas and this early Mk I with the original sloping windscreen is the photo. Although NK530 has the late-style smooth engine cowlings, which were common to
L9145, which was used by the C-in-C Middle East during 1940. It is seen here wearing a Dark most mid-late war Ansons, it is strange in having a gun turret fitted and stranger still this turret
Green/ Dark Earth and black colour scheme in the desert at Summit landing ground alongside a appears to be set higher than usual, much like those fitted to some Marylands. As the AFEE was
desert camouflaged Wellesley coded KU from 47 Sqn involved in trials of parachute and glider technology this ènlarged' turret may have been used
as a cupola for filming parachute drops until NK530 was finally struck off charge on 30.6.49
Just to represent the worldwide training role undertaken by the Anson during WW2, especially as part of the Empire Air Training Plan, this photo depicts Anson Mk I, DG824/19 from 6 SFTS at
Mallala, Southern Australia in 1945. Australia was a pre-war customer for the Anson but this particular aircraft is a wartime EATP Anson finished in overall Trainer Yellow and it wears the blue
and white roundels and fin flashes adopted by the RAAF in the Pacific to prevent confusion with the red Japanese Hinomaru. The white fin and rudder tip is a flight marking
Another Anson Mk XI, this is PH616, which now wears a post-war overall silver finish. It served
Anson C.19, VP524 coded `L' and wearing a silver and white scheme with a blue cheat line, as transport for the British Air Attaché in Panama and may have been converted to Anson C.19
possibly during its last spell of service with the 18 Group Comms Flight during the early 1960s, status later but it was sold on 3.11.48 onto the Mexican Civil Register where it became XA-GOX
this group forming part of Coastal Command in the UK or XA-GOZ, according to conflicting sources
Towards the end of WW2 an extensive redesign of the Anson

with a larger and taller cabin area was made, and one of the
first to see military service was Anson Mk XI, PH734 which is
seen in service on the continent here with 85 Group The redesign of the Anson was further refined with the appearance of the Anson C.XIX which later became known as the C.19
Communications Squadron, which was again part of 2nd Tactical when an Arabic numbering system was adopted. This variant utilised smaller cabin windows instead of the larger square
Air Force. It wears the standard transport camouflage of Dark windows of the earlier variants, and the overall silver aircraft seen here at Nicosia in Cyprus is VP534, a C.19 Series 2 aircraft
Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey with Azure Blue undersides operated in the Middle East between 1947-49 by the Levant Communications Flight and later the RAF Nicosia Station Flight.
This rather plain looking Anson C.19 in its overall silver scheme is PH845, which is probably Seen visiting a night fighter station equipped with Meteor NF.14s, this Anson C.19 is VL354
seen here serving with its first unit, the 47 Group Communications Squadron which wears the early transport scheme of silver with a white cabin roof

Anson C.19 TX214 is preserved in Transport Command colours at the RAFM Cosford
This Anson C.19 Series 2 is VP519, which served with the Transport Command Development
Unit, Malta Comms Flt, 31 Sqn, the Metropolitan Comms Sqn, 11 Group Comms Flt and the
Fighter Command Comms Sqn until sold on 19.2.68
Seen here in the last days of WW2, this Anson Mk I, NK325 coded AQ belongs to 276 Sqn,
which was based in Belgium to provide Air Sea Rescue cover for the 2nd Tactical Air Force.
The unit was also equipped with Spitfires, Walrus and Sea Otters and on the 23rd August
1945 it transferred to Kjevik in Norway following the liberation of this country, but returned
to Dunsfold in the UK during November 1945 where it disbanded. Anson NK325 went on to
join the Royal Netherlands Air Force in November 1946 as D-18 and in the wartime photo it
wears the distinctive C1 Type upper wing roundel adopted by 2nd TAF during January 1945.
It was most likely finished in a Dark Earth and Dark Green finish with Sky undersides, the
codes are red and note that the blue of the left hand upper wing roundel is much lighter
than that on the right Cockpit of an Anson C.19
being phased out of operational service but it was already proving
ideal as a twin-engined pilot and crew trainer and for light transport
duties, and this was the niche that it would fill for most of the war.
Before war broke out many embryo bomber units had also formed
on Ansons until more modern operational types became available,
and Operational Training Units also operated the type but when the
Empire Air Training Plan was devised the Anson became one of the
standard trainers to equip its training schools and over 3,000 were in
use, many of which were produced in Canada.
Serving at various pilot training, air gunnery, navigational air
bombing and wireless training schools throughout the
Commonwealth from the UK to Canada, South Africa, Rhodesia, New
Zealand and Australia the Anson went on to becºome the mount of
thousands of trainee pilots, navigators, air gunners and bomb
aimers, and it also served extensively in the communications role,
especially with the Air Transport Auxiliary, which used them as àir
Another Anson C.19, this is VM363 wearing the code K on its silver and white transport finish. It served with the taxis' for their ferry pilots. Some Ansons even flew in the Air Sea
Communications Flights of 61 & 63 Groups, the Metropolitan Comms Sqn & 116 Sqn Rescue role with several squadrons and after the D-Day landings
Although they were built as trainers, some Anson T.21s also

flew in the transport role and vice-versa but whatever scheme
they wore the trainers could usually be identified by their
astrodome on the roof. This Anson T.21 is VV881, which served
with the RAF West Malling Station Flight, although it did
originally serve in its designated role with Central Navigation
Wearing a silver and dayglo orange scheme, this is Anson C.19 TX213, which was built at Yeadon during 1946. It had a long career, and Control School before being re-roled and repainted for
serving with the Communications Flights of Reserve Command, 2, 18, 22 and 61 Groups, 2nd Tactical Air Force plus 527 Sqn, the transport duties at West Malling where it served until 1960
Central Signals Establishment, the Officer Cadet Training Unit and finally the Western Comms Sqn before retiring in 1968
A trainer version of the updated Anson also existed as the Anson T.21 and here is a colour view of VV964 wearing the initial trainer scheme of overall silver with yellow trainer bands on the wings
and rear fuselage. Like many Ansons this aircraft operated with a number of units such as 1 Bombing and Navigation School (1.BANS), Home Command Communications Sqn (HCCS), Flying
Training Command Communications Sqn (FTCCS), 16 Reserve Flying School and the RAF Marham Station Flight
Demonstrating the planform of the redesigned metal wings fitted to most of the large-cabin Ansons and seen shortly after it was built in 1952 with the training scheme of silver with yellow
trainer bands, this is Anson T.21, WJ561. It actually went on to fly in the transport role with the 22 Group Communications Sqn with which it served until it was withdrawn from use in 1960

Anson T.22, VV367 coded O-S of the RAF Technical College based at RAF Henlow, but it became an instructional airframe as 7232M during July 1955
Many Ansons served with Station Flights and this one is another T.21 trainer, WB451, which was operated by RAF Biggin Hill whose title appears within the blue cheat line. Built for the training
role, it served with the Central Navigation School which was later combined with the Control School to become the SNCS, and after service in the transport role at Biggin Hill it went on to join 13
Group Comms Flt before retiring in May 1960
Anson Mk I, NK941/603/C in service as a radar trainer (known as `classroom') for Firefly night
fighter observers and flown under contract by Air Service Training at Hamble during 1949, Another overall yellow naval Anson Mk I, this is NK836, which had served with 720 NAS at Ford
having previously served with 783 NAS. It was finished in overall Trainer Yellow with pre-war as FD8A & 602/FD before conversion into Classroom Type C status at Stretton as seen here in
style roundels. It has the later smooth style engine cowlings and the pitot has been 1950. It passed around various storage units at Stretton, Anthorn & Culham until it was
repositioned to above the nose in order to fit the radar pod on a pylon under the nose eventually SoC during February 1955
Seen here again later in its career, still in radar trainer or `classroom' configuration but with the radar pod removed here, this is Anson Mk I, NK94 again, this time in a silver finish with yellow
trainer bands and wearing the code 604 of 750 NAS at St Merryn in 1952. It entered naval service with 799 NAS at Lee on Solent in 1946 as a radar trainer and went on to join 781 NAS, 783 NAS
and 51 MAG at Lee on Solent, then Air Service Training at Hamble, then after St Merryn it joined the Station Flight at Gosport until it was stripped for spares in 1955
Anson C.19, VL348, seen wearing trainer colours at the Newark Air Museum
Ansons were used to fly fresh bread into the beachhead, adorned the Anson Mk XI and XII, which had a larger cabin area with a raised
with black and white invasion stripes. Others flew with anti-aircraft roof line that was more passenger friendly, and by this time
calibration units but another secretive but extremely vital role was hydraulically operated flaps and undercarriage were also fitted,
in radar countermeasures and wireless intelligence duties where finally dispensing with the well known Anson feature of hand
specially equipped Ansons were responsible for finding and bending cranking these features. Later production Mk XIIs were also fitted
the German Knickebein and other radar beams which led Luftwaffe with a redesigned all-metal wing under the designation Mk XII
bombers to their targets in the UK. Series 2, and the next variant was the Anson C.19, which had the
same sized cabin but now with five smaller windows on each side
Post War and this was also produced as the civil Avro 19. Between 1945 and Finished in a later scheme of overall silver with yellow
After World War Two the Anson remained in service with the RAF in 1946 264 C.19s were produced, twenty by converting Mk XIIs and trainer bands on the wings, this naval radar trainer with a
the trainer and light transport role but a comprehensive redesign the rest as new production aircraft. The Anson C.19 remained in use radar pod fitted under the nose is Anson Mk I, LT304/601,
had taken place towards the end of the war under the auspices of as a light transport and communications aircraft with the RAF until possibly seen during its period of service on
the Brabazon Committee, which had been established to help 1968 and its last official mission was a flypast by aircraft of the communications duties with the Telecommunications
convert the British aircraft industry for civil production. This led to Southern Communications Squadron on 28 June 1968. MA Flying Unit at Defford during 1954
This Anson Mk I is NK201/ 999 /SZ from the Belfast Station Flight in 1954-55 wearing an overall silver scheme and large Royal Navy titles applied to the fuselage. It had previously seen RAF
service with 2nd Tactical Air Force Comms Sqn and 119 Sqn but was then converted into a radar trainer for the Fleet Air Arm, serving with 778 & 720 NAS`s at Ford, 792 NAS at Culdrose and the
Telecommunications Flying Unit at Defford. During 1950 it was converted again to the communications role by Avro at Bracebridge Heath and went on to serve with the Gosport Stn Flt until
finishing its service in Northern Ireland in 1955
eduard
N EW S AT R A V EN
S C A LE M O D EL S
Available to pu
rchase from our
Navigation, be we b & eBay shops
acon, strobe & la
Double-flash nding lights
strobe option in
production
R AV EN S CA LEt M OD EL
S
presen
M O D EL L IGHTIN G KITS
B EA C O N S
enscalemodels.com
www.rav
tel: 01 55 0 721099
alemodels.com
email: bml@ravensc
Bringing new levels of
realism to aviation
modelling. Set your
models apart with our
ready-to-fit LED kits
with pre-programmed
cts
authentic strobe effe
M OD EL LI NG C LU B O FF ER S
Enter your modelling clu
b into our weekly draw, for
the chance to win a free Be
acons Model Lighting Kit
Request our Modelling
Club Order Form, which
gives a 10% discount on ord
ers of four or more
Beacons Model Lighting Kit
s via your club
Full details: ravenscalemo
dels.com/offers
or tel: 01550 721099
SAM-F-111-Mosquito-Mustang-DPS-October-2014_Layout 1 12/09/2014 14:13 Page 1
NORTH AMERICAN
P-51 MUSTANG
part 2
By Malcolm V. Lowe
n ‘North American Mustang Part 2 Merlin Powered’, acknowledged author Malcolm V.
I Lowe continues the Mustang story, looking in depth at the Merlin engined versions as used
by the RAF and USAAF in World War II through Korea and beyond, describing its
operators and variants, from the P-51B though to the F-82 Twin Mustang.
This volume includes colour side profiles, walk arounds, technical diagrams, scale plans
production and serial data, and looks at modelling the Mustang in popular
scales, backed up with a Kitography
of available models, decals and
accessories. Fully illustrated throughout,
North American P-51 Mustang Part 2
Merlin Powered is the comprehensive
guide to one of the world’s most OUT NOW
recognisable aircraft. MDF
24
£19.99
(+p&p £2.00)
THE NORTH AMERICAN MDF SCALED DOWN – 1
P-51 MUSTANG AGGRESSORS

part 1 By Andy Evans
By Malcolm V Lowe AM Publications takes you into the world of
T
he North American P-51
Mustang is one of the
most well-known
S ‘Top Gun’, with a full colour, high octane
look at the world of the United States Air
Force, Navy and Marine Corps ‘Dissimilar Aircraft
fighters of World War II. Training’ aircraft. The US Navy and Marines
Possessing excellent range and originally operated the A-4 ‘Skyhawk’, the T-38
maneuverability, the P-51 ‘Talon’ and the F-5E ‘Tiger II’ to simulate ‘bad-guy’
operated primarily as a long- aircraft from foreign nations, and likewise the US
range escort fighter and later as Air Force also employed the ‘Tiger’ for its
a ground attack fighter-bomber purposes, whilst the Marines even operated a number of ex-Israeli Air
and went on to serve in nearly Force ‘Kfir’s’ for a brief period.
every combat zone during WWII, and later fought in the However, in order to replicate the performance of the ‘next-generation’
Korean War. The Mustang was originally designed to use the of agile fighters, the Navy and Marines turned to the F/A-18 Hornet, and
Allison V-170 engine, which had limited high-altitude the F-16N ‘Electric-Jet’, whilst the Air Force opted for the F-16 ‘Viper’ and
performance and was first flown operationally as the Mustang the larger F-15 ‘Eagle’. But what makes these aircraft so outstaning –
Mk I by the RAF in the role of a apart from their mission – is the abundance of
tactical-reconnaissance aircraft MDF
21
£19.99 unique and diverse colour schemes and MDF £9.99
SD1 (+p&p £2.00)
and fighter-bomber. (+p&p £2.00) markings.
Secure online ordering at www.sampublications.com

Order hotline +44 (0)1234 211245
SAM-F-111-Mosquito-Mustang-DPS-October-2014_Layout 1 12/09/2014 14:14 Page 2
DOUGLAS A1
OUT NOW
SKYRAIDER MDF
24
£19.99
(+p&p £2.00)
By Andy Renshaw with Andy Evans
he Douglas A-1 Skyraider became
T one of the world’s most iconic

piston engine multi-role attack
aircraft, seeing service from the late 1940s
to the early 1980s. It became something of
a propellor driven anachronism in the jet
age, yet is rugged airframe, heavy
weapons load and long loiter ability made
it a huge success in the Vietnam War and
beyond, and it even saw service with the
Royal Navy as an AEW platform.
Nicknamed the ‘Spad’ the Skyraider had a
Order Form
remarkably long and successful career, DELIVERY and PAYMENT – Please Enter Quantities Below
even inspiring it’s straight-winged, slow-
flying, jet-powered successor, the A-10 MDF20 Mosquito MDF21 Mustang Part 1 (Allison)
‘Warthog’.
MDF
25
£19.99
(+p&p £2.00) Mosquito + Resin Combo MDF22 Hurricane Second Edition
MDF23 Spitfire Part 1 MDF24 Mustang Part 2 (Merlin)
MDF SCALED MDF25 Skyraider (Pre-Order) MDF SD1 Aggressors

DOWN – 1
RAF & Royal Navy MDF SD2 Phantoms (Pre-Order)
PHANTOM
By Andy Evans
Mr/Mrs/Ms Initials Surname
Address
Postcode/Zip Country
Subscription Reference Daytime Telephone Number
A I enclose a £ Sterling cheque made payable to ‘SAM Publications Limited’

B Please charge my Visa Mastercard American Express Maestro (Switch/Solo)
Valid From Expiry Date Maestro (Switch)/Solo Iss No
Card Number
Security Code Last 3 digits (4 for Amex) of the Security Number on reverse of card
Signed Today’s Date
MDF
SD2
£9.99
(+p&p £2.00) Payable by • Cheque • Credit/Debit Card • via PayPal to mail@sampublications.com
Please note we can only accept sterling cheques.
When paying by credit/debit card, please ensure you include your Security Number as pay-
ment cannot be taken without it. Please quote your Sub Ref No if known.
Please allow 28 days for delivery.
Send to:
SAM Publications Limited, Media House, 21 Kingsway, Bedford, MK42 9BJ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1234 211245 • Fax: +44 (0) 1234 325927
email: mail@sampublications.com
16-19-Soviet-Korean-HIST-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:08 Page 16
16 RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2 www.sampublications.com
MiG-15, c/n 108023, of the 196th IAP, damaged in air combat. Antung Airfield, April 1951
Red Banner Fighter

Part 2 – Sabre Dancing
Evgeniy G. Pepelyaev - the foremost Soviet ace of the Korean War
By Leonid Krylov and Yuriy Tepsurkaev, Colour views by Yuriy Tepsurkaev
O
n the following day pilots of the division MiGs, protecting a bridge across the Yalu River,
encountered the enemy for the first time. conducted an air engagement with a numerically
The results of the first air engagement with superior group of Sabres. The pilots acted in
Sabres were not very favourable for pilots of compliance with the order, given by the regimental
the 176th GvIAP. Shooting down one F-86, the commander: not to lose any aircraft in the first air
regiment lost three MiG-15s and one pilot to Sabre combats, while victories would be scored later, as the
attacks (Senior Lieutenant Nikitchenko was killed in pilots gained experience. Not only did pilots of the
the air engagement). A flight of eight aircraft of the 196th Regiment fulfil their commander's order to the
196th IAP, headed by Captain B.V. Bokach, leader of letter, but also helped their colleagues from the 176th
the 2nd Squadron, was more successful. Bokach's GvIAP. Divisional commander I.N. Kozhedub wrote in
his combat report on 3 April: “…The squadron
encountered up to twenty enemy F-86 fighters at an
altitude of 3000m over the bridge, and rebuffed enemy Camera-gun shot from the aircraft of Senior Lieutenant
attacks by barrage fire from under our aircraft, which Shebanov. 4 April 1951, target - F-86, distance - 250 m, aspect
had taken off before it, without engaging in an active angle - 0/4, two medium bursts from three cannons
dog-fight. The squadron conducted the air engagement
in an orderly manner, and returned to its home base at Pepelyaev's team to intercept and destroy the reconnaissance
full strength…” It was definitely a success for the first aircraft. E.G. Pepelyaev recalls:
air combat - three months of intensive training paid “…My first combat sortie was interesting due to the behaviour of
off. Pepelyaev had managed to train his pilots to a the aircraft mechanic, rather than my own behaviour. When I drove to
level comparable to that of Sabre pilots. the aircraft to take off, many pilots were already sitting in their
The Commander of the 196th IAP did not participate in the first cockpits and starting the engines. The mechanic of my aircraft stood
combat sorties himself, as various issues pertaining to organising pale, and instead of reporting that the aircraft was ready to take off
combat operations of the regiment kept him on the ground. Only a and helping me into the cockpit, he fearfully asked: “Are you really
week later did he manage to carry out his first combat mission. going to fly now?”
At 1007 hours Beijing time on 8 April the divisional commander I answered rather rudely something like: “Stop wailing for me and
scrambled fourteen MiGs of the 196th Regiment. Lieutenant Colonel do what you have to: help me into the cockpit and start the engine!”
Pepelyaev led a team of eight aircraft from the 3rd Squadron, while The mechanic was very embarrassed and did everything clumsily.
Captain Antipov, the squadron leader of the 1st Squadron, headed Try to imagine the state of mind of a pilot in his first air
six aircraft from his squadron. At the same time the radars detected engagement, especially in the beginning, when closing in on the
Senior Lieutenant F.A. Shebanov (six victories in Korea). On 4 an RB-45C reconnaissance aircraft flying at a distance of 130 km enemy. From my experience, I can say that during the first combats
April 1951 he gained the second victory of the 196th IAP from Antung at an altitude of 10,800 m towards the base airfield. It with F-86s I was afraid both for myself and my brothers-in-arms. I
over an F-86 was escorted by a flight of Sabre fighters. I.N. Kozhedub ordered was constrained and overly tense and took unreasonable decisions
RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2

carelessness, obstinacy, or foolishness. A MiG, powered by the RD-45F
engine, was inferior to a Sabre with respect to almost all
characteristics, including horizontal and vertical manoeuvres. Its
cannons were practically the only advantage the MiG had. MiG-15bis
had already been delivered to Korea, while we were still on our way
there, but when we started participating in combat the MiG-15bis had
already been sent to rear-area airfields, while we had to fight with
MiG-15s powered by the RD-45F. Thus, I had to come up with
something of a strike there: “Give me MiG-15bis aircraft, period! I will
fight the enemy on them, but I won't fight without them at all! …”
Command listened to the pilots' viewpoint, and in mid April
Kozhedub's division exchanged its aircraft with the 151st GvIAD,
receiving forty-seven MiG-15bis fighters. The 50th and 151st
divisions in succession had flown those fighters since early
December 1950. In late May the 324th IAD received another sixteen
brand new MiG-15bis aircraft, delivered from the Novosibirsk aircraft
Commander of the 196th IAP, Guard Colonel Pepelayev, factory. Thirteen of them were allocated to the 196th Regiment. Commander of the 1st Squadron of the 196th IAP, Captain
Antung Airfield, spring 1951 Lieutenant Colonel Pepelyaev scored his first victory on the Antipov (one victory in Korea)
MiG-15bis on 20 May 1951. At 1508-1509 hours, Beijing time, two
when carrying out one manoeuvre or other. I do not think that I was teams of eight aircraft each from the 196th IAP were sent to the suit to the suit pressure control device. While the pressure control
the only one to have experienced such feelings, thoughts, and actions, augment twenty MiG aircraft of the 18th Guards Regiment. The first device, which was the most important component of the entire
but rather all pilots, whether they had had combat experience before team was headed by Lieutenant Colonel Pepelyaev. Up to forty system, was mounted on the aircraft, and was naturally destroyed
or not, felt the same things to various degrees. Sabres, operating in separate flights, were in the air at that time. in the aircraft crash. In order to inspect the pressure device, an
My first air engagement was as follows. I headed a team of eight Pepelyaev's team engaged in combat at once. According to pilots' intact aircraft was needed.
fighters to intercept a reconnaissance aircraft. We climbed to altitude estimates, the team countered up to twelve F-86s. At a certain point I had a good laugh at the whole affair. Test pilots had high
and closed in on the enemy. The reconnaissance aircraft was escorted of the air engagement Pepelyaev dropped behind one of the Sabres, individual skills, while service unit pilots were trained far worse. I had
by four Sabres, with the fighters flying slightly back and above. I and did the following, according to his debriefing report “…I fired at no idea how they had been selected, but I had a chance to assess their
started to approach the aircraft from the rear, but I also saw an enemy an F-86 at a range of 500-600m. When firing, I saw rounds hit the combat skills, as some of them were assigned to my regiment later on.
drop behind my fighter. Then I told the leader of the second flight: right wing and explode, after which the aircraft, which was banking to Before coming to us, Blagoveshchenskiy's group had trained on its own
“Attack the reconnaissance aircraft, and I will restrain the fighters!” My either in Anshan, or Mukden (Shenyang) - they flew and conducted
flight engaged the four Sabres. I almost managed to get to one of training fights for a month or so. They considered such training to be
them from the rear. It was such a feeling…My heart pounded so hard, sufficient enough, but I knew for sure that it was not. We had trained
I thought I could hear it, as if somebody were hitting me on the head. I for three months. I offered to help Blagoveshchenskiy's group - the
took a deep breath, thinking that I was going to shoot him down right least I could do was to talk to them, tell them about nuts and bolts.
about now! But of course, I did not shoot down a damn thing…I saw However, they refused my help, as they thought they could look after
the second pair of Sabres closing in on me from behind, and I switched themselves. We had a small argument, as Blagoveshchenskiy's pilots
my attention to them. We whirled around some more and the wanted to fly my regiment’s aircraft and I was against it. They tried
reconnaissance aircraft managed to fly away. One of the pilots from persuading me: “How about we give you all our victories?”
the second flight took an excellent picture of it at a range of 150- I responded: “I do not need your victories, besides you are not
200m! It turned out that his cannons were not switched on, but his likely to score any. All of you will be lucky if you return in one piece.”
camera gun was. That is why the picture turned out to be excellent, as Later on the divisional commander persuaded me to let them fly
pictures were usually smudged due to vibrations, caused by firing…” my aircraft on the following conditions: one day aircraft of one
After the first air engagements pilots of the 324th IAD started squadron would be flown by my pilots, and the next day they would be
to complain about the aircraft they had to fly. Air combats with flown by Blagoveshchenskiy's pilots…”
bombers, either piston-engined B-26s and B-29s, or RB-45 jets, On 29 May, under the order of Commander of the 324th IAD I.N.
were not a problem. Dog-fights with F-80 and F-84 fighters also Kozhedub, the flight group headed by Lieutenant Colonel
ended in favour of MiG-15s. However, it was very difficult to counter Dzyubenko (he commanded Blagoveshchenskiy's pilots directly in
Sabres with the aircraft in service with the 324th Division. Commander of the 3rd Squadron of the 196th IAP, Captain the air) was attached to the 196th IAP and put under the
Pepelyaev: N.K. Shelamonov (five victories in Korea)
“…We started the war on MiG-15s powered by RD-45F engines.
It was also a big problem. I do not know if it was our Russian the left, rolled to the right”. Pilots of his team did not see any enemy
aircraft falling, but following gun camera footage analysis Pepelyaev
was credited with a shot-down F-86.
A group of pilots from GK NII VVS and service units, headed by
Lieutenant General Blagoveshchenskiy, arrived at Antung in late
May. The group was tasked with force landing an F-86 Sabre. The
Lieutenant General had already visited Antung before. On 10 May
1951 he reconnoitred the area his group would have to operate over,
under escort from pilots of the 196th IAP. Pepelyaev recalls:
“Blagoveshchenskiy, accompanied by a group of test pilots and
service unit pilots, arrived at Antung on a transport aircraft once
again. As I learnt from a conversation with pilots, their objective Pilots of the 196th IAP, from left to right: Regiment's
was to force land a Sabre. Sabres were fitted with anti-G suits, Navigator, Captain P. Tkatskiy; Deputy Commander of the
Camera-gun shot from the aircraft of Senior Lieutenant which our aviation industry was very interested in. However, when Regiment, Major A.I. Mitusov (seven victories in Korea); flight
Lazutin. Target - RB-45C. The attack was unsuccessful as the Sabres were shot down and their pilots ejected, the pilots were left Commander of the 196th IAP, Captain L.N. Ivanov (seven
pilot forgot to switch on the cannons with only the suit and the hose with the coupling, which connected victories in Korea)
18 RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2 www.sampublications.com
regiments of the 303rd and 324th divisions. In particular, Major

Mitusov was appointed Deputy Commander of the 196th IAP.
Attempts to get a more or less intact Sabre continued, and
Pepelyaev played the leading part in them.
After-effects of Pepelyaev's crash in a Yak-7, which took place in
1943, showed up that summer. The commander of the 196th IAP
experienced heart pains at the end of tense working days. He was
hospitalised in late June because of these symptoms and spent
about ten days in hospital. On returning to his unit, Pepelyaev learnt
about the turning characteristics of the F-86, disclosed by a recently
shot-down Sabre pilot. Pepelyaev recalls: Camera-gun shot from Pepelyaev's aircraft. 21 July 1951,
“…A shot-down American pilot ejected during an air combat. target - F9F, distance - 200 m, aspect angle - 0/4, single long
This happened only about twenty km from the airfield, and the pilot burst from three cannons
broke his leg at touchdown. Well, this pilot misled me by telling our
intelligence officers, who had interrogated him, that it took the Sabre but neither the pilot, nor the wreckage of his aircraft were ever
58-60 seconds to make a 360-degrees turn at an altitude of 10,000m. found. Larionov must have been shot down and his MiG must have
Senior Lieutenant I.V. Larionov I timed the turn on the MiG several times, but always came up with crashed into the sea. Ivan V. Larionov remains one of three Soviet
52-53 seconds. That is why I once decided to conduct an air pilots missing in action in the Korean War.
operational command of Colonel Pepelyaev, the Regimental engagement in turns. I lost my wingman and almost got myself shot In July North Korea and adjacent parts of north-eastern China
Commander. down. Such a sad story it was…” experienced cloudy weather. It was often showery, and foggy in the
Flight and technical crews of the 324th IAD right away gave That ill-fated air combat took place on 11 July 1951. In the morning. On one such day, on 21 July 1951, the 196th IAP had to
Blagoveshchenskiy's group the nickname ‘Group Nord’ , and they morning Pepelyaev led a group from his regiment to intercept take off to intercept a group of American aircraft. Pepelyaev recalls:
were very sceptical of the group's objective. The common opinion enemy fighters. Senior Lieutenant Larionov flew as Pepelyaev's “…Once I shot down an F-94 in a turn by shooting off its tail unit.
could be summed up in the following words: “It is difficult enough to Enemy aircraft flew in daytime, it was foggy, and our airfield was shut
shoot down a Sabre, not to mention to force it to land…It is easy to do down. The Americans almost reached the very Mukden. The Corps
it on paper for those chair-borne Moscow paper-pusher”. Commander, Colonel Belov chickened out. I was fully prepared for a
On 31 May Dzyubenko's group took off for its first flight over the fight. The fog had cleared away by that time and we could take off, but
Korean Peninsula. The flight ended in failure just as the pilots of the he just turned coward. We took off only after the enemy group had
324th IAD had expected. On that day twelve pilots of the group passed over our airfield on its way back.
carried out a fly-around of the combat area. Approaching Anju at an We caught up with eight F-94s when they were already
altitude of 11,000 m, they spotted a pair of B-29s, escorted by four approaching the coastline. De facto, I had no right to attack them, as
Sabres. In the ensuing air engagement, Major Perevozchikov was they were already over the Yellow Sea. I ordered Captain Bokach to
shot down and killed, while two other aircraft were damaged. attack the four leading aircraft, and aimed my team at the rear flight. I
Attacks, carried out by pilots of Dzyubenko's group, did not yield any attacked the enemy aircraft from a climb. I fired at one of the F-94s
results. Right after this sortie ground crews changed the nickname Camera-gun shot from Pepelyaev's aircraft. 6 October 1951, from below and pieces flew around, and after that I did not follow it
of the 324th IAD to ‘Group Pukh’ (pukh from the Russian expression target - F-86A-5NA, c/n 49-1319. Beginning of firing; distance any longer. I climbed up and saw another enemy aircraft turning to the
razbit' v pukh i prakh, literally ‘to destroy to fluff and dust’, meaning - 130 m, aspect angle - ¼ left. I shot off its tail when he was turning, but all this debris flew right
to defeat utterly, probably hinting at the fact that it had been ripped towards my aircraft. I even hunched my shoulders so that my head
to tatters in the air combat with a numerically inferior enemy unit. wingman. Five to six minutes after the take-off he saw a pair of F- should not be ripped off. However, fortunately, the debris did not hit
Having buried Major Perevozchikov at the new Russian 86s, approaching them head-on. By carrying out a intensive my aircraft.
cemetery in Port Arthur, NII VVS group command, which had been manoeuvre, Pepelyaev dropped behind the American aircraft and The group of F-94s dispersed, and so did my pilots, who attacked
convinced in practice that its pilots were insufficiently trained for fired at the wingman Sabre: their own target each. The whole battle was already over the Yellow
combat operations in Korea, finally turned to command of the 196th “…The leading Sabre got into a turn, and I decided to outrun it on Sea, thus, I ordered them to stop the fight.
IAP for help. After several tactical exercises, conducted by Colonel the turn instead of passing by and gaining speed, which I had lost Everything might have ended differently, if I had been allowed to
Pepelyaev, the group was sent to Korea again. The fly-around of the during the firing attack. At that moment Larionov was still following take off half an hour earlier. I do not know the exact results of this
combat area was conducted successfully this time, but a tragedy me. Then I realised that I was losing to the Sabre and felt that he was particular air engagement. Our regiment was given seven or eight
occurred during landing - Lieutenant Colonel Dzyubenko crashed going to shoot me down too…He had already started firing and hit victories. I even had to write down two destroyed F-94s to one of my
after getting into the wake of the aircraft flying ahead of him. The my aircraft on the wing, making three holes in it. I went into a spin. pilots. Allegedly, he did not shoot them down, but they collided in air
NII VVS group had not carried out any more combat sorties and was There was overcast below, with cloud tops at 2000-3000m. I recovered during his attack. Although, I did not believe it, divisional commanders
soon disbanded. Test pilots returned to the GK NII VVS to do what the aircraft from the spin right before the overcast at about 3000m. made me do this nevertheless…”
they were trained to, while most service unit pilots remained in Fortunately, I happened to look up and saw that the enemy aircraft As far as real results of this air engagement are concerned, the
was right above me, trying to finish me off. I dived under him and following should be noted. First of all, the Soviet fighters engaged
started shadowing his manoeuvres: he turned to the right - I followed
him, he turned to the left - I was right behind him. I kept toying with
him, and he was backing off, despite the fact that I had already
extended both air brakes and flaps. However, his aircraft had better air
brakes. I kept hugging the clouds. By that time I had managed to
switch on the gyro horizon (we circled for a minute) and dived into the
clouds…”
On losing his enemy, Pepelyaev heard his wingman's radio
transmission: “I lost you. Where are you?” Having ordered Larionov to
land, the Commander of the 196th IAP first returned to the area of
the air engagement, but seeing no one there, he also headed for
Antung. It turned out that Captain Larionov had not returned to the Camera-gun shot from Pepelyaev's aircraft. 6 October 1951,
E.G. Pepelayev near the flight crew shelter. Antung Airfield, airfield. His aircraft was searched for, with the search and rescue target - F-86A-5NA, c/n 49-1319. End of firing; distance - 122
15 August 1951 operation supervised by the Air Force Commander-in-Chief himself, m, aspect angle - ¼
RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2

F9F Panther fighters, rather than F-94 Starfire night interceptors. scale resulted in more victories scored by Soviet pilots. Guard Colonel
According to American sources, the only air engagement with MiG- Pepelyaev's personal score increased by ten in autumn 1951.
15s on that day saw participation of aircraft of this very type. In On 6 October 1951 Pepelyaev did what pilots of
addition to that, the pictures, taken by Pepelyaev's camera gun, Blagoveshchenskiy's group had failed to achieve - he managed to
show the Panther. As for the number of shot-down aircraft, Western get a more or less intact F-86. At 0851 hours, Beijing time, ten MiG-
sources mention just one F9F, lost in that air engagement. The 15bis aircraft from the 196th IAP, headed by Pepelyaev, took off to
Commander of the 196th IAP reported in his combat debrief on 21 intercept enemy aircraft, as part of the rearguard group of the
July: “…According to the reports of pilots, who had participated in the overall combat formation of the 64th IAK. Approaching the mouth of
air engagement, seven F-94s had been shot down, while according to the Chonchongang River at an altitude of 8,000 m, fighters of the
camera gun film-interpretation they shot down four F-94s. Evidence, 196th Regiment encountered Sabres over the town of Pakch'on and
provided by Korean police officers and locals, as well as military units started an air engagement, which according to pilots' estimates, E.G. Pepelyaev's MiG-15bis, c/n 1315325, after repairing the
of the Korean Army and Chinese volunteers, stated that debris of an saw participation of up to sixteen enemy F-86s. damage received in air combat on 6 October 1951
aircraft of the F-94 type (the fin and rudder), which had crashed In his first attack Colonel Pepelyaev fired at the leader of a pair
during the air engagement, had been found near Khakusen. Police of F-86s at a range of 550 m at a 1/4 aspect angle, but he did not the kill first to the divisional headquarters, and then to the corps
officers in a village of Zonnon saw an aircraft with a shot-off wing see the results of his fire, as the Americans dived with a left headquarters. We started to sort it out. I asked Sheberstov “where and
falling within the territory of the Teisyu region. The aircraft is still wingover. When the Soviet fighters were recovering from the attack, how did you shoot him down?”
being searched for. No evidences of other shot-down enemy aircraft they were attacked by the second pair of Sabres on a head-on We went to their photographic laboratory and looked at the film,
have been traced…” intersecting course. The leading F-86 fired at Pepelyaev's aircraft but it only showed the coastline and the enemy aircraft at a range of
In August the 64th IAK did not conduct active combat from right, ahead and above, at a 2/4 aspect angle. Pepelyaev: about three kilometres, while I remember that my film showed it at a
operations due to bad weather. The corps command used this break “…I remember that air engagement very well. The American range of 130m. There were two Sabre units in Korea. The identification
to let pilots rest, to discuss their experiences, and draw conclusions leader hit me then and tore off a big part of my air intake… marks of one of them were black and white stripes on wings, while
from their combat operations. A flight tactics conference was held at I knew one pre-war trick from the times when my friends and I aircraft of the other group featured yellow stripes. I asked Sheberstov
the Tatung-kao airfield, the home base of the 303rd IAD, on 23-28 had carried out training dog-fights, looking for various options. I had ‘what aircraft did you shoot down?”
August. Pepelyaev participated in the conference too. the following trick for such occasions when aircraft flew on head-on “The yellow one!”
In autumn the air engagements in the Korean skies resumed courses, trying to get behind each other: I pretended to carry out a “Well, fine”, I said.”If they bring a yellow one, it is yours, but if they
with a vengeance, with their intensity increasing considerably. The climbing turn to one side, but then turned the aircraft to the opposite bring the one with black and white stripes, it is mine. Technicians
scale of air battles increased too. The American’s changed tactics to side and followed the enemy. Thus, when he recovered from the brought an aircraft with black and white stripes, with the explosion
massive air strikes. Fighters of the 64th IAK responded by conducting climbing turn, I always turned out right behind him. That is exactly damage right behind the canopy…”
combat operations in large groups. While one to two squadrons had what happened that time. At the point of breaking up the Sabres Having inspected the Sabre, pilots of the 64th IAK gave it a high
simultaneously been scrambled before, now whole regiments and turned to the right and up, while I flew along the horizon a little and mark. They especially liked the spacious and comfortable cockpit,
divisions participated in combat sorties. Air engagements often saw started a climbing turn towards the Sabres, but as soon as I achieved a fitted with more advanced flight instruments and gunsight
participation of the whole 64th Corps, comprising two regiments of pitch of 40-50°, I switched from the right turn to the left one and got compared to that of the MiG. Pepelyaev remembers:
the 324th Division and three regiments of the 303rd Division. In behind the leading Sabre - above it and slightly to the right. He was “…When the Sabre was brought to the airfield, senior
addition to that, the Chinese air force also stepped up its operations ahead of me at a range of just over 100m. I pushed the control stick commanders wanted to send it to Moscow right away. However, I
- starting from late September Soviet fighters often had to forward, trying to get him into the gunsight. However, the aiming asked the Corps Commander to leave it at our unit for a short while, as
cooperate with MiGs in service with the 3rd Fighter Air Division of mark always turned out slightly above the Sabre, while the negative g- I wanted all pilots to examine it thoroughly, sit in the cockpit, and take
the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army of China. The load tried to pull me out of the cockpit. Then I rolled over so that the g- a close look at it. I sat in its cockpit myself. It was a very good spacious
Commander of the 196th IAP had a chance to socialise with Chinese load pushed me against the seat and I might get a better aim. As soon one. One got an impression that one was sitting in the best car, let's
pilots on the ground too. Their training level left much to be desired. as I rolled my aircraft, the American did the same, but I had already say something like a Chaika, rather than a Moskvich. That would be
E.G. Pepelyaev recalls: locked my aiming mark on his canopy and fired at a range of 130m, the best comparison. The cockpit had an excellent field of view, with
slightly from the right at an aspect angle of almost 0/4. The 37mm nothing interfering with it in the front. The MiG's cockpit had the sight
round hit the enemy fighter accurately behind the canopy. An head mounted in the front, which always hit you right in the face
explosion followed, and the Sabre plunged to the ground. I did not during an emergency landing, while the Sabre's cockpit had nothing in
follow it, as it was not worth it after a direct hit like that…” front of the pilot's face, save for some unit which displayed the aiming
The debriefing report of the 196th IAP dated 6 October 1951 mark directly on the reflector, on the armoured glass panel. The fighter
states that after Pepelyaev's attack “…the F-86 rolled to the left and had a good gyro horizon indicator with every degree of freedom, which
dived sharply, while the leading F-86, protecting it, spiralled down displayed the aircraft's position in airspace. The MiG was fitted with a
after it. Guard Colonel Pepelyaev, Senior Lieutenant Ryzhkov, and mediocre gyro horizon that could fail at a bank angle of over 30°, or if
Guard Captain Abakumo sawv the enemy aircraft carry out the you did not switch it on in time. In general, it was only suitable for a
E.G. Pepelyaev's MiG-15bis, c/n 1315325, damaged in air aforementioned manoeuvres…” bomber, and even then only in good weather. Only from 1954 were
combat on 6 October 1951 The pilot of the Sabre could not bail out as his ejection seat had Soviet fighters equipped with a very good gyro horizon, similar to the
been damaged, thus, he headed towards the Korea Bay with his American one, although the new gyro horizon featured different
“…Just imagine what it means for a young pilot to log fifteen - engine barely working, leaving a plume of black smoke, and with his colours. The American gyro had very beautiful colours. For instance, if
twenty hours of flying time on a piston-engine aircraft, and then ten - leader escorting him. The American pilot carried out an emergency it displayed the sky, it was blue, while the new Soviet horizon
fifteen hours on a jet, and then to be sent into battle. I was ordered to landing on the beach at low tide, 13 km to the west of Pkhenvon. He displayed a dark blue sky. However, the colour is not important, the
meet with Chinese pilots. Once I met them after an air engagement, in was soon picked up by a search and rescue helicopter, while the main thing is for it to operate properly…” MA
which they had lost a dozen men on MiG-15s. They usually flew in two damaged Sabre sank in the rising tide. (…to be concluded next month)
squadrons, totalling sixteen - twenty aircraft. Back then they invited “…Then the following story unfolded. Even our political officers
me for consultation, so that I might tell them the main principles. They quarrelled. I shot down the aircraft and continued fighting with the
sat and listened like tame animals. I talked to them via the interpreter, group, while the 176th Regiment did not participate in the air
showing them with the help of models, while the interpreter drew and engagement - it just passed underneath. I asked them: “Why don't you
wrote everything for them to understand what the Americans did, help us!” However, they dived away without saying a word, though
what friendly aircraft should do in an air engagement, how to shoot, they used the same radio frequency, and saw the Sabre landing.
how to form combat formations, what speed to maintain, and when to Sheberstov fired his guns at a range of three to four kilometres,
jettison fuel tanks…” returned to his home base, and reported that he had shot down an See Bill Bunting's 1/72 model of Pepelyaev's MiG elsewhere in
The more intense combat operations and an increase in their enemy aircraft. They wrote a debriefing report, and quickly reported this issue
20-22-BV141-HIST-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:08 Page 20
20 BV 141 www.sampublications.com
Conventional thinking was partially responsible for the aircraft’s demise – the OKL BV 141B-0 V13, WNr 0210005, NC+RD
could simply not come to terms with such unorthodoxy!
A Bit on the Side

Vogt’s Ugly Baby – the BV 141
By Ben Bailey
A
BV 141 Production lthough often regarded single engine could be counterbalanced, as well
Prototypes as a Luft’ 46 candidate, as a good field of fire being afforded the three
BV 141 V1. WNr 141-00-0171, D-OTTO then BL+AU by virtue of its man crew, but little interest was initially evinced
BV 141 V2. WNr 141-00-0172, D-ORJE then PC+BA. unorthodox appearance, by the RLM until Ernst Udet, by now chief of the
Originally designated Ha 141 the BV 141 is far from it, having Development Section of the Technischen Amt,
BV 141 V3 WNr 141-00-0359, D-OLGA then BL+AA stemmed from a 1937 offered some encouragememnt on the
Reichsluftfahrtministerium understanding that the project be self-financed.
BV 141A specification issued for a short- The aircraft in its initial configuration flew for
BV 141A-01 (V4), WNr 01010360, D-OLLE range reconnaissance aircraft, also the first time in February 1938 as the Ha 141-0
BV 141A-02 (V5), WNr 01010361, BL+AB capable of fulfilling the light and was given the civil registration D-ORJE
BV 141A-03 (V6), WNr 01010362, BL+AC bomber and low-level attack role Hamburger Flugzeugbau was Although subsequently carrying the
BV 141A-04 (V7), WNr 01010363, BL+AD that so often went hand-in-hand established in July 1933 as a subsidiary designation V2 – once the project was accepted
BV 141A-05 (V8), WNr 01010364, BL+AE with army co-operation. Blohm of the Blohm & Voss shipyards and three prototypes ordered – this machine
und Voss submitted the BV 141, was deemed unacceptable and the nacelle was
BV 141B-0 which in the interests of better crew visibility – a vital extensively redesigned. The first official prototype, then, despite
BV 141B-0 (V9), WNr 0210001, NC+QZ attribute in the reconnaissance role - featured an being designated V1, was actually the second aircraft to be built.
BV 141B-0(V10), WNr 0210002, NC+RA asymmetrical layout with a tail boom with a radial The new nacelle bore more than a passing resemblance to
BV 141B-0 (V11), WNr 0210003, NC+RB engine to port, and a crew nacelle to starboard. Both that of the Fw 189, and the aircraft was dimensionally larger.
BV 141B-0 (V12), WNr 0210004, NC+RC Focke-Wulf and Arado were invited to tender, with the Flight testing commenced in September 1938, but the machine
BV 141B-0 (V13), WNr 0210005, NC+RD Fw 189 and the Ar 198 put forward respectively. The was written off after a forced landing in October. The third
BV 141B-0 (V14), WNr 0210006, NC+RE Hamburger Flugzeugbau (a subsidiary of the Blohm & Voss machine, BV 141 V3 (D-OLGA) consequently went on to operate as
BV 141B-0 (V15), WNr 0210007, NC+RF shipyards) had not been invited to tender a proposal, a production prototype.
BV 141B-0 (V16), WNr 0210008, NC+RG but its technical director, Dr.-Ing. Vogt. submitted the The aircraft was developed in two distinct series – the A and
BV 141B-0 (V17), WNr 0210009, NC+RH strange-looking machine as a private venture
BV 141B-0 (V18), WNr 0210010, NC+RI The aircraft’s design offered another advantage besides the
good all-round visibility from the compact nacelle. Torque from the
BV 141B-1
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210011, GK+GA
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210012, GK+GB
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210013, GK+GC
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210014, GK+GD
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210015, GK+GE
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210016, GK+GF
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210017, GK+GG The central section of the nacelle looking forward. The
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210018, GK+GH observer’s seat is on tracks and rolls forward to reach the
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210019, GL+AG (rebuilt D-OTTO) bombsight. The interior seems fairly sparse, and should not
BV 141B-1 WNr 0210020, GL+AH (rebuilt D-OLLE) The conical gun mount and housing at the rear of the nacelle prove too great a challenge for the modeller – especially
is similar to that on the Fw 189 given the already good level of detail in the HobbyBoss kit
A BIT ON THE SIDE – BV 141

General characteristics
(BV 141A-04, V7)
Crew, 3
Length, 12.15 m (39 ft 10 in)
Wingspan, 15.45 m (50 ft 8 in)
Powerplant, 1 × BMW 132N 9-cyl. air-cooled radial
piston engine
The unmistakeable silhouette of Vogt’s fascinating design Maximum speed, 340 km/h (211 mph) at sea level,
400 km/h (249 mph) at 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
Service ceiling, 9,000 m (29,528 ft)
Pilot’s position looking to port Armament
Guns, 2 × fixed forward firing 7.92 mm (0.312 in)
MG17 machine guns and 2 × rear-mounted
flexible 7.92 mm MG15 machine guns
Bombs, 4 × 50 kg (110 lb) SC50 bombs on under-
wing racks
Specifications (BV 141B-02 [V10])

BV 141B-02, V10
These images are dated from the beginning of 1942, and Crew, 3
presumably show B-0 aircraft undergoing trials. The aircraft Length, 13.95 m (45 ft 9 in)
The tail cone revolved to afford a good field of fire for the tail are fitted with bomb racks, but by this date the future was far Wingspan, 17.45 m (57 ft 3 in)
gunner. Here the ‘chrysalis’ design of the nacelle is apparent from certain for these aircraft Powerplant, 1 × BMW 801A 14-cyl. air-cooled
– not to mention the ninety-odd panes of glass that made up radial piston engine
the greenhouse Maximum speed, 368 km/h (229 mph) at sea level,
438 km/h (272 mph) at 5,000 m (16,404 ft)
the B, and the two differed considerably, despite the superficial Service ceiling, 10,000 m (32,808 ft)
resemblance inevitably caused by its striking appearance. The
aircraft carried a crew of three, encompassing a pilot and observer
seated side by side at the front. The observer’s seat, to starboard, underpowered, and Vogt, anticipating this, had commenced a
was mounted on rails, which enabled it to be tracked forward to redesign as early as January 1939. The BV 141B was approved by the
allow access to the bombsight. The radio equipment was located to RLM in early 1940, and in January 1941 the revised machine took to
the rear of this seat-track, as was the rear-facing dorsal MG15. This, BV 141 in level flight – note the early tailplanes, which were the air. This was the V9 prototype, coded NC+OZ, and the first of a
along with the camera equipment, added up to a considerable initially symmetrical. This was modified to improve the further five pre-series aircraft ordered for trials, with an option for
workload for the observer. gunner’s field of fire and was found to have no adverse effect five more and ten full production machines designated BV 141B-1.
The third crew member operated the rear MG15, which was upon the aircraft’s handling Unfortunately the revised design fell short of expectations. The
mounted in a cone at the tail of the nacelle, and could be rotated pleasant handling qualities that had characterised the BV 141A were
through 360 degrees. Two forward facing MG17s were mounted OKL – the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL) persuaded the RLM noticeably absent, with considerable strengthening of the airframe
underneath the nacelle, the blast tubes for which are visible under to discontinue production, and the aircraft was shelved. required, modification to the tail, and a subsequent deterioration in
the nose, and the aircraft carried four bomb racks mounted in pairs There are some uncertainties regarding the actual combat performance. Already regarded by the OKL with some suspicion, the
on the wings. usage of the machine. Most sources cite the B variant as having been aircraft was not winning itself any more friends. Hydraulic problems
As events gathered pace and war appeared imminent, testing the version to see some limited operational use, but the late Barry that had dogged the ‘A’ series persisted, and further issues were
continued, and the RLM – impressed in spite of its misgivings – Ketley did allude to images of the machine on service trials during discovered with the BMW 801 engine that hampered the test
ordered five pre-series machines. Flight testing was completed at the Polish campaign, which would have to have been the BV 141A. programme. Constant problems in other areas meant that delay
Rechlin in January 1940, and a number of bombing trials also took Any further corroboration of this would, of course, be welcome. followed delay. How the programme lasted as long as it did is a
place, but despite the generally favourable reports by test pilots the One reason cited for the type’s rejection was that it was matter for some conjecture, but the final prototype – V13 – was not
Typical clutter around the front end of the cockpit will offer
some challenges to the modeller. Note the bombsight and It soon became apparent that the BV 141B did not share the pleasant flight characteristics of the A series. Major changes
again the sealed-over blast tubes included an enlarged wing area and a circular fuselage section instead of the previous oval
22 BV 141 www.sampublications.com
Blohm & Voss BV 141

Kit No: 81728
Scale: 1/48
Decal Options: 2
Panel Lines: Recessed
Status: New Tooling
Type: Injection Moulded Plastic
Parts: Plastic 105, Clear 9
Manufacturer: HobbyBoss
UK Importer: Creative Models
www.creativemodels.com
Brand new tooling in 1/48 from HobbyBoss Blast tubes for the fixed forward-firing MG17s. These are BV 141B-0 on trials. Note the sealed blast tubes, bomb racks,
features comprehensive interior, nicely designed sometimes seen covered on aircraft, and given the non- and the non-operational flying gear worn by the aircrew
transparencies and markings for two aircraft operational role of the aircraft they may often have been
seen without armament
The asymmetric tailplane, offset to port, looks far less absurd

than the original ‘regular’ design
V9 in flight. This aircraft was the first of the B-0 series aircraft, subject as comprehensively as they have other Luftwaffe
and underwent considerable testing both in the air and on development aircraft. The new 1/48 kit is a superb tooling, and a
the ground in connection with excessive vibration and very welcome release in the scale, replacing the HiPm tooling, and
associated problems joining the classic Airfix 1/72 kit in the marketplace to ensure the
type is not forgotten. The history and development of the type
delivered until May 1943, long after the Luftwaffe had abandoned leaves ample scope for some interesting modelling projects,
plans for squadron usage.. although the differences between the A and B series machines may
One machine, V10, is recorded as having been used for trials be too great for the aftermarket to stomach. We will have to wait
with Aufklarungsschule 1 at Grossenhain, Saxony, after which and see… MA
instructions were issued for sufficient BV 141Bs to be delivered to
form at least one operational squadron on the Eastern Front. Sadly
for Vogt and his team, by this time the Fw 189 had long been
operational and was more than adequate in the role, and this - plus
limited factory capacity - ensured the final cancellation of the
programme. Damage by Allied bombing to the Focke-Wulf assembly
plant had seen some eighty percent of Blohm & Voss’s capacity given
over to Fw 200 production. The oddball machine – despite having
shown promise in its earlier stages of development – was destined
never to see full operational service.
For the modeller this is a far richer seam than one might have
supposed, and it can only be hoped that HobbyBoss will go into the
B-0s at the production facility. This is one of a series of well-known photographs showing a considerable number of aircraft
grouped together – a sight to gladden the eyes of those who relish unorthodox aircraft
24-26-74Sqn-AIRWARS-HIST-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:07 Page 24
24 A HISTORICAL LOOK AT No.74 SQUADRON sponsored by
Everything down as this No.74

Squadron Hawk comes in to land
at RAF Valley
Flying with the ‘Tigers’

A look at the history of No.74 Squadron
By Andy Evans
N
o.74 ‘Tiger’ Squadron first formed to operate out of Malta, flying Hawker Demon two-
at London Colney on 1 July 1917 as seat fighters, and in July of the following year, the
a training unit flying Avro 504Ks. squadron, with its Demons, was shipped back to
Its first operational fighters England. It re-equipped with Gloster Gauntlets there was little operational activity but when the Low Countries
were S.E.5As, which it took on charge in April 1937 at Hornchurch and stood up as were invaded in May 1940, No.74 flew extensively on offensive
in March 1918, and went on to serve part of the newly created ‘Fighter Command’ operations and soon afterwards, when Fighter Command was
in France from April until February and it was whilst here that the Squadron’s engaged in establishing air supremacy over the beaches of Dunkirk,
1919, when it returned to the UK and Tiger head badge and famous ‘I Fear No Man` the Squadron was fully employed on convoy protection and patrols
disbanded on 3 July 1919. During its motto was authorised. Their Gauntlets were over the French coast, and these battles exacted a heavy toll on both
wartime service the unit earned its ‘Tigers’ exchanged for the Supermarine Spitfire Mk I in Feb pilots and aircraft. Thereafter they served successfully through the
nickname as a result of the aggressive spirit shown by 1939, as the unit headed into World War II. Battle of Britain, and their Mk I Spitfires were replaced with Mk IIAs
its pilots, and was credited with 140 enemy planes The outbreak of the Second World War found No.74 still at from September 1940 and the squadron moved to RAF Colitishall. In
destroyed and eighty-five driven down out of control, Hornchurch but often operating from the satellite aerodrome at February 1941 they moved to Manston but were then sent up to
for 225 victories. Seventeen aces served with the Rochford. By this time ‘Sailor’ Malan had joined the Squadron and Acklington before moving across to Llanbedr and Long Kesh where,
squadron, including Victoria Cross winner Major during the months ahead he and his colleagues, including H M after the hectic pace of operations, they found themselves in a
Edward Mannock and Ira ‘Taffy’ Jones. During the Stephen, John Freeborn and John Mungo Park, were to be involved backwater by comparison. It was at this time that the Governor of
Abyssinian crisis of 1935 the squadron was re-formed in extensive operations against the Luftwaffe. In the ‘Phoney War’ Trinidad made a presentation of Spitfires to No.74 which
subsequently became known as `Trinidad` Squadron and this
remained so until the 1950s. The squadron then moved back south
to RAF Biggin Hill in October for operations towards the end of the
Battle of Britain.
No.74 Squadron was sent, without aircraft, to the Middle East in
April 1942, arriving in Egypt in June moving to Palestine to operate
as a maintenance unit for USAAF B-24 Liberators. The squadron then
received Hurricane IIBs in December 1942 and served in Iran until
May 1943, moving back to Egypt for shipping patrol work and
conversion to the Spitfire Mk VB and Mk VC in September 1943. In
late October 1943 the squadron received the Spitfire Mk IXs, which
were subsequently swapped for Mk XVIs in March. No. 74 returned
to the UK just in time to take part in the D-Day landings in June
A Gloster Meteor F.8 in N0.74 Squadron livery 1944, using its aircraft as fighter-bombers supporting the Allied
www.testors.com Model Aircraft | October 2014 25
FLYING WITH THE ‘TIGERS’

BAE Hawk T.1 XX228/74 of No.74 Squadron, based at RAF
Valley. The aircraft is finished in overall black with full
colour squadron markings
McDonnell Douglas F-4M Phantom FGR.2 XV469/AO of No.74 Squadron based at RAF
Wattisham in 1992. The aircraft is finished in Barley Grey, Medium Sea Grey and Light McDonnell Douglas F-4J(UK) Phantom
Aircraft Grey with a black tail ZE352/G of No.74 Squadron based at
RAF Wattisham in 1984. The aircraft is
finished in US colours which
approximated the British shades
A superb Hunter line-up

July 1960 the ‘Tigers’ proudly became the unit chosen to introduce
liberation of France, Belgium and the Netherlands. On D-Day itself the Lightning F.1 into RAF operational service. At the 1961
No.74 Squadron flew patrols over the invasion fleet and after the Farnborough show, nine Lightnings were rolled in formation, and in A Lightning F.6 at RAF Tengah in Singapore
landings attacked German positions. In July it moved to Tangmere as 1962 `The Tigers` became Fighter Command's leading aerobatic
part of 134 Wing and then moved to France as a component of the team. A move to Leuchars in 1964 saw an end to display flying and In 1966, now equipped with the F.6, the unit moved to RAF
2nd TAF with 145 Wing. The Squadron moved forward as the Allies in its place came the equally demanding ‘Intensive Flying Trials’, Tengah in Singapore, refuelled en-route by Victor tankers to
advanced and it was based fleetingly at Lille, Courtrai, Duerne and designed to prove the operational capabilities of the aircraft which become a component of the Far East Air Force. After four years in
Schijndel. In March 1945 it received Spitfire XVIs, which it flew were by now Lightning F.3s. It was whilst at Leuchars that No.74 Tengah, the Tigers disbanded on 25th August 1971, and their
alongside its Spitfire LF.IXs. By April it was at Droppe in Germany and hosted its first ‘Tiger Meet’, the gathering of NATO squadrons with Lightnings were flown to Cyprus where they were taken on charge
that is where, on May 2nd, it received news of the German the tiger as their emblem. by No.56 Squadron.
surrender. Its last wartime operation was an armed reconnaissance
sortie in the Wilhelmshaven area. No.74 Squadron introduced the
Post-War the Squadron was quickly equipped with the new era Lightning to RAF service
of jet fighters, and operating from RAF Horsham St Faith they flew
the Gloster Meteor F.4 and latterly the improved F.8 until 1957,
when they were issued with a more modern fighter type, the
Hawker Hunter F.4, followed a few months later by the F.6.
In June 1959 the squadron moved again to RAF Coltishall and in
No.74 Squadron Phantom and Lightning on display (Des Brennan)

26 A HISTORICAL LOOK AT No.74 SQUADRON sponsored by
F-4J(UK) ZE362 in flight, prior to the adoption of the all-black tail
XT892/J, one of the FRG.2 Phantoms used by N0.74 Squadron towards the end of its front-line operational life
Close-in on a No.74 Squadron F-4J(UK) and its American

lineage – notably with the intake mounted ECM fairings
As a result of the Falklands War of 1982, No.74 Squadron was

re-formed at RAF Wattisham in October 1984, with a group of ex-US
Navy/Marine Corps F-4J Phantoms, which were designated as F-
One of the talking points for modellers was the colours 4J(UK)s. These aircraft were purchased by the RAF as a stop-gap
applied to the F-4J(UK), which had a curious hue to them, as measure to replace those of No.23 Squadron, which had been
seen here with this example snapped at RAF Brawdy – and deployed to the Falklands to deter further Argentine actions and
note the luggage pods Close-in on the No.74 Squadron emblem ‘I Fear No Man’ protect the Islands. After a relatively short service career, and with
the arrival of the Tornado ADV, their F-4J(UK)s were exchanged for
surplus Phantom FGR.2s in 1991, and No.74 Squadron disbanded in
October 1992. Retirement was short lived however, and on the 5th
October 1992 No.74 (Reserve) Squadron stood up with the BAe
Hawk as part of No 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley, in the
weapons instruction role.
At the 1993 Tiger Meet, No.74 Squadron won the coveted 'Silver
Tiger' trophy while competing against Mirages and F-16s, however,
with the rationalisation of 4 FTS, No.74(R) Sqn was disbanded on 22
September 2000 in a low-key ceremony outside its hangar at a
windswept RAF Valley. This brought to an end a long tradition, with
its finest hour being alongside many other fighter squadrons, over
No doubting to whom this Hawk belongs the skies of southern England in 1940. MA
RAF No 74 Squadron
Aircraft Usage & Notes Federal Standard 595a/b ModelMaster Enamels ModelMaster Acryl POLLY Scale Acrylics
WWII RAF Yellow FS33538 2063 RAF Yellow 4721 FS33538 Insignia Yellow F505282 Deep Yellow
WWII RAF White FS37875 1768 FS37875 Insignia White 4769 FS37875 Insignia White F505011 White
WWII RAF Sky Type S (ANA 610) FS34504 (~) 2049 RAF Sky Type "S" 4840 RAF Sky Type "S" F505254 Sky (Type S)
WWII RAF Sky Blue FS35550 1108 Blue + 2720 White (1:1) 1324 Blue + 4696 White (1:1) F505248 K3/195 Sky Blue
WWII RAF Roundel Red FS30109 1705 Insignia Red + black (20:1) 4714 Insignia Red + black (20:1) F404079 Oxide Red
WWII RAF Roundel Blue FS35044 1719 Insignia Blue 4742 Insignia Blue F414150 ATSF Blue
WWII RAF PRU Blue FS35189 (~) 2061 RAF PRU Blue 4744 Intermediate Blue (~) F505268 PRU Blue
WWII RAF Night FS37038 1749 FS37038 Black 4768 FS37038 Black F505350 NATO Tricolor Black
WWII RAF Middlestone FS30266 2052 RAF Middlestone (ANA 615) 4673 Wood (~) F505260 Middlestone
WWII RAF Medium Sea Grey FS36293 2058 RAF Medium Sea Grey 4761 Dark Ghost Gray + black (30:1) F505258 Sea Grey Medium
WWII RAF Light Mediterranean Blue FS35177 2031 Blue + white (1:1) 4742 Insignia Blue + white (3:1) F414150 ATSF Blue + white (3:1)
WWII RAF Interior Green FS34226 (~) 2062 RAF Interior Green 4850 RAF Interior Green F505270 Interior Grey Green
WWII RAF Dark Mediterranean Blue FS15048 (~) 1719 Insignia Blue + white (10:1) 4742 Insignia Blue + white (10:1) F414230 BAR Blue
WWII RAF Dark Green FS34079 (~) 2060 RAF Dark Green 4849 RAF Dark Green F505250 Dark Green
WWII RAF Dark Earth FS30118 (~) 2054 Dark Earth (ANA 617) 4846 Dark Earth (ANA 617) F505252 Dark Earth
WWII RAF Black FS37038 1749 Black 4768 Black F505350 NATO Tricolor Black
WWII RAF Azure Blue FS35231 (~) 2048 RAF Azure Blue (ANA 609) 4612 Cobalt Blue + white (3:1) F505262 Azure Blue
WWI Ventral Camouflage Doped Linen FS33613-FS33793 1709 Radome Tan 4722 Radome Tan F505029 Doped Linen
WWI Dorsal Camouflage P.C.10 1918 FS30108 2096 Schokoladenbraun 4797 Schokoladenbraun F505276 IJA Brown
WWI Dorsal Camouflage P.C.10 1917 FS34127-FS34098 1714 Forest Green FS34127 4736 Interior Green + black (10:1) F505032 Brown Drab PC-10
WWI Dorsal Camouflage NIVO FS34096 2027 Dark Green 4726 Dark Green (~) F50503 Dark Green
Modern RAF High Speed Silver FS17178 1781 Aluminum 4677 Aluminum F414299 Aluminum
Modern RAF BS 381C 641 Dark Green FS34079 2060 RAF Dark Green 4849 RAF Dark Green F505250 Br Dark Green
Modern RAF BS 381C 640 Extra Dark Sea Grey FS36099/FS36076 1950 Panzer Gray 4749 Engine Gray F505264 Br Ex Dark Sea Grey
Modern RAF BS 381C 638 Dark Sea Grey FS36118 1723 Gunship Gray 4752 Gunship Gray F505382 US Gunship Gray
Modern RAF BS 381C 637 Medium Sea Grey FS36270 2058 RAF Med Sea Grey 4757 Neutral Gray F505258 Br Sea Grey Med
Modern RAF BS 381C 629 Dark Camouflage Grey FS36173 2035 Air Mobility Command Gray 4754 Dark Gray (~) F505332 Ocean Gray 5-O (~)
Modern RAF BS 381C 627 Light Aircraft Grey FS36440 1730 Flat Gull Gray 4763 Flat Gull Gray F505380 Light Gull Gray
Modern RAF BS 381C 626 Camouflage Grey FS36314 2037 Flint Gray 4757 Neutral Gray (~) F414158 Milwaukee Road Gray
NOTES: (~) = approximate Ask your hobby shop for Testor® products — or visit www.testors.com
Scale Aircraft
Conversions
White Metal & Resin Aircraft Parts Since 1990
32087 IAR-81C Landing Gear (AzFr) 48267 Blohm & Voss BV 141 Landing Gear (HB)
(replacement for 1/32 Azur Frrom) (replacement for 1/48 Hobby Boss)
48268 BAC Jet Provost F.5/ 167 Strikemaster L. Gear (Fly) 48269 F9F/F-9 Cougar Landing Gear (KH)
(replacement for 1/48 Fly) (improved for 1/48 Kitty Hawk: lengthened nose gear)
72093 Hawker Hurricane L. Gear (2 sets) (AX) 72094 Bristol Blenheim Landing Gear (AX)
(replacement for 1/72 Airfix: new 2010 mold) (replacement for 1/72 Airfix: new 2014 mold)
Stocking over 500 different sets from 1/18 to 1/144 ... adding more each month.
scaleaircraftconversions.com
28-29-Ventura-HIST-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:18 Page 28
28 VENTURA IN COMMONWEALTH SERVICE www.sampublications.com
An extremely rare image depicting one of the Ventura Mk IIs operated by 1575 (Special Duties) Flight in North Africa. The serial of this particular aircraft bearing the code À' is unknown but it is
either AE881 or AE948 as these were the only ones on charge. It is camouflaged in the desert night bomber scheme with Middle Stone and Dark Earth on the upper surfaces and Night (black)
sides and undersides. It is unknown whether the guns were fitted in the extreme nose. By the time 1547 (SD) Flt became 624 (SD) Sqn on 22nd Sept. 1943 only AE948 was still on charge as AE881
was lost during an operational `wireless' sortie to Italy on behalf of the SIS on the night of 7/8th Sept. 1943 with the loss of all the crew (courtesy of ww2images.com)
Ventura Mk IIs in
action over Italy
The Lockheed Ventura in Commonwealth Service Part 4
By Tony O’Toole
H
aving already covered the development safely next day following an overnight flight. Plt Off Bob Forbes
and basic history of the Lockheed RNZAF was at the controls of Ventura Mk II, AE948 when it left
Ventura in Commonwealth service it is Tempsford on 24th June 1943 with Flt Lt Russell navigating, the
now time to turn to some other lesser other two crewmembers being Plt Off Procter and Flt Sgt
known operations. First off are the Ventura Mk IIs Gibbon. Again they all arrived safely at Maison Blanc next day
that flew in the clandestine Special Duties role on the 25th June 1943 following an overnight transit flight.
over the Mediterranean and Southern Europe with Now that all of its aircraft were in North Africa, 1575 (SD)
1575 (SD) Flt, which later became 624 (SD) Sqn. Flight (except Halifax EB143 which was temporarily
unserviceable) left for their new base at Blida at 1600hrs on the
Special Ventura 25th June 1943 and the sea party arrived in North Africa next
As the Special Duties role began to expand within the RAF day. Unfortunately the sea party were stuck in a transit camp at
during 1943, the UK based 161 Sqn at Tempsford spawned a Fort de l'Eau until the 30th June 1943 as there was no transport
new flight intended to support agents and guerrilla forces available to take them to Blida.
operating within Southern Europe in the South of France, Italy, Once the air and sea parties were finally united in their
Yugoslavia and Greece. This unit became 1575 (SD) Flight new theatre, 1575 (SD) Flight came under the operational
during May 1943 under the command of Flying Officer (but control of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), whose local
soon to be Sqn Ldr) John B. Austin DFC, equipped with two unit was based on the coast west of Algiers and used the cover
Ventura Mk IIs (AE881 & AE948) and three Halifax Mk IIs plus title Inter Services Signal Unit 6 (ISSU6). Operations
one spare (EB140, EB141, EB142 & EB143). Once it was fully commenced straight away with sorties to Corsica, Sardinia and
trained and up to full establishment the first two aircraft left Italy to drop supplies, agents and leaflets and also to gather
Tempsford for Maison Blanc in North Africa on 11th June 1943 This period photo depicts the flight deck of Ventura Mk II AJ186 and radio intelligence. The latter, known as `wireless flights' were
(Halifax EB140 and EB141) with the sea party sailing from helps to highlight some of the changes which need to be made to this the forte of the unit’s Ventura Mk IIs, which would orbit nearby
Liverpool on the 19th June 1943 aboard the White Star Liner area of the Revell kit, which appears to depict a very late PV-1 version (or (usually off the coast) at night and establish short range
M.V. Britannic, which had been converted to a troop ship. even PV-2) and not an early Mk II. As can be seen there is only one pilot’s communications with agents on the ground, whose reports
The remaining pair of Halifaxes departed on 19th June position on the left so the additional control yoke and rudder pedals are were then passed on to ISSU6. Similar operations were flown
1943 and the first Ventura Mk II to leave Tempsford was AE881 not needed, although Revell have thankfully included the fold-up seat in from the UK by 161 (SD) Sqn using PRU Blue painted Douglas
which set off for Maison Blanc on 23rd June 1943 flown by Fg the walkway, which was often occupied by the navigator. Behind the Havocs and specially modified Wellingtons, although Mitchells
Off Cyril Denys Boothby DFM, DFC and his crew, consisting of Fg flight deck the bulkhead also needs to be changed as it was actually from 2 Group were also pressed into service in this role during
Off Figg DFM, DFC, Plt Off Pope and Sgt Lowe, who all arrived much smaller and situated directly behind the pilot’s seat the busy period prior to D-Day.
28-29-Ventura-HIST-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:18 Page 29
VENTURA IN COMMONWEALTH SERVICE

In order to extend its range Ventura Mk II, AE881 was detached
away to 328 Wing at Protville in Tunisia for a week on 4th August
1943 for a series of operations to Italy, flown by the newly promoted
(acting) Flt Lt Cyril Boothby DFM DFC. His crew were Flg Off H.R.
Figg, Flg Off D.P. Pope and Flt Sgt R.Lowe . Four ground crew were
also taken to Protville to service the aircraft. Two days later Halifax
EB141 crashed on landing with no casualties but next day EB179
arrived as a replacement, followed on the 10th by two more
Halifaxes (EB188 and EB189). The number of Halifaxes on charge
with 1575 (SD) Flight continued to increase during August and by
the end of the month BB433, BB429, DG357 and EB196 were also on
strength along with more aircrew, which included Flt Off G.H. Ferrell
of the USAAF.
As well as flying on operations the Venturas were also used as
local transports throughout the Middle East by personnel from
ISSU6, but it was during an operational `wireless flight' sortie from
Protville to Italy on behalf of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS -
British Military Intelligence) on the night of 7/8th September 1943
that Ventura Mk II, AE948 failed to return. This mission to contact
agents in Italy could well have been in relation to this country’s
impending surrender or the landings at Salerno, but the exact
purpose of the sortie could not be traced. Due to the Ventura`s
vague resemblance to a Do 217, with twin engines and end-plate
fins it is possible that AE948 could have fallen foul to a `blue on
blue' attack by Allied night fighters, which were covering the
Operation Avalanche fleet heading for the beaches at Salerno, or
even to flak from the fleet itself? The experienced pilot of AE948 was
(acting) Flt Lt Cyril Boothby DFC, DFM along with his crew, Plt Off
Donald Pope from Kent, W/O Lancelot Williams from Stoke & Flt Sgt
William Herbert Lowe from Manchester. They were 1575 (SD) A restored Boulton Paul Type C turret similar to those fitted to the majority of Ventura Mk IIs, seen in the Air Gunner Association
Flight`s first fatalities and the aircraft was never found so the crew display at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington
are commemorated on the RAF Memorial at Floriana in Malta which
list the names of all 2,294 British Commonwealth airmen who were crashed on take-off causing minor injuries to the crew. It was also Following a move back to Blida in February 1944 to help
lost with no known grave in the Mediterranean, Italian & West decided that the missing Ventura would not be replaced, leaving support underground forces during the lead-up to the invasion of
African Theatres. AE881 as the sole Ventura still on charge with the flight. France, 624 (SD) Sqn received a few Stirling Mk IVs but following the
Interestingly, Cyril Denys Boothby already had a distinguished As the workload of 1575 (SD) Flight grew it received more Operation Dragoon landings in Southern France during August it was
operational record, especially on Special Duties, which included two aircraft as a result and with fourteen Halifaxes and one Ventura on disbanded in September 1944. This left 148 (SD) Sqn (flying the
crash landings while returning from operations on Whitleys. He was charge the flight had outgrown itself so it was disbanded at Blida, Halifax Mk II/V) to become the sole remaining RAF Special Duties
awarded his DFM on 22nd November 1940 after flying twenty-seven Algeria on 22nd September 1943 and became 624 (SD) Squadron, squadron in the Mediterranean theatre although it was ably
sorties on Whitleys with 58 Sqn, and during his sixteenth special although the official order for this had actually been authorised on supported by 1586 (Polish) Flight (flying a mixture of Halifax Mk IIs
duties operation with 161 (SD) Sqn he bailed out of another Whitley 16th August 1943 and many records erroneously state this date. and Liberator Mk IIIs) and a detachment of Dakotas from 267 Sqn.
over France in 1942. Successfully evading capture for three weeks The CO of 1575 (SD) Flight, Sqn Ldr John B.Austin now became A
he was passed along the Pat O`Brien escape line to the French Flight commander and acting CO until Wg Cdr C. Stanbury was able Ventura Mk IIs flown by 1575 (Special Duties) Flight
Riviera where he was picked up with another thirty-one servicemen to take overall command of the new unit and B Flight came under AE881
on the night of 11/12th October 1942 during Operation Rosalind by Sqn Ldr Mawer. Delivered to Prestwick, Scotland on 24th June 1942, this aircraft saw
the Polish manned Moroccan built `felucca' fishing vessel Seawolf, The surviving Ventura Mk II, AE948, also joined 624 (SD) Sqn, service in the light bomber role with 487 (NZ) Sqn in 2 Group, before
which was part of an SOE run flotilla operating from Gibraltar on but not for long because on the 27th September 1943 it suffered a moving to 161 (SD) Sqn at Tempsford, where it went on to join 1575
covert landing operations. After returning to the UK Boothby was landing accident at Protville in Tunisia and suffered Category B (SD) Flight. After moving to N. Africa with this unit it was lost
recommended for a DFC, which he duly received on 8th December damage as a result, thus ending the Ventura`s brief flirt with Special without trace on an operational flight to Italy on the night of 7/8th
1942 and he remained with 161 (SD) Sqn until May 1943 when he Duties operations. AE948 did not return to the unit but appears to September 1943 (some records incorrectly state the 10th, which is
transferred across to become an original member of 1575 (SD) Flight have been repaired as it was not struck off charge until 1945. when the a/c was officially SoC). Plt Off (acting Flt Lt) Boothby DFC,
at Tempsford. His medals, including the 1939-45, Africa and Italy On the 1st October 1943, 624 (SD) Sqn deployed three Halifaxes DFM and his crew- Plt Off D.P. Pope, W/O L. Williams, & Flt SgtW.H.
Stars were recently sold for £2,300 by Christies. (BB444/O, BB433/K and BB429/N) over to Protville as a forward base Lowe who were all killed.
Another 1575 (SD) Flt aircraft was lost on the 9th September for operations where they were joined by three more from 138 (SD)
1943 when Halifax EB197 crashed while returning from operations, Sqn in the UK and on 15th October 1943 Halifax EB197 flown by Flt Lt AE948
but thankfully the crew survived, and on the 20th Halifax EB188 Ruttledge and crew left Blida for Malta to conduct long range sorties Arriving in the UK from the USA on 17th June 1942, this aircraft
to Czechoslovakia. Next day on 16th October 1943 the remainder of served on trials duties with the Royal Aircraft Establishment before
624 (SD) Sqn left Blida for Protville but not for long as they moved on joining 161 (SD) Sqn at Tempsford and moving on to 1575 (SD)
again to Sidi Amor in Tunisia, then on again to Tokra and finally onto Flight. It also flew to North Africa with this unit and following the
Brindisi in Italy during December 1943, to extend their reach over the loss of AE881 it was the sole surviving Ventura to join 624 (SD) Sqn.
Balkans. The two Venturas were never replaced, leaving the unit It received Category B damaged during a landing accident at
equipped solely with Halifax Mk IIs and Vs for operations, although a Protville, Tunisia on the 27th September 1943. According to records
Baltimore does appear to have been used as a unit `hack' to fill one it must have been repaired as it survived (on paper at least!) to be
of the roles carried out by the Ventura, and the remaining Ventura SoC on 22nd February 1945 but no further details are
crewmen were posted out, apart from navigator Flt Lt Russell who available. MA
See Tony’s model build elsewhere in this issue remained with 624 (SD) Sqn as its Adjutant.
30-33-Ventura-1/48-MOD-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:17 Page 30
30 VENTURA MK II www.sampublications.com
Special Ventura
Modelling the Revell Ventura Mk II in 1575 (SD) Flight Colours & Markings
By Tony O’Toole
T
o most people the Ventura Mks I & II conjure up throughout the air forces of the British Commonwealth
images of daylight raids over occupied Europe as we shall see in further articles to come in this series,
by the RAF`s 2 Group and the large number of and after finding out about the little known use of this
casualties incurred by the RAF, RAAF and RNZAF version in the Special Duties role and locating an
squadrons operating the type in this role. However this extremely rare photo of one of these elusive aircraft, I
version of the Ventura also saw much wider service just had to model one of these instead.
This kit by Revell has been much anticipated since the earlier
release of the PV-1 (GR Mk V in UK parlance) and it is a very good
attempt, however there are some silly mistakes too. On the plus
side, Revell have listened to modellers by changing the propellers
from the original PV-1 issue and providing the correct paddle-style
blades with this kit. The bulbous Boulton Paul Type C turret and the
All of the Ventura Mk IIs flown by 2 Group in the UK had guns

fitted in the extreme nose which fired through the nose
cupola. The strengthened mount for the guns was fitted
This new kit is based on the previous PV-1 and included here inside the glazing, however on the kit this is incorrectly
are the new parts that have been added to build the earlier moulded onto the outside of the clear part instead. Painting
variant including clear nose, Boulton Paul Type C Turret, the inside of the part should hopefully help disguise this to
improved paddle bladed propeller, nose cupola with guns, Revell have captured the shape of the Boulton Paul Type C some extent? Many early Venturas serving elsewhere often
decals for UK based aircraft from 464 Sqn RAAF and 487 Sqn turret nicely. Many modellers were concerned about this had the nose guns missing and the openings were plated
RNZAF plus some very useful paint masks being done correctly but it doesn`t look bad at all over. Note the lack of clear bulges on the cockpit canopy
SPECIAL VENTURA
These are the kit decals for a pair of 2 Group Ventura Mk IIs Another unfortunate inclusion are the US bombs as the
belonging to 464 Sqn RAAF and 487 Sqn RNZAF, and a very nice Ventura Mk IIs operating within 2 Group in the UK were This is my attempt at rectifying the fault with the kit canopy,
touch is the provision of decals to replicate the curved rubber equipped with British 250 lb and 500 lb bombs. The by removing a pair of blisters from the spare vacform canopy
anti-icing strips from the tail fins as these can often be hard to instructions also show drop tanks fitted below the wings yet from a resin Blenheim kit and attaching them to the Ventura
mask. Another nice inclusion is a set of paint masks which come these were not used by this earlier variant and the location canopy using white glue. Some of the excellent paint masks
in really handy, especially for the turret and the nose glazing points under the wings need to be filled from the kit have also been attached here
More of the kit paint masks have also been applied to the transparent parts of the Boulton The first part of the cockpit alterations were to add a new floor behind the flight deck and a
Paul Type C turret and the interior parts of the turret have been painted. To make the flight table for the wireless operator, using plastic card, and to cut down the kit's flight deck bulkhead
deck more accurate a sunscreen has been made from painted paper and mounted upon wire part. Some parts from the spares box were added to the wireless operators position to make it
runners made from guitar strings look a bit busier too. Like the earlier Hudson versions, most Ventura Mk Is & IIs were ordered and
paid for by the UK Government, so as per customer requirements the interior was finished in
Interior Grey Green rather than the later Lend-Lease aircraft which had US interior colours
Here the cockpit is finally finished. Later additions include the seats and an ammunition box
from the spares box mounted inbetween the guns in the nose compartment roof. Also added
was a triangular shaped piece of plastic card above the instrument panel to provide the To add a bit of interest the elevators have been removed from the tailplane using a razor saw
coaming. Apart from the tables and bulkheads, which were added earlier, extra scratchbuilt in order to mount them slightly depressed. For some reason Revell have added raised
items include a chart table in the rear cabin, armour plating behind the pilot's seat and a manufacturer's details on the underside of one of the elevators as per the old Monogram kits,
sunscreen in the canopy roof made from painted paper mounted upon guitar string runners but this can be carefully removed using a craft knife and a sanding stick
Here is the finished tailplane, the

parts were marked with their
A closer view of the fully modified cockpit deck position after removal using a
with its additional clear bulges and sunscreen ballpoint so that they could be
made from paper and wire runners made from repositioned correctly after their
guitar string. The kit-supplied paint masks are leading edges were rounded off
also in place to aid their relocation
32 VENTURA MK II www.sampublications.com
As the Ventura Mk II did not carry drop tanks under the wings, so the holes for these need to
be filled. The best way to do this is the remove the top of the pylon from each drop tank, fit A characteristic of many Venturas was that they were parked with the cooling gills of their
these into the hole in the wing and after the glue has well and truly set these can be cut engines opened slightly, but the kit parts have these moulded tightly shut. To give your
down and sanded to blend them into the wing model more character a set of replacement resin cooling gills is available, complete with new
cowlings from Vectra, but in this case the kit gills were opened out instead using a razor saw
The kit wheels (centre) are not bad but many earlier Venturas had covers over the hubs so a
Revell have listened to modellers by providing a new corrected set of paddle-bladed set of the far superior resin wheels from Ultracast were ordered instead
propellers in this kit. On the left are the new parts from the Mk II kit and on the right are the
incorrect parts from the original PV-1. Well done Revell
Although it cannot be seen on the reference photo, considering the huge flames visible from
the exhausts of a Ventura flying in the dark, it is most likely that the SD Venturas would have
been fitted with flame dampers. Later Ventura GR Mk Vs had huge British-designed
cylindrical units fitted where needed, but in this case the original American style resin
With its nacelles complete and converted engine cooling gills in place, here is the left wing exhaust dampers left over from the Fonderie Miniatures Ventura kit have been used instead
finished apart from some sanding of the seam lines. Do not forget to paint the lugs that connect
to the fuselage in the interior colour as these can be seen through the windows once in place
The decals are a combination of red serial and code letter A obtained from Aviaology decals and
Having spent some time researching the camouflage pattern, this SD Ventura appears to have national markings from Xtradecal and Modeldecal generic sheets. As the reference photo only
a mirror image of the usual camouflage pattern and of course the Dark Green areas have been shows the code letter a 50-50 guess had to be made as to which serial to apply and as AE881 would
replaced by Middle Stone. Using a plan drawing printed from the computer (thanks Peter) the appear logical this was chosen, especially as the model could then help to commemorate Plt Off
pattern was drawn out and then brush-painted using Polly Scale Acrylics. A few more coats of (acting Flt Lt) Boothby DFC, DFM, Plt Off D.P. Pope, W/O L. Williams, & Flt Sgt W.H. Lowe who all lost
Dark Earth are required before the Night undersides and sides can be masked off their lives in this aircraft on the night of 7/8th September 1943 during a wireless sortie to Italy
www.testors.com Model Aircraft | October 2014
e Mk.I
rrican
awker Hu
H
S
O D E L K IITC E S
04913
A S T I C M
P L ONEY PR
AT P OCKET M
To sum up this was a most enjoyable model to build but the subject has not been fully researched by Revell resulting in
some silly errors, especially the cockpit canopy and the interior bulkhead behind the flightdeck. The latter is easily fixed
but the former is a harder proposition altogether and I hope that Revell provide a revised part or more realistically, that 04916
Messers
aftermarket manufacturers help fill in the void with a new canopy complete with clear bulges. I did like the new BP Type C chmitt
Bf109E
turret and will certainly be buying more of these kits if they become available in the UK, especially as Aviaology in Canada
have announced a pair of decal sheets for RCAF Venturas that contain some superb options 04912
Spitfire
Mk.I
clear nose with its integral gun position looks good too, although
the strengthened gun mount for these guns is moulded onto the
outside of the clear part when it was actually on the inside. On
the negative side Revell have included the same cockpit canopy
as in their PV-1 kit, whereas the Ventura Mk II had two prominent
clear bulges, one in the roof and one on the left hand side, and
these will be very difficult for the modeller to correct. Another
error carried over is the flight deck, as the Mk II Also Available:
only had one pilot’s position, the bulkhead 04914 Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB
behind the pilot's seat is incorrect, and the 04915 Hawker Tempest Mk.V
04917 Focker Wulf Fw190-A8
wireless position directly behind the pilot is 04918 Junkers Ju87B Stuka
missing altogether. MA 04919 Messerschmitt Me262A
Available from branches of
and all good model stockists.
Visit our international web site at www.revell.eu

Revell GmbH, HP23 5AH.
Tel: 01442 890285. Email: ukbranch@revell.de
© 2013 Revell GmbH. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.
All rights reserved. Trade enquiries welcome.
34-36-Spitfire-MOD-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:17 Page 34
34 Spitfire back seat drivers www.sampublications.com
ES127. First step was to tape the fuselage halves together and
mark out the location of the new cockpit
ES127 - a one-off Spitfire, with an unresolved history Scratch-built cockpits with the fuselage ready to be joined.
ES127 build sequence
Enigma Variations
Spitfire back seat drivers
By Andy Brook
N
either the Royal Air Force nor the Fleet Air
Arm actually had a requirement for trainer
Spitfires or Seafires. The British carried out
their advanced flying training on something
like a Harvard, and then expected the tyro pilot to
convert onto the single-seater fighter. So, although
Supermarine suggested the idea in 1941, it didn’t take
off. They came back to it after the War, presumably
looking at providing customers with a safer way of
training new pilots for the second-hand Spitfires and three to the Netherlands and one to Egypt, all converted Mk IXs, and
Seafires which were starting to flood the market. called accordingly, the Tr.9. The last users were the Irish, who retired The Soviet UTI - another rather different member of the
The private venture prototype was a modified Mk VIII airframe, their final Tr.9 in 1961. Many then found their way on to the civilian Spitfire family
MT818, which became the civil registered G-AIDN and flew, in a market and the warbird scene, including MT818.
splendid all-yellow livery, in 1946. The cockpit was moved forward by I had already built a couple of the Irish Air Corps’s Tr.9s in 1/72, So, there was my next modelling theme. If the Soviets and the
13½ inches, a second cockpit was inserted behind for the instructor, but my interest was sparked again by Dr Alfred Price’s seminal work, Brits could manage a bit of 1/1 kit-bashing, so could I, in 1/48. I
with a large balloon-like canopy, and some changes were made to The Spitfire Story. Whilst the Tr.9s were suitably covered, there were decided to start with the British aircraft, but first I had to undertake
the fuel tanks. The British remained uninterested but Supermarine also some tantalising photographs of a couple of oddities, the Soviet some research of my own. So, for the moment, the UTI would have
secured orders for twenty aircraft. Ten went to India, six to Ireland, Mk IX UTI and a rather interesting British Mk V, ES127. to take a back seat (sorry, pun intended).
ES127 History Bashing

“So far as is known the first two-seat Spitfire to fly was a locally
modified Mark V, ES127, operated by No 261 Squadron in the Middle
East in 1944. This aircraft had the normal fuel tanks in front of the
cockpit removed, and a seat fitted in front of the normal cockpit
with a windscreen but no canopy. This aircraft probably carried its
fuel in wing tanks. There was no second set of controls and the
aircraft could only be used as a runabout.” So writes Dr Price,
accompanying a photograph of Spitfire Mk Vb ES127, evidently in
desert camouflage, and bearing the codes KJ-I. Now, although I
hesitate to disagree with Dr Price, I’m not convinced that he, or
others who have commented in print on ES127, are accurate.
Admittedly, I have only used published and Internet sources, but
most of what’s been written about ES127 doesn’t make sense and I
could find no information on what engineering changes were made.
Dr Price is correct that a fuel tank must have been removed, but
everything else seems to be supposition. The only hard evidence
ENIGMA VARIATIONS
The 4 Squadron codes, KJ-I, were a problem, but I used the 1/48 profile in Datafile No.1 to On the basis of the tone of the red spinner and rudder tip, I decided to use RAF insignia red, not
make some templates. ES127 build sequence SAAF orange
about ES127 seems to be those two photographs, both of the port accurate summary. That said, I haven’t come cross mention of Malta
side after conversion. in my research and the two photographs are usually said to be at
Catania, Sicily.
261 Squadron RAF 417 Squadron RCAF was in the correct theatre of war. It
Dr Price isn’t the only author to attribute ES127 to 261 Squadron. converted to Spitfires in early 1943, and took part in the invasion of
According to Steve McLean’s Spitfires in the SAAF, it is known that a Sicily in July-August 1943. It was based near Catania, where it
two-seater was flown by 261 Squadron (RAF) in 1944, and records converted to the Spitfire Mk VIII. It was in mainland Italy from
show ES127 serving on that squadron’s strength in the September 1943, where it remained for the rest of the war.
corresponding period. Known by whom? Although it may also draw its information from the production lists, First thing to do with the Mk IX was to mark off the areas of
Although I couldn’t pin down its origin, the Internet does the Internet provides a list of serial numbers of Canadian Spitfires fuselage that were going to be removed
provide what may well be the source for the claims that ES127 had (http://www.rwrwalker.ca/RAF_owned_DV100.html), which also
been with 261 Squadron. Looking like one of the records in the puts ES127 with 417 Squadron, but notes that it had moved on
detailed and authoritative Spitfire production lists before the conversion. So, the evidence suggests that ES127 could
(http://www.airhistory.org.uk/spitfire/home.html), I found this: have been on 417 Squadron’s books some time during 1943.
ES127 39MU 10-11-42 82MU 27-11 Emp Clive 11-12 Tak 23-2-43
NA 30-11 261S second cockpit instal Catania Sicily 1944 SOC 9-20-47. 4 Squadron SAAF
This should mean that ES127 went through the hands of two The code KJ did belong to 4 Squadron, SAAF, though neither
Maintenance Units in Britain in November 1942, before being sent production list puts ES127 on its strength. 4 Squadron converted The UTI seat is a simple bucket constructed from plastic card,
overseas in the SS Empire Clive, arriving at the port of Takoradi in from Kittyhawks to the Spitfire Mk Vb, just in time for the invasion of and the instrument panel, its rounded cover and the wheel-
Ghana in February 1943. It was then in North Africa on 30 November Sicily in July/August 1943. Like the Canadians, the South Africans like control stick, are from the spares box. UTI build sequence
1943, and on the strength of 261 Squadron (261S) when a second were based near Catania, and followed them to the Italian mainland
cockpit was installed at Catania in 1944. The aircraft was then struck in late 1943. ES127 must have served with 4 Squadron long enough Squadron, which was also resident in Sicily at the same time. Maybe
off charge on 20 September 1947 (assuming an American-style date). to receive its code and its distinctive red rudder tip. ES127, after heavy use, went unserviceable, possibly in North Africa,
261 Squadron RAF had indeed been formed on Malta in 1941. Although often claimed, there is strong primary evidence, and was at Catania with MU 118 for repair in late 1943. By then, the
But from early 1942, before ES127 was even built, it was thousands however, that the two-seater conversion was not carried out by or war and 4 Squadron had moved on and the Mk Vb was obsolete.
of miles away, in the Far East, where it stayed, flying Hurricanes and for the South Africans of 4 Squadron. Steve McLean records that he Perhaps in early 1944 there was a requirement in Sicily for a
later Thunderbolts. So ES127 can never have been part of 261 carried out extensive enquiries of former 4 Squadron personnel on fast communications or personnel transport aircraft. So, MU 118
Squadron. this very topic. None had any knowledge of the modification. decided it could convert ES127, as it was no longer on any
So, the quoted squadrons, dates and locations don’t stack up. squadron’s charge. External fuel tanks would have been needed to
417 Squadron RCAF But the evidence is pretty clear that ES127 was not modified for 261, give the range to reach mainland Italy, Malta or North Africa, but
The data currently available in the Spitfire production lists is crucially 417 or 4 Squadron. What we can assume, however, is that, if it were there were plenty of airfields in Sicily in range of the remaining
different: carried out at Catania, the conversion would surely have been by the tanks. Or perhaps the MU just wanted to give its staff an aerial tour
ES127 Vb CBAF M46 39MU 10-11-42 82MU 27-11-42 Empire resident maintenance unit, MU 118. of the sights of Sicily. Whatever the reason, the MU did the
Clive 11-12-42 Takoradi 23-1-43 NAfrica 30-11-43 417S second In early 1944, the war in Italy was in full flow, even if it had conversion. But they hadn’t painted out the codes before the
cockpit install Catania Sicily 1944 SOC 8-3-44 to GI airframe moved away from Sicily. Italy had joined the Allies, but the Germans photographs were taken.
This time ES127 is listed as being part of 417 Squadron (417S), were fighting fiercely. Squadrons were flying combat missions from All that assumes ES127 was actually meant to fly. Perhaps the
and as being struck off charge on 8 March 1944, to become a ground forward bases in Italy and the MUs would have had their work cut conversion was just a bit of engineering practice, providing some
instructional airframe. out repairing broken airframes and assembling new ones for the ground instruction on a non-flying SOC airframe before it was
Robert Humphreys in SAM Datafile No.1 picks up the attribution front-line. This surely wasn’t a time for a MU to build a runabout or scrapped in March 1944?
to 417 Squadron and has a colour profile of this very aircraft. This for a squadron to fly one. However, the conversion of ES127 is fact,
carries the caption, 'Spitfire Mk V, ES127, seen at Malta in late so there has to be an explanation. ES127 kit-bashing
1943/early 1944. Code belongs to No. 4 Squadron, South African Air As ever, the history can be a distraction from the serious business of
Force, but it’s an ex-417 Squadron machine, and it is believed that Brook’s Theory modelling. In my stash was an old Airfix Vb. Not a bad kit in its time,
this local mod into a two-seater was built up from a number of ES127 was on charge to 417 Squadron in mid-1943, as the it would be fine for this purpose, given my intention to hack it
cannibalised parts.’ squadron fought its way from Egypt through North Africa and on to about. It should have been an easy conversion, except that I had
SAMI readers will be pleased to know that this is a more Sicily. When 417 converted to the Mk VIII, it passed ES127 on to 4 used the cockpit parts for something else, so more scratch-building
36 Spitfire back seat drivers www.sampublications.com
as normal, but the seat and new door are aluminium, as if newly
constructed, with no perceived need to waste any paint. The
instrument panel was embellished with individual dial decals from
an Airscale generic RAF sheet (highly recommended). After the
cockpits were completed, the fuselage halves were joined up and
the rest of the construction proceeded without much of a hitch. I did
change my mind over which access panels to use over the cannon
bays and, following the example of the original, I added some
plastic card to the fuselage behind the rear cockpit to account for the
greater width of the sliding hood.
Before tackling the problem of the new canopy, I spent some time
I added some plastic card to the fuselage behind the rear I gently heated some thin clear plastic and bent it into a curve agonising over which shade of green to use. I can’t say I found the
cockpit to account for the greater width of the sliding hood. around a pencil, then carefully cut the best to size and shape Internet advice that helpful, so opted to use Tamiya X-58 Olive Green.
UTI build sequence and stuck it in place. UTI build sequence As noted above, the red stars were from the kit. I chose not to place
stars on the upper wings, on the basis that if the Russians were going
would be needed than necessary. intended training role, we should assume that the rear cockpit had to respray this airframe, they would follow their usual custom, rather
First step was to tape the fuselage halves together and mark dual-controls for the instructor. than overpainting the RAF roundels. There were no other markings or
out the location of the new cockpit. Then the cut was made and Photographs provide evidence for the conversion of an early Mk stencils evident in the photographs, and the paint job looked to be
sanded to produce a regular shape. I could then turn my attention to IX (possibly a Mk IXc), with full span wings and rounded rudder, and pristine, so I skipped any weathering and the job was quickly done.
both cockpit interiors. I based my scratch-building on some ICM of a Mk IXe, with clipped wings and pointed rudder. The The canopy was the final part of the construction, and was
parts, and used plastic card to build the bulkheads, seat assembly photographs show aircraft wearing their standard RAF Ocean always going to be the difficult part of this conversion. In the end, it
and control panel in the pilot’s cockpit. The forward cockpit was built Grey/Dark Green/Medium Sea Grey camouflage, but also the Mk IXc wasn’t too tricky. The Internet photographs aren’t too clear, but I
out of plastic card too, but I placed an ICM firewall, turned around in a uniform overall dark colour, usually said to be green. believe the glass between the two sliding hoods would have been a
and modified, in its prototypical location. I also assumed that only simple curved half cylinder, with a shaped rear to allow the after
the top fuel tank had been removed and that any passenger would My UTI kit-bashing hood to shut properly. So, over a tea light candle, I gently heated
have been in for an uncomfortable ride! The stash this time produced an ICM Mk IX. As this was actually some thin clear plastic (the stuff that comes around the collar of a
After that, the build was routine and from the box. The only the Soviet IXe version of this kit, decals weren’t going to be an new shirt in the UK), and then bent it into a curve around a pencil.
change I made was to use an Italeri Hurricane de Havilland spinner issue, and I decided I was going to make the one-colour Mk IXc After a bit of trial and error, I produced enough examples to allow
and blades instead of Airfix’s Rotol versions, as that seemed to conversion. First thing to do was to mark off the areas of fuselage me to select the best, which I then carefully cut to size and shape
match better the photographs. Windscreens and canopy were a that were going to be removed. For this, I found a side drawing on and stuck in place. Masked and painted, it fitted the bill perfectly.
combination of the kit’s parts and some Falcon vacforms. the Internet and resized it to 1/48, before using it as a template All that was left was to glue a couple of ICM sliding hoods into
The paint scheme was the RAF standard desert camouflage but for my cuts. I decided that the Russian engineers would have position and I had another rather different member of the Spitfire
my take on the slightly different hues evident in the monochrome provided the instructor with the same sized access door as that for family for my collection.
photographs of the camouflage on the nose was that the MU had the trainee pilot.
replaced the engine cowling, and the new one was in Ocean Grey Once the damage had been caused to the fuselage halves, it Conclusion
and Dark Green. That may not be correct but it makes for an even was on to the relatively simple task of producing the new cockpit. I These really were two simple conversions to make two unusual
more interesting model. Given my theory on the clapped-out nature don’t know what spare parts the British provided, or whether the Spitfires. Both aircraft represent something of an enigma. No-one
of this airframe, I had sprayed on some aluminium as the first coat, Russians cannibalised existing or crashed airframes, but I decided now knows how ES127 came to be converted; and no-one (in the
and when all was dry, roughly sanded the topcoat to give a heavily that they would have used what they had available or manufactured West at least) knows how many UTIs were produced or what
chipped and battered appearance on all but the new cowling. parts themselves. So, the seat is a simple bucket constructed from happened to them. In cases such as these, it’s perfectly possible to
National markings were from the spares box. Again on the basis plastic card, and the instrument panel, its rounded cover and the make decent models of the real things, based on photographic
of the tone of the red spinner and rudder tip on the photographs, I wheel-like control stick are from the spares box. My aim was to have evidence, without bothering about the history. But for me, it’s the
decided to use RAF insignia red roundels rather than South African the Russian rear cockpit looking subtly different from the British. history that makes them come alive. Just remember not to take
orange. The very distinctive style of the 4 Squadron codes, KJ-I, was In order to accentuate the difference, I painted the front cockpit anything at face value, unless it’s a primary source. MA
a problem, but I used the 1/48 profile in Datafile No.1 to make some
templates and painted them on in white.
So, that was that: a one-off Spitfire, with an unresolved history.
UTI – the historical bit

When it came to turn my attention to the other major bit of 1/1 kit-
bashing, the research, fascinating though it would have been, didn’t
take long. Other than a handful of monochrome photographs,
there’s nothing available.
Perhaps one day we’ll find out, but, to date, we don’t know how
this uchebno-trenirovochnyy istrebityel (UTI – training fighter)
conversion was carried out or how many airframes were modified.
We do know that it was Soviet practice to have two-seater versions
of its fighters, so it’s not surprising that they should choose to do the
same for their Spitfires.
The Russians took a more minimalist approach to their
conversion than Supermarine. They simply extended the cockpit aft
and added the second instrument panel and seat in the radio
compartment. A standard sliding hood was provided for the
instructor. Photographs suggest that the as-fitted cannons and
machine-guns were removed, though some suggest machine-guns
may have been inserted into one of the cannon bays. Given the My aim was to have the Russian cockpit looking subtly different from the British
38-40-Intruder-MOD-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:16 Page 38
38 A-6E TRAM Intruder www.sampublications.com
Take the TRAM

Second Time Intruder
By Garry F. Prettyman.
A
s far as I am aware there have only been etched fret, three large decal sheets, and rounding off this
three 1/48 A-6s. The now very old Monogram package we have the usual instruction booklet, which is clear and
kit, which for its age still holds up well, then concise. The detail is crisp and flash free and there are a lot of
we had the one from Kinetic which certainly options to considerer.
raised the bar in terms of new mould technology and Starting off, as with most kits construction begins with the
level of detail, and now to round it off we have the cockpit. The cockpit tub is very well detailed with raised dials and
HobbyBoss A-6 with all the above and a lot more. such. I fitted all the necessary parts such as the control stick, the
This new model is the second boxing offered by HobbyBoss, the navigator’s control stick, and rudder pedals, then the whole cockpit
A-6E/TRAM version, the other being the A-6A, released to much was sprayed with Gunze/Sangyo Dark Gull Grey. The instrument
acclaim. This kit has been scaled down from the Trumpeter 1/32 panels I hand painted with Tamiya Nato Black. This included the
Intruder and that kit is spectacular so let’s see if this is as good. main instrument panel, of which there are two, one for the straight A-6E TRAM Intruder
When the box is opened we find it is crammed full of plastic E model and one for the Target Recognition and Attack Multi-Sensor Scale: 1/48
parts. All the sprues are individually bagged and in total there are version, or TRAM for short. After the cockpit tub was dry I sprayed on Kit No: 81709
twelve main sprues in medium grey plastic, three clear sprues and a coat of matt varnish to protect the paint from the weathering Manufacturer: HobbyBoss
(they are crystal clear), white-metal undercarriage legs, a small stage. This involved using some Raw Umber oil paint thinned heavily UK Importer: Creative Models
and applied as a wash. The details were picked out in various colours
from the Tamiya paint range.
I don’t know what ejection seats came with the A version but
they should be Martin Baker Mk GRU-5s, and with the E
version they should be Mk GRU-7s. I didn’t use the kit
seats, although they are fine. Instead I used a spare
set of resin seats that I had intended to use with
my old Monogram A-6. These had more detail
and had the seat belts moulded on.
TAKE THE TRAM

The radar installed. Good detail but like most things it could A view inside the cockpit looking at the instrument panel
be improved
A view of the underside - not much filler used at all Sub-assemblies ready for installation
The tiny brass fret, which gives you some very useful
detail parts The wing join is typically poor if you want the wings spread
The ejection pull handles were made from twisted yellow and intakes were now fitted into their respective fuselage halves and
black wire. It then was just a case of painting them and installing the fit was perfect.
them at a later date. The instructions show fitting the airbrakes but most aircraft
The rear panel, which houses the canopy mechanism and had the doors welded closed so I fitted mine in the closed position.
some electrical boxes, was sprayed Gunze Sanyo Dark Iron and After much thought I decided in the end not to have the
then just given a light rub to highlight the raised detail - that goes radome open as it could easily be broken off. I did, however, make
for the instrument hood front panel as well. and fit the radar and I must say it was pretty impressive. This little
I put this assembly aside for now and moved on to the kit in its own right would make a good starting point for the super
undercarriage units. These are made up from a central white-metal detailers. It’s nearly all there - just add wire.
insert and the plastic parts are wrapped around the metal leg. Time now to fit all the internal parts to the fuselage, cockpit
Lovely detail once again. In step Four HobbyBoss suggest that the tub, nose wheel housing, insert for the tail hook, and finally the
front undercarriage unit be fitted at this point, I test fitted the leg rudder. Again the fit was very good - only the spine needed some
in place and found that I could install it later in the build, that filler and that wasn’t much. Before I applied any filler I left this
went for the main legs as well. assembly overnight to dry completely.
The engine intake trunks were next and before anything was While the fuselage was drying I tackled the inner wings. The
fitted I cleaned up the joins inside as these could be seen. The flaps and slats for both the inner and outer parts of the wings were
engine faces I painted a steel colour from Gunze Sangyo. The two constructed and again these would be fitted at the end.
After fitting all the external parts to the outer wings I was
thinking: wings folded or open? I did check what it would look
like folded and what it would look like when closed, and the fit
was excellent both ways, but in the end I went for wings in the
open position. There is an option to have the speed brakes in the
open position but I chose to have them closed as you don’t often
see the brakes open when the aircraft is on the ground. Also,
don’t fit the Ram air turbine (RAM) as it is the wrong shape, this
one is for the A version.
With all the filling and sanding complete I now brought
together all the previously assembled parts, and with that done I
The nose has been fitted and the intakes filled with foam, started to fit some of the smaller parts such as air scoops.
ready for painting I also fitted the nose at this point and again not a bad fit.
40 A-6E TRAM Intruder www.sampublications.com
Primer on and drying

blue being too light. Some of the stencilling is readable and quality lines. With that stage complete a final coat of flat varnish was
There is a small electronics bay, which fits to the radar assembly and control must have missed this one as the stencil reads Kalkway applied.
only needed a little blending in with filler. You could if you wish instead of Walkway. This also appears in the 1/32 example. All the bits I had previously assembled and painted could now
insert the TRAM turret instead of the electronics bay. In the end I chose a set of decals from Fightertown, set number be placed on to the model, and this also included some of the small
I had already pre-dipped the canopy in Klear and pre-masked it 48-072, and this gives twelve marking options. I went in the end for etched brass aerials and boarding ladders. The undercarriage was
and it was at this point that I fixed on the front part and temporarily an A-6E from VA-35 BuNo 152600 aircraft number 500, this aircraft installed and the aircraft was finally standing on its own three legs.
fitted the rear. All the parts for the inside of the rear canopy would serving aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The aircraft is painted in HobbyBoss provide an extensive array of weaponry:
be painted up and installed when paint was complete. the classic Gull Gray and White. Centreline fuel tank
HobbyBoss provide the boarding ladders as a small plastic part I made sure the primer was completely dry and happy that it Four wing tanks
to which you use some of the etched brass for the steps, and these was I checked over the model again for flaws, after which the model Two GBU-8s
are extremely small and have to be bent into shape. This was was pre-shaded with Tamiya black paint. Six Mk 82- bombs
achieved by using my old ‘hold and fold’ tool. It was a bit tricky but I I started by painting the underside with Tamiya flat white, Twelve Mk 81 bombs
think the end result was well worth the effort. Again I left these off heavily thinned with Ultimate airbrush thinner, and this was sprayed Twelve Mk 20 bombs
until the end. on in thin layers until the effect I was looking for was achieved. For Two M117- bombs
The biggest difference between this kit and its big brother is the top colour I used White Ensign Gull Gray and again this was
you don’t get two fully detailed engines and you don’t get the drop sprayed on thinly. I lightened and darkened the Gray and sprayed
down electronics bay. HobbyBoss provide engine covers, which fit both colours on to produce a slightly worn effect, as even though
very neatly into their respective places, as does the cover for the this was the boss’s aircraft it was still in combat so cleaning took a
electronics bay. back seat.
Once the engine covers were in place and dry I fitted the The demarcation line between the two colours was achieved
remaining air scoops and any others parts ready for painting. with White Tack formed into worms.
Undercarriage doors, weapons pylons, and fuel tanks would be Leaving the paint to dry for twenty-four hours I then sprayed
painted separately. Before any painting took place I went round the on two good coats of Johnson's Klear in preparation for the decals.
model checking that I had taken care of any gaps. Happy so far I As you would expect they went on without a hitch using Micro Set
wiped it down with Polly-s- cleaner and then sprayed the whole and Sol. Use a Sharpie pen to paint round the doors
model and everything else in Vallejo primer and left it for twenty- Another coat of Klear was sprayed on to protect the decals
four hours to cure fully. ready for the next stage in the weathering. Top tip number one! Before fitting the undercarriage doors use
HobbyBoss provide two options, one in Gull Gray and White, For this stage I used Flory Models Dark Dirt Wash applied as per a thin-tipped Sharpie pen to paint around the door edges. It’s a lot
the other in the subdued two-tone greys. the instructions. Once dry, which normally takes around half an easier than using a paintbrush and quicker. During the painting
It was at this point I made a conscience decision not to use the hour, you just take some cotton buds and wipe away the surplus stage I used a couple of new products - well to me anyway - from
decals provided as the colour for the stars and bars is wrong, the leaving the wash just where it was meant to go - in all the panel the Ultimate company. These are an Airbrush cleaner and Airbrush
thinners. I used the thinners for all my acrylic painting and I must
say it worked absolutely brilliantly. There is a downloadable paint
ratio chart giving the ratios for all makes of acrylic paint from
Agama right down to Xtracrylix.
Conclusion
Another stunning kit from HobbyBoss with loads of detail and
options. Did it need engines and the drop-down electronics well?
Some may argue that it would have been nice, but in the end I still
loved this kit. I enjoyed every minute of it. The only downside was
the decals, and I wish both HobbyBoss and Trumpeter would let one
of the major decal manufactures do their decals for them. This aside,
the kit is a superb overall package. MA
41-MiG15-MOD-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:50 Page 41
PEPELYAEV’S KOREAN WAR MIG

Pepelyaev’s Korean War MiG
Red Leader
By Bill Bunting
E
duard’s kit is a new release and amongst their is a good idea to paint the exterior of the
best efforts. The content and packaging is first engine tube as it can be seen through the
class, and while it is more expensive than the lower fuselage windows later on. Although
competitors a basic ‘Weekend’ edition is also there are no location pins on the fuselage
available at a lower price. or wing halves, they fit together precisely
This is the ‘Profipack’ boxing, meaning that in addition to the due to the location of the interior details.
plastic sprues, you receive photo-etched parts, canopy masks and The wing-to-fuselage fit required
multiple decal options. The instructions include colour painting and some trimming and a small amount of CA
decal guides for the five options, each with four views of the subject. for filler. The tailplanes required trimming
The instructions are quite clear and include colour callouts for Gunze to fit perfectly. The lower gun bay panel
paints throughout. also needed a little trimming and filling to
blend in. Be careful when picking the parts
MiG-15bis from the trees. There are choices for the
Scale: 1/72 right lower wing, gun bay panel and intake
Kit No: 7056 splitter based on the version you are
Decal Options: 5 making. I got two out of three right and it
Type: Injection Moulded Plastic was far too late to change the gun bay panel once I realized it was needed a little filler at the wing leading edge. CA was used as filler
Manufacturer: Eduard wrong. As a result, the armament due to the natural metal finish needed later. Excess glue was
shown here is not correct nor as removed with CA de-bonder on a cotton swab.
The plastic parts are excellent featuring Eduard would instruct you to have it. The decals cover five variants: Pepelyaev’’s 1951 Korean War
superb engraved and raised details. The intake splitter for the Korean/ mount Red 325, the same airframe in Russian service in the mid-
Transparent parts are thin, crystal-clear and version has a landing light that should fifties re-coded Yellow 30, 1960’s Cuban Air Force Red 32, a 1956
are separately bagged. Photo-etched parts be masked and this is not mentioned Egyptian Air Force example during the Suez Crisis and a 1956 East
include coloured details for the cockpit and in the instructions. German Red 48. All are overall natural metal. There is only one
seat plus tiny parts for the landing gear tie- The wheels feature separate hubs stencil provided.
down rings. A pre-cut masking sheet covers to ease painting and to allow a choice After cleaning with rubbing alcohol, the model was given an
the canopy and some additional clear windows. The excellent decals of designs. These stock wheels are fantastic, but I understand the overall coat of Tamiya AS12 Aluminium, decanted from the can and
are by Cartograph. Brassin resin ones are even better, unbelievable! The landing gear then airbrushed. This paint is an excellent choice for natural metal
The cockpit consists of plastic parts and pre-coloured PE parts assembles well but be very careful with the ultra-thin retraction finishes as it is a good colour but more importantly, actually fills
including seat belts. Eduard suggests Gunze H308 for the interior struts as they are extremely fragile. Eduard provide a handy front- minor scratches and blemishes. Some joints and flaws were repaired
grey but I used H337as it was closer to the PE grey. About seven view diagram to show gear and door alignment. A choice of fuel and resprayed. Selected panels were masked off and then painted
grams of nose weight was added as shown in the instructions, and it tanks is given and the slipper tanks used here fit quite well but with shades of Alclad.
Using hot water the decals settled into details a small
amount, however, after drying it was discovered that they did not
adhere well to the Alclad paint. A treatment with Micro Sol and
Micro Set improved them. Tamiya clear was sprayed over the
decals only to seal them as I don’t like the effect of a clear coat
over aluminum paints.
Tamiya smoke was used to create some shadows and grime
over panels and Citadel Sepia wash was applied over the rivets,
control surface hinges, in the undercarriage area and along the
bottom of the fuselage. Excess wash was removed with a damp
cotton bud.
A wonderful kit out of the box with all of the detail you need. I
would have to see the Brassin parts to say if they are any better and
if they are, then they must be amazing. The fit of parts was very
good overall and the decals excellent. I would love to build
another… and another. MA
42-43-P8-Poseidon-MOD-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:26 Page 42
42 The P-8A Poseidon in 1/144 www.sampublications.com
Scaling down
a Sea God
The P-8A Poseidon in 1/144

By Mike Verier
T
he original inspiration for this model came and an enlarged search window forward. I therefore opened up the additional bulge on the port side of each engine cowling, and of
from the realisation that Revell have an sixth windows from the front and glued in some clear plastic cut course six weapon pylons.
excellent 737-800 available – just a case of from sprue. Following this the ‘window strip’ was taped off on the The various items were fettled from strip and scrap. The cowling
painting it grey - how hard could it be? In outside, with vertical strips to protect the panel lines and the escape bulges, for instance, started life as the tip of an old Me 109 fuel
reality it turned out a little bit more complex than hatch. Plastic strip was fixed on the inside, leaving the two gaps. tank, sliced off at an angle. Where necessary copies were then made
that, but essentially it’s a fairly straightforward job When this was fully set the apertures were filled and rubbed down in resin. (thank you, Martin).
involving mostly additions rather than major surgery. in the normal way. This process also shapes and polishes the two At this stage I fixed the nose wheel bay into one fuselage half in
Revell’s model has been released in a number of boxings, and is search windows so that they are flush with the fuselage. order to provide a platform for a rudimentary cockpit interior.
currently available; mine was a Ryanair example. I went looking for Once this was done the weapons bay and hatch for the FLIR Representative seats, an aft bulkhead and an instrument panel
a boxing with the upturned wingtips as shown in early depictions of ‘eyeball’ were marked and scribed. I also established and pre-drilled coaming should give sufficient visible detail once the cockpit is
Poseidon. In fact the sprues conveniently include both standard tips the locations for some of the external antennae. Turning to the closed. This also creates a compartment for some nose weight.
and winglets anyway. My elation, however, was rather short lived as wings, the positions for the weapon pylons were marked and again Before finally closing the fuselage I backed all the pre-drilled holes
both subsequently proved irrelevant! pre-drilled. with some strip to avoid little bits of brass rod going straight
Being a fairly recent tooling the quality and standard of detail is The winglets were quite difficult as a number of artist’s through later on.
excellent. Moulded in good white plastic, the model also comes with impressions published so far are a bit vague, to say the least. Based The wings were completed with the new weapon pylons and
a huge decal sheet, which includes a good deal of stencilling, much on information supplied by Boeing, however, I finally felt I had the the kit’s flap guides (take care here as they are handed and
of which can still be used. I also picked up the Extratech brass set for shape nailed. You could of course fettle them from stock sheet, but numbered – only take them off the sprue one at a time). The main
this aircraft as it includes a number of useful additional details. in my case the spares box had thrown up a broken Airfix DC-9, the wheel bay needs to be fitted at this stage. There is a great deal of
The next job was to scour the spares box for any bits that would tailplanes of which provided an already aerodynamic shape from extra detail available in the etched set but as so little of it can be
save too much scratch-building. This yielded a number of ‘bulge’ which to cut my new winglets. seen I decided to go with the kit piece, picking out the moulded
shapes and some excellent SLAM-ERs courtesy of Dragon weapon The kit, very thoughtfully, comes with the wingtips already detail with washes and dry brushing. Interior colour is basically
sprues – game on ! separated at the correct point. All I had to do was open up the small white but heavily stained with grease. Whilst on the wings I
The first and most major job is to fill the kit’s cabin window slot provided so that it would accept a bigger tab. Other external incorporated reflectors to simulate the wing root landing lights
apertures. No windows are provided in the kit (the decal glazing is features include various bulges / radomes (two flanking the nose, behind the clear inserts the kit provides.
intended to suffice) so it’s the hard way. Two apertures remain on two aft of the weapons bay, one centreline aft of the wheels, and Attention turned to the engine pods whilst all this was setting.
each side, the aft one of the airliner's two overwing escape hatches, one at the fin tip) and the weapon pylons. There is also a prominent These eventually became small models in their own right but I think
42-43-P8-Poseidon-MOD-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:26 Page 43
SCALING DOWN A SEA GOD

Extratech’s fret of etched details Work under way on engine improvements
The finished replacement part and the kit original
it was worth the effort. Revell do a pretty good job, and the etch Attention then turned to the front end of the engine. As you
provides new front fans and replacement strakes. Moulding will see from the photos of the real thing some work is needed to New lumps and bumps added underneath
limitations, however, have meant that the exhaust end, whilst the ensure that the intake throat is circular where it meets the fan. This
right shape, has flat faces rather than the correct concentric tubes. was accomplished with Milliput, shaped with a suitable diameter
Ever the masochist I set to drilling and cutting. The distinctive funnel brass tube dipped in water. This leaves a very smooth finish Finishing involves lots of little antennae, some lovely but very
shaped centre body needs replacing and this in turn needs to be requiring only the lightest sanding to match the intake lip once dry. fiddly undercarriage doors in etched brass, and the weapons. As
supported by a disk representing the visible end of the turbine. The engine assemblies are handed so some care is needed to mentioned earlier the SLAM-ERs come from Dragon ‘standard’
Separating this piece, however, made opening and thinning the get them right. Revell provide (very small) ‘D’ shape attachment weapon sprues that come with their delightful Hornet kits. All of the
edges of the jetpipe very straightforward. You should also retain pins, but the best guide is that the airflow strakes (replaced from illustrations released so far show three of these with a fairly
(and indeed emphasise) the moulded line around the jetpipe as the the etched fret) should face inboard on both sides. anonymous data-link pod on the fourth pylon; this came from an
section forward of the line is actually a shroud attached to the With the airframe complete it was time to paint. The first old LS weapon set (recently re-released, get some in!). I left the two
cowling, not part of the engine. squadrons likely to receive P-8s will almost certainly be Jacksonville- centreline pylons empty as it is not clear exactly what type of store
After brief consideration the solution proved surprisingly based but none of their insignia inspired me. My problem was they would carry.
simple. I always keep several diameters of tubing for various jobs, resolved when Arii released the old-but-excellent LS P-3 with a Final touches included reflectors to simulate the lights mounted
aluminium being especially useful for replacing jet pipes etc as it is really good sheet of decals for VP-40 ‘Fighting Marlins’. The large on each fuselage side forward of the engines. These were simply
easy to work. The cone was formed by gluing the two smallest sheet has several schemes and includes lo-viz Marlins for the tail, fixed into previously drilled ‘dimples’ with glazing cement.
diameters of aluminium together, chucking it into an electric drill insignia and unit codes. The finished Poseidon looks every inch the sea searcher and I’m
and simply holding a file against it until the requisite cone was Extracrylix Light Gull Gray FS 36440 was used, albeit lightened glad I stuck with a project that proved to be rather more involved
formed. Fine steel tube then provided the core and the necessary about 10%, applied over Halfords grey primer. The wing walkways than filling in some windows and painting it grey; Mr Boeing does
strength for the most delicate part. and non-slip area at the root were created by simply masking the indeed make exceedingly good aeroplanes.
Finally the next two diameters of aluminium were glued dark primer with fine tape. A coat of Klear and the decals went on Obviously this project pre-dated the appearance of an
together and the resulting flat face scored to represent turbine like a dream. operational aircraft so the colour scheme is admittedly speculative –
blades. This unit was superglued into one half of the opened-out kit Another coat of Clear sealed the decals, an oil wash with it would also be tempting to add roundels. Also missing from a
part (checking alignment of the central tube) Once the other half Abteilung ‘faded Grey’ brought out the panel lines and a final model based on artist's impressions is a rather more warty tail than I
has set the join can be polished out and the edge of the jet pipe misting with matt acrylic varnish brought it all together – now the have depicted - perhaps, like the full size manufacturer, Revell
sharpened. The centre body / cone is simply slipped in after painting. fun started. might be persuaded to issue their 737 with some new bits? MA
SAM-Subscription-DPS-October-2014_Layout 1 12/09/2014 14:15 Page 1
Secure online ordering at www.sampublications.com

Order hotline +44 (0)1234 211245
SAM-Subscription-DPS-October-2014_Layout 1 12/09/2014 14:16 Page 2
Magazine Subscriptions
Please start my subscription from the next issue for the following titles:
Scale Military Modeller Scale Aviation Modeller Model Aircraft
UK Europe World
12 issues £40.00 £50.00 £60.00
24 issues £75.00 £95.00 £115.00
RRP based on UK prices. All $ & € approximate.
Binders (NEW STOCK JUST IN)

Available to all readers, strong, robust ‘Cordex’ binders to hold
12 issues of Scale Aviation Modeller (in green) or
Model Aircraft (black) or Scale Military Modeller (Blue).
n
n
Scale Aviation Modeller
Model Aircraft
£10.99
n Scale Military Modeller EACH inc p&p
Order Form
DELIVERY and PAYMENT
Mr/Mrs/Ms Initials Surname
Address
Postcode/Zip Country
Subscription Reference Daytime Telephone Number
A I enclose a £ Sterling cheque made payable to ‘SAM Publications Limited’

B Please charge my Visa Mastercard American Express Maestro (Switch/Solo)
Valid From Expiry Date Maestro (Switch)/Solo Iss No
Card Number
Security Code Last 3 digits (4 for Amex) of the Security Number on reverse of card
Signed Today’s Date
Payable by • Cheque • Credit/Debit Card • via PayPal to mail@sampublications.com

Please note we can only accept sterling cheques.
When paying by credit/debit card, please ensure you include your
Security Number as payment cannot be taken without it.
Please quote your Sub Ref No if known.
Aircraft artwork courtesy of John Fox Please allow 28 days for delivery.
Send to:
SAM Publications Limited, Media House, 21 Kingsway,
Bedford, MK42 9BJ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1234 211245 • Fax: +44 (0) 1234 325927
email: mail@sampublications.com
46-49-P8-Poseidon-CON-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:25 Page 46
46 Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon www.sampublications.com
The Sea
God Lands
At the recent RIAT SAM reporter Mike Verier was amongst the few
Airborne Poseidon displays weapons bay and wing
pylons. A potent weapons platform indeed
journalists granted exclusive access to the world’s newest and most

effective sub-hunter, Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon
By Mike Verier
R
umours of a visit to the UK were confirmed that the cockpit would be familiar (with good reason) to the pilot of green aircraft powered into the overcast sky over Renton Field for its
with the arrival of the P-8 at Waddington, a civil -800 save for the addition of a HUD and of course the panels maiden flight – at first glance much like many similar airframes
former home of the Nimrod. Journalists were relating to the weapons. before it, this flight was in fact a significant milestone on the way to
told, however, that no access to the aircraft The aircrew were enthusiastic about the aircraft and confirmed a major succession.
was possible, save for a brief conversation with the that despite still being essentially a development aircraft it could For more than four decades the oceans of the world have been
aircrew, nearly half of whom, it transpired, were British. already do everything the Nimrod could and more. They also prowled by the Mighty Hunter - Lockheed’s P-3 Orion. Highly
With the demise of the Nimrod the UK currently does not have a confirmed that operating at 200' for extended periods was no effective in the role it was designed for, but now approaching the
Maritime Reconnaissance capability – a bad position for an island problem. The biggest improvements of course are the integrated end of its operational and development life. A replacement is badly
nation to be in. In order to keep the core skills and knowledge alive, operator stations, which in the new ‘net-centric’ Navy enable data to needed. - The rather anonymous airframe being tested at Renton
however, experienced aircrew are now serving with a number of be shared and analysed not only within the aircraft but also with was the prototype Boeing P-8A Poseidon - which is that
nations including Australia, New Zealand, and, of course, the United other assets (ships or aircraft) that require it. The whole system is replacement.
States. In the case of the Poseidon they are fully integrated into the designed for growth with ‘open-architecture’ software that can be Poseidon is a well-chosen name for the aircraft, its sobriquet
programme and a vital part of the development process. updated and improved as required. including ‘God of the Oceans’, and ‘Bringer of Thunderbolts’. Given
The aircraft (167955, JA / 955 from VX-1) duly departed P-8As are already deployed as development and expansion of the expanded role P-8s will undertake scholars might also note that
Waddington en-route Fairford and Farnborough, and by the time the weapons capability continues. Right now the Navy has an Greek mythology tells of the Ocean God using his power to control
this reporter caught up with it at RIAT it was surrounded by very aircraft that can do all the jobs the P-3 did albeit faster – whilst the events on land as well. With a rather neat symmetry the same deity
serious armed guards. Thanks, however, to the good offices of RIAT’s future promises to surpass that capability, and the development of is also known by his Roman name - Neptune - who was of course
Media Team, SAM was able to tour the aircraft and speak at length the P-8 was also an object lesson in how to do it. the father of Orion.
to the crews, as well as representatives from the USN and Boeing. Like its predecessor the P-8 has its origins in a commercial
For obvious reasons we were deprived of our cameras and Poseidon Awakes design. This is entirely logical as the primary requirement is for a
mobile phones before entering the aircraft. I can report however At 10.41 hours on the 25th April 2009 a purposeful looking metallic platform offering long endurance and considerable load-carrying
THE SEA GOD LANDS

Main gear and a closer look at the inner weapons pylon
Standard 737-800 main gear

ability. Add to this the faster transit times a jet can offer, and ample For instance, the original electrical system is retained,
space for future growth, and you have a potent machine indeed. independent of the more demanding military system, which Whilst ASW remains its primary role, greater performance and
Basing the aircraft on a successful design also cuts development overlays it and consumes considerably more power. This gives a level ability to manage information means that Poseidon will be a far
time and given the high commonality means that spares are readily of redundancy and again reduces development and procurement more capable platform for such missions as anti-piracy and disaster
available world-wide – this should not be overlooked when costs. relief
considering lifetime costs – many ‘cheap’ procurements have proved The result is an airframe over 60% common with the standard Time to station will also be correspondingly faster, and air-to-
to be anything but when the exclusive-to-type spares are found to 800 series, a remarkable achievement given the poor history of air refuelling offers extended range / patrol time or enhanced ferry /
be prohibitively expensive. other derivative military aircraft programmes (what begins as a low- self-deployment options to further expand the P-8's repertoire.
P-8 is based on Boeing’s highly successful 737-800 series, which cost ‘off the shelf’ procurement eventually incorporates so many The US Navy currently plans to acquire 108 P-8s, and the Indian
also means that many of you will have actually flown in it and be changes that the cost doubles and the end result bears no relation Government, in a contract signed on the 1st January 2009, is
aware of its high performance, smooth handling, and, it has to be whatsoever to the original other than an approximate external receiving eight aircraft configured primarily for reconnaissance /
said, ability to cope with occasional rough landings! configuration). ASW and designated P-81. The Australian Government has also
Externally there is very little difference between the military signed a MoU for the development of a variant to meet their
and civil airframes apart from the obvious absence of windows and Role and Procurement requirements. (The Australians already operate the AEW Wedgetail
the addition of weapon pylons. Internally however, it's a completely The P-8 is rather more than just a much-needed replacement for 737 variant ).
different story. Military airframes are routinely operated ‘in harm’s the ageing P-3 fleet. Its roles include Anti-Submarine and Anti- The potential market for P-8 is of course vast, with many P-3s
way‘ and require strengthening and protection not relevant to a civil Surface warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance and and other maritime types around the world in need of replacement
operator. In the past ‘derivative’ airframes have had to be reconnaissance. More importantly, its long range and ability to in the next few years. One suspects that it is not entirely beyond the
expensively re-engineered post-production. Boeing has recognised operate at altitudes up to 41,000 ft (12,496 metres), means that it bounds of possibility that one day a Hemp-coloured P-8 will wear
this and the P-8 airframe incorporates the necessary changes and can reach out over land as well as operate in purely maritime or British roundels.
improvements on the production line. littoral patrol areas. Full Scale Development began formally on June 14th 2004 with
48 Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon www.sampublications.com
Rear view of the CFM56 engine offering modellers an interesting challenge in metal finishes
Plenty of detail in the nosewheel bay
A closer look at the configuration of main gear doors and The P-8 already subscribes to the US penchant for artwork on its aircraft
equipment
Airframe also self-deploy to most parts of the world.
the award of a $3.89 billion contract to the Boeing-led industry The -800 series on which the P-8A is based is one of Boeing’s ‘New A fuselage weapons bay with five stations has been created
team for the SDD (System Development and Demonstration) phase Generation’ aircraft sharing little more than a common layout with immediately aft of the wing. This has the same dimensions as that
of the programme. In many ways the airframe was the easy bit and early 737s. Amongst its more distinctive features are the raked on the F-35 / JSF and will be able to accommodate the same range
most of this phase was focussed on the development and wingtips. Winglets and other wingtip devices improve the of weapons including the J-series. Combined with four wing and
integration of software and mission systems. A preliminary design aerodynamic efficiency of the wing, which translates into greater two fuselage external stations the aircraft will be able to handle
review in November 2005 was stated to be ‘the best major weapon fuel economy / range and are a common feature of modern aircraft. most current or envisaged weapons. It is already using the AGM-54
system PDR the Navy had ever reviewed’. A further critical design Early visualisations of the P-8 featured the upturned winglets Harpoon and the SLAM-ER series of missiles
review in July 2007 was similarly successful and production of five standard to the -800. The Navy however required a capability to Internally the aircraft also carries up to sixty-four Sonobuoys,
test airframes commenced five months later on the 11th of operate in continuous icing conditions for more than two hours. This the chutes for which can be seen aft of the weapons bay.
December. meant a surface that could also be de-iced all the way to the tip and Construction of the P-8A begins at industry partner Spirit
The first aircraft entered service in 2012 until which time the US the optimised final design is based on those found on the Boeing Aerosystems plant in Wichita, Kansas, where the fuselage is
Navy was carefully husbanding the hours on its P-3 fleet, a number 767-400ER, 777-300ER, 777-200LR, and 777F aircraft. produced. These are taken to Boeing’s Renton plant where type-
of aircraft having been retired as their fatigue life was reached – a Range is fundamental to the role the P-8 will play and it also specific components are incorporated as final assembly takes place.
process accelerated by intensive usage in recent years. The transition has six additional internal fuel-tanks, three in the forward cargo Completed airframes emerge from here alongside commercial
will be smoothed by the fact that a great deal of the newer kit on compartment and three aft. Whilst its unrefuelled range / time on models without disrupting the production process. Boeing is rightly
the P-3 will translate directly to the P-8, any development being, as station is therefore impressive (some 50% better than the P-3 proud of this highly efficient system.
the Americans put it, in ‘lock-step’ with the P-8 programme assuming four hours on station) it can be extended by air-to-air The aircraft are then flown to Boeing Field Seattle for final
providing a high degree of synergy with P-3 systems and upgrades. refuelling. Poseidon uses the UARRSI - Universal Aerial Refuelling fitting out, and thence to Pax River for Service testing.
It is envisaged that PATRON squadrons currently operating Receptacle Slipway Installation – which receives the USAF-style The CFM-56 series of engines is amongst the most reliable in
fifteen P-3s will re-form with twelve P-8s. flying boom and is already in service on the Wedgetail. the world with millions of miles flown on a huge variety of aircraft.
With a straight-line range in excess of 4,000 nm the P-8 can Poseidon uses the -7B variant rated at 27,300 lb thrust which allows
THE SEA GOD LANDS

Weapons pylons and a mass of external protuberances are key
features on Poseidon
Access to the aircraft at RIAT was strictly limited, and photography inside the machine ’discouraged’
Noticeably different tail arrangement to the standard 737-800 The revised wingtip designed for lengthy periods on-station in icy conditions
a maximum take-off weight of 189,200 lb (85,820 kg). There is

sufficient power for the aircraft to take off and climb on one engine.
Improvements such as new technology blades are already being
fitted to these engines in civilian service, and could of course be
incorporated into the Navy’s aircraft if required.
Systems
Long gone are the days of patrol aircraft simply ‘pinging’ for
submarines. As earlier described, the P-8 will be able to talk to
almost any asset within range sending and receiving data in real
time and greatly enhancing situational awareness for all concerned.
Data-links are an essential part of what is known in the jargon as a
‘net-centric’ force. P-8 will also in due course be able to control its
own UAVs, giving it even greater reach and potential.
From the crew point of view any of the stations can be
configured, in flight, for any operator so the system is hugely flexible
allowing multi-mission capability within one sortie, or a greater
emphasis on SIGINT, anti-submarine or surface search as required.
All told a remarkable aircraft, which we will be seeing a great
deal of in the future.
The author would like to thank the RIAT Media Team, LaToya T
Graddy of NAVAIR and Charles Ramey of Boeing for access to the
aircraft, and the crew for their patient briefing, with a particular
mention for Flt Lt Matt Moore who bore the brunt of my questions
and probably thought I was stalking him! MA Plenty of stencilling in evidence. DRAW decals have decals available for the P-8 in both 1/144 and 1/200
50-52-Waddington-CON-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:24 Page 50
50 Waddington International Air Show 2014 www.sampublications.com
One display that went off with a bang, in fact several bangs, was
the “Role Demonstration” performed by the Army Air Corps
Apache AH1, with accompanying pyrotechnics. Demonstrating
the search and close support missions provided to troops in
Afghanistan, we were treated to simulations of Apache Hellfire,
Rocket and Gun attacks with flames, smoke and bangs
Viva Espania and Swedish

Rhapsody Again
Waddington International Air Show 2014
By Ray Ball
T
he RAF Waddington International Air Show is Squadron, have been based at Waddington since 2004 and have group Boko Haram.
still the premier RAF Air Show, with a two day proved their value on many operations over Afghanistan, Libya and At Farnborough recently, Prime Minster David Cameron pledged
display which this year attracted over 135,000 Mali. This past year they have been kept busy conducting surveys of to continue the in-service life of these Raytheon-developed Sentinel
visitors, all disappointed to learn that the flood prevention work after the wettest winter on record and are R1 surveillance aircraft until 2018, the squadron that operates the
Station will not be having another Air Show in 2015. also helping with Operation Turus, which, saw the aircraft deployed aircraft is also making plans to extend the type's operational
RAF Waddington is the centre of the United Kingdom’s to Nigeria in the search for missing schoolgirls kidnapped by terrorist capability, including looking to add a maritime capability to
Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance
(ISTAR) services and their aircraft support UK and wider NATO
operations. Accordingly, the Station is about to undergo a
modernisation programme, involving a new runway, taxiways,
internal roads and additional buildings to accommodate the
increased services to be provided. RAF Waddington is now home to
seven Squadrons involved in these vital ISTAR tasks.
The six Boeing E-3D Sentry Airborne Warning and Control
(AWACs) operated by 8 Squadron, are the largest aircraft based at
Waddington, but only just, following the recent arrival of the Boeing
RC-135V Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft. 51 Squadron are
currently undertaking conversion training to this type at Offutt Air
Force Base, Nebraska. Three of these aircraft have been ordered with
one delivered and the other two scheduled for delivery later this
year. The Rivet Joint aircraft are based on old KC-135 airframes, but
these have been refurbished with new systems and avionics into a
modern task capable aircraft, that will be in service for years to
come. They fill a gap in the electronic surveillance activities left
when the Nimrod R1s were scrapped several years ago. The single
RC-135V at Waddington participated in the show with a series of fly Unusually, only one F-16 took part in the flying display, but it was the impressive performance of ‘SoloTurk’ from the Turkish Air
pasts at the start and end of its training missions. Force. This was a later model F-16C Block 40, from 141 ‘Wolf’ Filo (Squadron) based at Ankara-Akinci Air Base. The pilot, Captain
The Raytheon Sentinel R1s of 5 Army Co-operation (AC) Yusef Kurt performed a great display of the aircraft’s capabilities, as usual, accompanied by the amusing commentary.
WADDINGTON AIR SHOW 2014

Helicopters seemed to be prominent in this year’s display with the added surprise of a
For the first time, the Turkish Navy provided one of their recently delivered CASA CN235 Westland Whirlwind in yellow search and rescue markings, flying in on the Saturday morning
Maritime Patrol Aircraft, making an interesting addition to the static display. These serve with to join the static display. Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 XJ729/G-BVGE is privately owned and
301 Filo at Turkish Air Naval Station Gengiz Topel, near Ismit in North West Turkey kept in an excellent and airworthy condition, based in Somerset
Another surprise performer was the reappearance of the

Rockwell OV-10B Bronco, from the Bronco Demo Team based
in Kortrijk-Wevelgem airport in Belgium. This OV-10B variant
was produced for the German Luftwaffe as a target tug,
delivered in the late 1960s. They were retired in 1990, with
many going to the Luftwaffe Technical School and a few to
A Westland Sea King HAR3 from 202 Squadron at RAF Leconfield, performed a search and rescue museums. It looks good in its green and day-glow orange
demonstration as part of the display. With no Air Show at Waddington next year, this was the Sea King’s last Luftwaffe colours and makings and is registered as 99+18.
display as the aircraft are due to be retired and a new Civilian contractor will take over the service in 2016 The Team also brought along a Shorts Skyvan registered as G-
PIGY as their support aircraft
Air Show favourite, Avro Vulcan XH588 was again parked in

the static next to the ‘Vulcan Village’ to enable the public to
get close up and personal. It did feature in the flying display
having to be towed airside for safe engine start up and
taxying. This year’s display seems “tamer” than those of the Quickening the pace a bit was a polished performance from
past, but still watchable. With continuing public support, it an F/A-18C Hornet from the Swiss Air Force based at Payerne
can continue to display during 2015 Air Base. Clearing skies enabled afterburner climbs giving
noise and spectacle to the Air Show
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Red Arrows,

Returning to RAF Waddington were the stars of last year’s show, the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight. This year they brought with them formed in 1964 to be the official Royal Air Force Aerobatic
the Saab Sk60, the Saab JAS-37 Viggen and new for this year, their Saab SK-35 Draken. The Saab SK60, 610140/SE-DXG is in the Swedish Team and to commemorate the 50th Anniversary, the current
Air Force markings as they were in the 1960s when they first entered service. They are still in service with the Air Force today. The display Hawk aircraft have new tail art featuring the Union Jack and a
aircraft does not have ejection seats and is powered by the original Turbomeca RM9 engines, so is kept in the original configuration commemorative 50 Display Seasons marking
52 Waddington International Air Show 2014 www.sampublications.com
The Midair Squadron based at Kemble in Gloucestershire, attended the Air Show with their
New for this year was the Saab SK-35 Draken. Built as single seat J-35 35019, it was later selected Canberra PR9 and Hunter T7, both looking amazing in their new silver paint schemes. Canberra
for conversion to a two seat SK-35 training version and given the new serial of 35810. After PR9 XH134 last displayed at RAF Waddington in 2006, before being retired from RAF service. It
serving with two squadrons, it ended up at the J-35 Operational Conversion Unit, before being performed a nostalgic display and was great to see again
retired in 1997. It has been immaculately restored, and gave a great flying display, showing its
‘Double-Delta’ plan-form and demonstrating its maneuverability. All three types were a joy to see
A Waddington based Boeing E-3D Sentry of 8 Squadron opened the show, leading a Station fly-
past and landing
This year’s Air Show stars were the ‘Patrulla Aspa’ of the Spanish Air Force. ‘Patrulla Aspa’
translates as ‘Blade Patrol’ comprising five Eurocopter EC120 Colibri (Hummingbird)
helicopters, designated as the HE-25 in Spanish service. The Team were displaying for the first
time in the UK. The helicopters are all part of 782 Escuadron, based at Grenada-Armilla, home
of their Helicopter Flying School
Waddington based 5 Squadron Raytheon Sentinel R1. The

Sentinels have been particularly busy at home and abroad,
but ZJ692 is looking great in the new Gloss Grey scheme now
applied to all five aircraft on the Squadron
Sentinel, driven by Raytheon's experience in the development of

maritime search systems.
Neighbouring 14 Squadron operate the Beechcraft Shadow R1,
The return of the Royal Navy's Black Cats Lynx helicopter the latest assets to the ISTAR fleet, whilst 13 Squadron are the first
display team was good to see. They always put on a good Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint ZZ664 of 51 Squadron in flypast, Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) to be based at Waddington.
display, with their Westland Lynx HMA8 (no longer adorned showing the many aerials and sensors on the aircraft, Again operational commitments meant that aircraft from these
with the stunning Black Cat art-work), being joined with the essential for its surveillance role Squadrons were not part of the Air Show.
latest AugustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat Opening the Air Show each morning was the usual Waddington
based aircraft flypast of a Boeing E-3D Sentry, Raytheon Sentinel R1
and for the first time, the Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint.
I am sorry there will not be a 2015 Air Show and I understand
that no decision has yet been taken on resuming them in 2016. To
me Air Shows are a good way of demonstrating to the public, the
work of our Military services, particularly the Royal Air Force. It is
also an occasion for the Royal Air Force to publically commemorate
their achievements. It enables us, the public to see and support our
Armed Forces, whilst also supporting worthy charities. The RAF
Waddington International Air Show is stated to be the largest RAF
Air Show, but with the ending of the RAF Leuchars Air Show, it is
probably the only remaining official RAF Air Show. All the more
reason why it should continue long into the future.
Ray Ball and Mike Verier would like to thank to Flt Lt Odille Carpe
Lost among other aircraft types in a long static line was this lovely Miles Magister, serial T9738, but actually registered as G- and Lindsey Askin of RAF Waddington for their help and support with
AKAT and based at Breighton in North Yorkshire the article. We wish them both all the best for the future. MA
53-IPMS-UK-CON-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:24 Page 53
IPMS UK
This Northrop RF-5A is situated on a roundabout in the small town of Utrera, some 20km from the Spanish Air Force base at Morón de la Frontera (Chris Ayre)
Pride
IPMS (UK)
Presented by Chris Ayre Wearing Patrulla Águila colours, this CASA C-101 sits in front
(All images © Chris Ayre)
I
of the Ejercito del Aire (Air Force) Headquarters in central
've been giving some thought recently to the Madrid (Chris Ayre)
attitude of the UK general public towards our
armed forces. In recent times, perhaps encouraged www.tankmuseum.org/ixbin/indexplus?record=ART4151. Expo 2014
by the various charities supporting wounded takes place on the following day at Southwell Racecourse, near
soldiers and their families, there appears to be quite a Newark, Nottinghamshire (NG25 0TS). This popular event is run jointly
positive opinion of service personnel (as opposed to by IPMS Lincoln and IPMS Newark and admission is free. See the IPMS
their political 'bosses') and I personally feel that this is Lincoln website for more details, www.lincolnmodelclub.co.uk.
to be applauded. As an ex-serviceman myself, I can Saturday October 18th sees Glasgow Model Fest 2014 take place
appreciate how important this is to the men and at the Bellahouston Leisure Centre, 31 Bellahouston Drive, Glasgow
women serving on our behalf. The current show of (G52 1HH). I don't have many details of this one but you can call Bruce
support is in apparent contrast to the attitude that, fed Smith of IPMS Glasgow on 0141 563 2098 if you'd like more
by certain sections of the media, was prevalent a few information. A week later (25th), and some 465 miles further south,
years ago. Then, there was something of a backlash association between the Borough community and the Royal Air Force’. the Bognor Regis Military Modelling and Wargaming Society present
against the military, with 'anti-war' protests sometimes Plans were drawn up to site the aircraft on a large roundabout close to their Military Modelling and Wargaming Show at West Meads
targeting serving soldiers rather than the political the town centre and funds were promised to extend the existing Community Centre in Aldwick, Bognor Regis (PO21 5SB). Model
decision makers - those who actually took us to war. Falklands Memorial garden, already situated on the island. The displays, wargaming, traders and more are promised and you can find
The armed forces were not respected, or so it seemed. installation was potentially also seen as a striking landmark and out what the more might be by emailing Nick Sandford,
Now that same media appears, in general, to be something of a visitor attraction for the town. nick_sandford@hotmail.com. This last Saturday of the month is a busy
reflecting the attitude of the average member of the In the end, the Harrier stayed where it was - and is still there one in the south and over in Kent you will find the Gravesham Model
UK public and I think that, on the whole, we hold our today. Threats of vandalism, negative comments from certain quarters Club Open Day at the North West Kent College in the town (DA12 2JJ).
service personnel in high regard. I'm not quite certain about displaying a 'war machine' and complaints from NIMBYs meant This event is run by Gravesham Military Modelling Society and their
that modellers are 'average' members of the public but, that, after much debate and despite assurances that the airframe website is www.gmms.org.uk. If you are further west, then the Fleet
as we know, the great majority of those of us that build would be well protected and maintained, the plan was dropped. I can't Air Arm Museum Autumn Model Show is possibly the one for you. It's a
aircraft prefer to build military machines. I'm sure there help thinking that this was a real shame and an opportunity lost. I also combined Radio Controlled and Scale Modelling show, sponsored by
are a variety of reasons for this, covering historical, wonder if, had a similar scheme been proposed in today's climate, the Airfix and BFMA. The museum is at RNAS Yeovilton and their website
technological and contextual factors, but it is often also result may well have been different and we might have a symbol of the www.fleetairarm.com should be your first port of call… Finally, if you
as an acknowledgment of the heroism and sacrifice of nation's pride facing down the town's main street. MA fancy a trip over the briney on the same day, Euro Scale Modelling,
those who operated these aircraft. now in its 26th year, takes place at Nieuwegein's Business Centre,
I was first prompted to these musings by my travels in Europe, Showtime Blokhoeve 1, 3438 LC Nieuwegein (near Utrecht) The Netherlands. This
particularly in Spain earlier this year, where it is not uncommon to find October already… or, as some would have it, the run-up to the World's is an impressive event with some 150 exhibitors and traders expected
retired military aircraft displayed at road junctions, on roundabouts or Greatest Model Show (November 8th/9th, in case you've forgotten)! to attend from around Europe. Visit www.euroscalemodelling.nl for
in town centres. Whenever I have come across these 'monuments' I've Trying to put Scale ModelWorld 2014 aside, though, the month kicks up-to-date information. MA
found that they always appear to be well-maintained, nicely presented off with the IPMS Abingdon Show on Saturday the 4th. This takes place
and a source of pride to local people. I've formed the impression that at Larkmead School (OX14 1BB) in the town and has the usual displays, In the next issue I will have news of Scale ModelWorld… not long
these aircraft represent a connection between the armed forces and traders, competition and refreshments (burgervan man). Further now, eh?
the communities that they serve. Although there are exceptions, this is details at the Club website abingdon-ipms.blogspot.co.uk. On the Until then, enjoy your modelling.
something that we rarely see in the UK. A number of years ago, in fact same day, North Surrey Military Modelling Group has a show at the Chris
just before the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, my local RAF Thomas Wall Centre in Sutton, Surrey (SM1 4DP). Email www.ipms-uk.co.uk
station was about to be transferred to MOD control and the gate guard, nsmmg@hotmail.co.uk if you'd like to know more. A week later (11th Membership enquiries: Abigail Brewin, 144 High Road, Weston,
a Harrier GR.3, was offered to the local town. The Borough Council was October), The Tank Museum at Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG presents Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 6RA
keen to accept the gift ‘as a lasting and visible symbol of the long Tank Mod 2014 and the web address for more information is or email: membership@ipms-uk.co.uk
54-Kit-News-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:24 Page 54
54 Kit News www.sampublications.com
A Model #72280 1/72 de Havilland D.H.60C Cirrus Moth LF Models #72102 1/72 Macchi MC.201 Italian proto- Special Hobby #32050 1/32 Lockheed T-33A T-Bird
G-EBLV AZ Model #7237 1/72 Vultee SNV-1 / BT-13 Valiant type fighter 'Over Europe'
A Model #72281 1/72 de Havilland D.H.60 Genet Moth AZ Model #7238 1/72 Vultee BT-13 Valiant IAF Special Hobby #72280 1/72 Bell AH-1G Cobra ‘Marines’
A Model #72282 1/72 de Havilland D.H.60M Metal Moth AZ Model #72391/72 Vultee BT-13 Valiant 'Latin Ameri- Special Hobby #72295 1/72 Lockheed C-60 Lodestar
A Model #72283 1/72 de Havilland D.H.60GIII Moth ca' 'Pacific Transport'
Major Special Hobby #72307 1/72 Caproni Ca.311
A Model #72284 1/72 de Havilland D.H.60T Moth Trainer Brengun #72012 1/72 Hawker Typhoon Mk Ia Special Hobby #72309 1/72 Caproni Ca.311M 'Italian
A Model #72285 1/72 de Havilland D.H.60X G-EBXU Adventure in Russia'
A Model #72286 1/72 de Havilland D.H.60G Gipsy Moth
G-AAAH Amy Johnsons 'Jason'
Mach 2 #7255 1/72 Convair 440 Decals North Central

Mach 2 #7256 1/72 Convair 440 Decals Eastern with
long radar nose
Mach 2 #7299 1/72 Beech 200 Super Kingair
Dragon #4637 1/144 Douglas X-3 Stiletto
Dragon #5030 1/72 Lockheed P-38J 'Droop Snoot' Miniwings #071 1/144 FMA IA-58 Pucara
Pegasus Hobbies #8415 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 262
Plus Model #7010 1/72 Heller EC-121 'Warning Star'

Eduard 1/48 #1192 1/48 Grumman F-14A Tomcat. Dan- with upgrades
ger Zone Plus Model #70111/72 Heller EC-121 'Warning Star'
with extra upgrades Trumpeter #01638 1/72 Focke-Wulf Fw 200C-9 Condor
Academy #12249 1/48 Hughes Police 500D Trumpeter #02254 1/32 Douglas A-1J AD-7 Skyraider
Academy #12285 1/48 Grumman TBM-3 Avenger ‘USS R.V.Aircraft #720411/72 MiG-21PFM 'Vietnam War' Trumpeter #03913 1/144 Dassault Rafale B
Bunker Hill’ Trumpeter #03916 1/144 Sukhoi Su-27UB Flanker C
Academy #12303 1/48 North American P-51B 70th
Anniversary Normandy Invasion
Academy #12304 1/48 Lavochkin La-7
Academy #12307 1/48 Lockheed U-2S USAF 5th RS
Osan AB
Academy #12308 1/48 Bell UH-1D/H ROK HobbyBoss #80378 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 262B-1a
Academy #12513 1/72 P-47D and FW 190A-8 70th
Anniversary Normandy Invasion
Welsh Models #PJW84P 1/144 Boeing RC-135W Air

Seeker RAF
Welsh Models #SL314R 1/144 Bombardier CRJ-700
Italeri #1350 1/72 Short Stirling MK IV Britair
Airfix #01013B 1/72 de Havilland D.H.88 Comet Racer Italeri #1357 1/72 Sepecat Jaguar GR.3 ‘Big Cat’ Welsh Models #SL315V 1/144 Boeing 747-200/300
Red Revell #04887 1/48 Northrop P-61B Black Widow Welsh Models #SL316R 1/144 Bombardier CRJ-700
Airfix #03082A 1/72 North-American F-86F Sabre Revell #04889 1/32 Bristol Beaufighter Mk 1F Lufthansa City Line
Airfix #05042 1/72 BAC/EE Lightning F.6 Revell #04890 1/32 Piper PA-18 with Bushwheels Welsh Models #SL317R 1/144 Bombardier CRJ-900
Airfix #07112 1/48 de Havilland Mosquito PR Mk XVI Revell #04895 1/32 McDonnell F-4F Phantom WTD-61 Northwest Jetlink
Airfix #50160 1/48 Spitfire Mk Vb & Bf109E Dogfight Flight Test
Double Revell #04897 1/32 Eurocopter EC145 DRF
Revell #04907 1/72 Agusta-Westland 101 Merlin HMA.1
Kovozavody Prostejov #7206 1/72 Avia S-199 ‘Mess-

er/Sakin’
Kovozavody Prostejov #7210 1/72 Avia S-199 Late
CzAF
Wingnut Wings #32041 1/32 Roland C.IIA late version
Wingnut Wings #32047 1/32 Albatros D.Va OAW
55-Accessorie-News-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:23 Page 55
Now Available
Model Aircraft | October 2014 New Conversions and Detailing Sets 55
ACCESSORIES NEWS
CMK #7294 1/72 Napier Sabre series Mk II - WWII British air- Eduard Brassin #648163 1/32 AGM-12 Bullpup Plus Model #7006 1/72 Heller EC-121 'Warning Star' Under-
craft engine Eduard Brassin #648165 1/48 AGM-45 Shrike carriage detail set
CMK #7295 1/72 Hawker Typhoon Mk Ib - engine set for Airfix Eduard Brassin #672043 1/72 AIM-9D Sidewinder Plus Model #7007 1/72 Heller EC-121 'Warning Star' Flaps
kits Eduard Brassin #672045 1/72 F-16CJ Block 50 exhaust detail set
CMK #7296 1/72 Allison 1710-33 series C - WWII US Aircraft nozzle for Tamiya kits Plus Model #7008 1/72 Heller EC-121 'Warning Star' 'Tail
engine Feathers set
CMK #7297 1/72 Curtiss P-40B Undercarriage set for Airfix Freightdog #72008 1/72 Hawker Tempest Mk VI for Acade- Plus Model #7009 1/72 Heller EC-121 Engines set
CMK #7298 1/72 Curtiss P-40B/P-40C - Interior set for Airfix my kits
Aires #2194 1/32 Douglas A-1D/AD-4 Skyraider cockpit set kits Freightdog #72010 1/72 Dassault Etendard IVP conversion Quickboost #32162 1/32 Messerschmitt Me 163B pitot tube
for Trumpeter kits CMK #7299 1/72 Curtiss P-40B/P-40C - Engine set for Heller IVM for Meng Model kits
Aires #4629 1/48 Lavochkin La-5F/La-5FN cockpit set for CMK #7301 1/72 WWII Luftwaffe 900L Drop Tank Freightdog #72044 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk 22 Quickboost #32163 1/32 Messerschmitt Me 163B seat for
Zvezda kits CMK #7303 1/72 Long-Range Air-to-Surface Missile improvement set for Airfix kits Meng Model kits
Aires #4630 1/48 McDonnell F-4D Phantom II early cockpit CMK #7305 1/72 GBU-12 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb Quickboost #48613 1/48 EMB-314 Super Tucano control
set for Academy kits CMK #7307 1/72 Remove Before Flight Tags G-Factor GFAC3228 1/32 Meteor Mk IV 3 undercarriage legs lever for HobbyBoss kits
Aires #7313 1/72 Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik control surfaces for CMK #7308 1/72 WWII Luftwaffe 600L Drop Tanks for HK Models kits Quickboost #48614 1/48 EMB-314 Super Tucano gun barrels
Tamiya kits CMK #7309 1/72 BAC/EE Lightning F.2A interior set G-Factor #3229 1/32 Heinkel He 111 landing gear for Revell for HobbyBoss kits
Aires #7314 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 110 flaps for Eduard kits CMK #7311 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 109E trop Interior set for kits Quickboost #48615 1/48 F-4B/N Phantom II air intake cov-
Airfix kits G-Factor #3230 1/32 N1K2-J Shidenkai George landing gear ers for Academy kits
Daco Products #4801 1/48 AGM-62 Walleye I television- CMK #72204 1/72 MG 131 - WWII German aircraft machine for Hasegawa kits Quickboost #48616 1/48 F-4B/N Phantom II undercarriage
guided gun G-Factor #3231 1/32 Ki-44-II HEI Shoki Tojo landing gear for covers for Academy kits
CMK #72205 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 exhausts for Air- Hasegawa kits Quickboost #48617 1/48 Aero L-29 Delfin air scoops for
Barracuda Studios #32122 1/32 Bf 109G-10 propeller and fix kits G-Factor #3232 1/32 P-40M/P-40N Warhawk landing gear Avante Garde kits
spinner for Revell kits CMK #72206 1/72 Avro Lancaster B.I/Mk II/Mk III seats for for Hasegawa kits Quickboost #72456 1/72 Hawker Hurricane Mk I - late
Barracuda Studios #32154 1/32 Bf 109G-5/10/14 Cowl Airfix and Hasegawa kits G-Factor #4822 1/48 Grumman F6F-3/F6F-5 Hellcat landing exhaust for Airfix kits
Gun Bulges for Revell kits CMK #72207 1/72 Lancaster B.I/Mk II/Mk III panel for Airfix gear for Eduard kits Quickboost #72457 1/72 Avro Lancaster B.III gun barrels for
Barracuda Studios #32155 1/32 Bf 109G-6 intake and and Hasegawa kits G-Factor #4823 1/48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX Landing Airfix kits
exhaust set for Revell kits CMK #72208 1/72 Hawker Typhoon Mk I - Exhausts for Airfix gear for Eduard kits Quickboost #72459 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 110 air intakes
Barracuda Studios #32159 1/32 Bf 109G-6 oil cooler fair- kits G-Factor #4824 1/48 T-28 Trojan Landing gear for Roden kits for Eduard kits
ing for Revell kits CMK #72209 1/72 Bell AH-1G Cobra Seats for Special Hobby G-Factor #7203 1/72 Mikoyan MiG-25 pitot tube for ICM kits Quickboost #72460 1/72 Hawker Typhoon Mk IB exhaust for
Barracuda Studios #32171 1/32 Bf 109G/K Prop and Spin- kits Airfix kits
ner Alignment Jig CMK #72210 1/72 P-40B/P-40C Exhausts for Academy, Airfix Kora #7235 1/72 de Havilland D.H.82 Tiger Moth Floatplane
and HobbyBoss kits. Norwegian Service RES-IM #7217 1/72 Masks for Bf 109G Spirals for AZ Model
Brengun #144099 1/144 Boeing 747-100 Exhaust nozzles Kora #7236 1/72 de Havilland D.H.82 Tiger Moth Floatplane kits
for Revell kits Eduard #48814 1/48 Grumman A-6E Intruder exterior for British Service Conversion RES-IM #7218 1/72 Canopy Masks for Do 335A for Dragon
Brengun #144100 1/144 Douglas A-4 Skyhawk canopy for HobbyBoss kits Aircraft Kora #7238 1/72 D.H.82B Tiger Moth Queen Bee flying target kits
Platz kits Eduard #48815 1/48 Panavia Tornado IDS ladder for Revell - Royal Navy Conversion RES-IM #7219 1/72 Canopy Masks for F-86D for Hasegawa
Brengun #144101 1/144 Mikoyan MiG-15 canopy for Attack kits kits
kits Eduard #48816 1/48 Dornier Do 215B undercarriage for ICM Maestro Models #4880 1/48 2 x Mosquito 4-blade pro- RES-IM #3201 1/32 Masks for F4U-1 Corsair for Tamiya kits
Brengun #48060 1/48 Kawasaki Ki-61-II Hien for RS Models kits pellers for Tamiya kits RES-IM #4808 1/48 Masks for Bf 109G for Eduard kits
kits Eduard #48817 1/48 Grumman F-14A Tomcat upgrade set Maestro Models #4881 1/48 S 29C Tunnan recce conversion RES-IM #4809 1/48 Masks for Beaufighter Mk VI for Tamiya
Brengun #48061 1/48 Kawasaki Ki-61-II Hien flaps for RS for Eduard kits Maestro Models #4882 1/48 J 29Ö Tunnan recce conversion kits
Models kits Eduard #48818 1/48 Dornier Do 215B bomb bay for ICM kits Maestro Models #4883 1/48 2 × Rb04C/D missile w. SAAB RES-IM #4810 1/48 Masks for Mosquito Mk VI for Tamiya kits
Brengun #72078 1/72 Caproni Ca.101 for Fly kits Eduard #49689 1/48 Grumman A-6E Intruder interior for A 32 Lansen launchers RES-IM #4811 1/48 Masks for US Staff car for Tamiya kits
Brengun #72079 1/72 US Flare/CHAFF dispensers HobbyBoss kits Maestro Models #4885 1/48 Night recce pod MSK for Airfix RES-IM #7235 1/72 TBF-1 - Detail PE set for Hasegawa kits
Brengun #72080 1/72 AH-1G Cobra air intake correction set Eduard #49690 1/48 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano for and Tarangus kits RES-IM #7236 1/72 Bf 109E - Detail PE set for Tamiya kits
for Special Hobby kit HobbyBoss kits Maestro Models #4886 1/48 MSK Flash pod for recce RES-IM #7237 1/72 Mi-8 - Detail PE set For HobbyBoss kits
Eduard #49691 1/48 Dornier Do 215B for ICM kits Viggen
Eduard #49693 1/48 F-14 Tomcat Remove Before Flight Fab- Maestro Models #7275 1/72 AJ 37 Viggen tail section for
ric tags Heller kits
Eduard #73024 1/72 Seatbelts IJN/Imperial Japanese Navy Maestro Models #7276 1/72 JA 37 Viggen set; tail section,
fabric tank, chaff dispensers 401
Eduard #73026 1/72 Seatbelts RAF late fabric Maestro Models #7277 1/72 BOY 401 for Heller kits
Eduard #73027 1/72 Seatbelts RFC WWI fabric Maestro Models #7278 1/72 2 x Mosquito 4-blade pro-
Eduard #73511 1/72 Fiat CR.32 Chirri for Italeri kits pellers for Airfix kits
Eduard #CX397 1/72 Bell AH-1G Cobra masks for Special Maestro Models #7279 1/72 S 29C Tunnan recce conversion
CMK #4300 1/48 WWII Luftwaffe 900L Drop Tank Hobby kits Maestro Models #7280 1/72 J 29Ö Tunnan recce conversion Scale Aircraft Conversions #32084 1/32 EE Lightning
CMK #4306 1/48 WWII Drop tanks 600l Luftwaffe for Ju Eduard #EX434 1/48 Dornier Do 215B masks for ICM kits Maestro Models #4816 1/48 Heinkel He 115 detail set for Landing Gear for Trumpeter kits
88/He 111 Eduard #EX435 1/48 Grumman A-6E Intruder masks for Special Hobby kits Scale Aircraft Conversions #48264 1/48 X-47B Landing
CMK #5086 1/32 Daimler-Benz DB 603E - WWII German air- HobbyBoss kits Maestro Models #7212 1/72 SAAB B17 detail set Gear for Freedom Model kits
craft engine Eduard #EX436 1/48 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano masks Maestro Models #7228 1/72 Heinkel He 115 detail set for Scale Aircraft Conversions #482651/48 YF-23 Landing
CMK #5095 1/32 Remove Before Flight Tags for HobbyBoss kits Matchbox and Revell kits Gear for HobbyBoss kits
CMK #7275 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 - Engine set for Eduard #FE689 1/48 Grumman A-6E interior ZOOM for Hob- Maestro Models #7229 1/72 Saab 29A / 29B Tunnan detail Scale Aircraft Conversions #48266 1/48 F-101A/C Land-
Airfix kits byBoss kits for Tarangus kits ing Gear for Kitty Hawk kits
CMK #7282 1/72 Curtiss P-40E - Engine set for Academy kits Eduard #FE690 1/48 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano ZOOM Scale Aircraft Conversions #72091 1/72 F-35A Landing
CMK #7289 1/72 Avro Lancaster B.I/III - Undercarriage set for for HobbyBoss kits Marabu Design #72024 1/72 Douglas TBD-1 Exterier set Gear for Hasegawa kits
for Airfix kits Eduard #FE691 1/48 Dornier Do 215B interior ZOOM for ICM for AZ Model kits Scale Aircraft Conversions #72092 1/72 Su-27SM Flanker
CMK #7290 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 - Control surfaces kits Marabu Design #72027 1/72 Zlin Z-226 C-205 set for Landing Gear for Zvezda kits
for Airfix kits Eduard #JX171 1/32 North-American X-15A-2 masks for Kovozavody Prostejov kits
CMK #7291 1/72 Daimler-Benz DB 605A - WWII German air- Special Hobby kits SBS Model #72017 1/72 Bristol Blenheim Mk I 2-engine set
craft engine Eduard #JX172 1/32 Lockheed T-33A masks for Special NH Detail #72029 1/72 Yak-27K-8 Detail Set for A Model kits for Airfix kits
CMK #7292 1/72 de Havilland Vampire T.11 - control surfaces Hobby kits
for Airfix kits Eduard #SS511 1/72 Fiat CR.32 Chirri ZOOM for Italeri kits Pavla Models #C72127 1/72 Dassault Mirage 2000C for
CMK #7293 1/72 de Havilland Vampire T.11 - interior set for Heller kits
Airfix kits Eduard Brassin #632039 1/32 Vought F4U-1 cockpit for Pavla Models #U72157 1/72 Dassault Mirage 2000 control
Tamiya kits surfaces for Heller kits
56-Decal-News-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:23 Page 56
56 Decal News www.sampublications.com
Caracal Models #48044 1/48 Alpha Jet A/E

Caracal Models #48047 1/48 Grumman HU-16A Alba-
tross USAF / US Coast Guard
Caracal Models #48065 1/48 Blue Angels Lockheed C-
130 ‘Fat Albert’
Caracal Models #48066 1/48 Embraer EMB-314 Super
Tucano ‘Esquadrilha da Fumaca’
Caracal Models #72019 1/72 Lockheed-Martin F-16
Vipers - The Next Generation
FCM #48033 1/48 Northrop F-5B/F-5E/F-5F in Brazilian
Service
FCM #48047 1/48 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano part 1
FCM #72024 1/72 Curtiss P-40E/P-40L/P-40M/P-40N
FCM #72040 1/72 Grumman F-14A Tomcat 'Sundowners'
HAD Models #32050 1/32 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6
Linden Hill #48028 1/48 Brothers in Arms 1 Warsaw

Pact MiG-23Ms and MFs
Linden Hill #48036 1/48 Brothers in Arms 2 MiG-
23ML/MLA/MLD/P
Linden Hill #48037 1/48 VVS MiG-23MLDs in
Afghanistan
Mark 1 Decals #14432 1/144 Italian AF WWII B&W

Insignia
Mark 1 Decals #14433 1/144 Spanish Nationalist
Insignia Iliad Design #48028 1/48 Spitfires over India
Mark 1 Decals #14434 1/144 Royal Hungarian AF Iliad Design #72013 1/72 Pre-War Hurricanes
Insignia 1942-45
Mark 1 Decals #14435 1/144 East German AF Insignia
Mark 1 Decals #14436 1/144 Polish AF Insignia
Kuivalainen #4802 1/48 Finnish AF Messerschmitt Bf

109G-6 aces, summer 1944
Kits-World #72122 1/72 Douglas Dakota DC-3 / C-47 Lifelike #32018 1/32 Fokker D.VII
Lifelike #32019 1/32 Fokker D.VII
L Decals Studio #48008 1/48 Sky over Vietnam - MiG's Lifelike #48043 1/48 Fokker D.VII
Rivals Part I Lifelike #48044 1/48 Fokker D.VII
L Decals Studio #72008 1/72 Sky over Vietnam - MiG's
Rivals Part I
Maestro Models #4808 1/48 Swedish Airforce sea-

LF Models #48107 1/48 T-28 Trojan over Laos planes
LF Models #48108 1/48 T-33 Shooting Star over France Maestro Models #7211 1/72 Swedish Airforce sea-
LF Models #48109 1/48 RT-33 Shooting Star over France planes
for Hobbycraft kits Maestro Models #7212 1/72 SAAB Safir
LF Models #48110 1/48 T-33 Shooting Star over Libya Xtradecal #48136 1/48 F4U-1 Corsair New Zealand
LF Models #72173 1/72 T-28 Trojan over Laos Rocketeer Decals #72019 1/72 Lockheed F-104C Xtradecal #72127 1/72 RAF 6 Squadron History 1931-2010
LF Models #72174 1/72 T-33 Shooting Star over France Starfighter Xtradecal #72203 1/72 Bristol Blenheim Mk I/Mk IF/Mk
LF Models #72175 1/72 RT-33 Shooting Star over France IV Pt.2
LF Models #72176 1/72 T-33 Shooting Star over Libya Warbird #48039 1/48 Northrop T-38A Talon USAF Thun- Xtradecal #72209 1/72 Vought F4U-1 Corsairs
derbirds for Trumpeter kits Xtradecal #72210 1/72 RAF WWII Dull red bomber code
Furball Aero-Design #48009 1/48 F-8E Crusader letters 48” high x 24” x 6”
canopy framing for Hasegawa kits Xtradecal #72211 1/72 RAF WWII Dull red bomber code
Furball Aero-Design #48017 1/48 A-7D/A-7E Corsair letters 48” high x 30” x 6”
II yellow/tan canopy seals Xtradecal #72212 1/72 RAF WWII Dull red letters and
Furball Aero-Design #48036 1/48 Air Wing All-Stars/ numbers 36” high x 6” and 4.5”
Tomcats Part II Xtradecal #72213 1/72 RAF WWII Sky code Numbers
Furball Aero-Design #48037 1/48 USMC Intruders 18”, 24”, and 30”
aviattic
ge
os f
e P of
ta
Fre %
us 0
Pl 1
MEDIA HOUSE
PRECISION PRODUCTS
Now stocking a variety of

Albion Alloys products
VISIT www.sampublications.com
for more information
your ww1 model

deserves the best...
“SAM Online Offer”
SAVE 10% on your complete order by using ....visit www.aviattic.co.uk to see
code ‘SAMI10’ at the checkout. our range of resin, lozenge and NEW
linen, PC10 and 12 decals!
MEDIA HOUSE
ALWAYS CUTTING EDGE! To be sure of future copies of Model Aircraft, fill in your details
and hand this form to your newsagent
Please reserve/deliver* a copy of Model Aircraft on a regular basis,

commencing with the .......................................... issue
*delete as appropriate
Title/Mr/Mrs/Ms
First name: ........................................... Surname: .........................................
Now stocking a variety of Address: ..........................................................................................................
Swann-Morton products ........................................................................................................................
VISIT www.sampublications.com ........................................................................................................................
for more information .........................................................................................................................
Postcode: ...............................................................................
Daytime Telephone No: ...........................................................
“SAM Online Offer”

SAVE 10% on your complete order by using
code ‘SAMI10’ at the checkout.
58-59-Workbench-TP-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:23 Page 58
58 F2A Buffalo www.sampublications.com
WORK BENCH
Pearl of the Sky

By Trevor Pask
T
he Brewster Model 239, or Buffalo as it is more the political choices that to a great extent were forced upon Finland .
commonly known, is much maligned aircraft. At the start of WW2, the country was involved in a border war – the
Generally considered to be a complete failure, ‘Winter War’ - with the Soviet Union. Being small, and not the
the aircraft was outclassed in the early stages aggressor, Finland had a lot of support in the West and acquired a
of WW2 when in American, British, Australian and diverse range of aircraft – one of which was the Brewster Buffalo.
Dutch service it encountered Japanese aircraft such as The Buffalo continued on in service and was still operational by the
the Zero. Quickly replaced and relegated to training time of the second ‘Continuation War’, which took place between
duties in Allied service, most general reference books 1943 and 1944. By 1943 following Germany’s attack on the Soviet
regard the Buffalo as being a pedestrian early Union, the Finns were in a position where they were allied with
generation monoplane that offered little by the way of Germany almost by default. The Finns were not natural members of
improvement over earlier types, and so was quickly the German Axis, and possibly as a result, Finland unlike the other F2A Buffalo
replaced and forgotten. It is true that the Buffalo Baltic States was allowed to remain an independent country after Kit Number: 80290
suffered against Japanese types, but what tends to be the end of WW2 and was not subsumed into the Soviet Union. Type: Injection Moulded Plastic
forgotten is that the aircraft was very successful in The Buffalo prototype first flew in 1937 and was the product of Manufacturer: HobbyBoss
Finnish service – achieving a remarkable kill-to-loss a competition by the US Navy for a new carrier based fighter aircraft. UK Importer: Creative Models
ratio of over thirty-to-one during the ‘Winter War’ One of the unsuccessful designs was subsequently reworked by
between Finland the Soviet Union in 1940 to 1941. Grumman into the highly successful Wildcat, but at the time, the
Finland operated a wide variety aircraft types during the two Buffalo appeared to be the most promising type on offer. The first quickly decided that the type’s performance was not good enough
separate conflicts with the Soviet Union in the 1940s: Gladiators aircraft entered US Navy service in 1938, and the need of European for the European theatre and deployed the aircraft to the Far East
from the UK, Mohawks from the USA, Moranes from France and Bf countries to rearm led to large export orders being placed – the type where the threat posed by the Japanese was considered to be far
109s from Germany. The diverse nature of the equipment reflects being ordered by the British, Belgians, Dutch and Finns. The British less. In reality, the threat posed by Japanese aircraft such as the Zero
58-59-Workbench-TP-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:23 Page 59
PEARL OF THE SKY

was every bit as great as those that would have been faced in
Europe. The loss of fifteen out of twenty-five Marine Corps aircraft at
Midway was typical of the attrition suffered by the Buffalo at the
start of the WW2. The reputation of the type as ineffective and
outdated was sealed at that point.
In fact, virtually no aspect of the Allied military fared well
against the Japanese, and some of the losses were attributable to
poor training and tactics as much as any inherent design issues with
the aircraft. In US service, the Buffalo was quickly discarded, but
Finland had an altogether different experience with the aircraft.
Finland initially bought thirty Buffalos in December 1939. The Finns
loved the aircraft – naming it ‘Pearl of the Sky – and some remained
in service until 1944. In addition to the 32-to-1 kill ratio, the type at
one point secured 135 consecutive victories without loss. The reasons The two shades of green were hand painted using Revell 139 and
for this success can be debated, but the principal reasons appear to The HobbyBoss kit is also completely lacking in detail in the 140, which seemed to be good matches for the camouflage shades.
be that the opposing Soviet aircraft were of a similar generation, and canopy area behind the pilot's seat. In US Navy and Marine-operated Revell 310 was used for the yellow identification panels. When dry
the encounters tended to be classic WW1 style turning dog fights, aircraft, this area housed a very prominent container for a life raft – a the paintwork was distressed with some light attention from a nail
which suited the Buffalo. The machine was also very rugged and feature that was even represented on the 1970s vintage Airfix kit. polisher to create the scuffs and worn paintwork that often featured
could be easily operated in arctic weather conditions. Finnish aircraft did not carry a life raft, but the shelf behind the on Finnish aircraft. Some paint chips and stains were added using
Despite the notoriety of the aircraft, kits of the Buffalo have pilot's head also housed a roll-over hoop structure that is prominent various shades of Humbrol enamels.
been fairly common. Tamiya set the standard with a good 1/48 kit in in most photographs of the aircraft. The radio equipment was also Johnson's Klear sealed the surface of the model and provided a
1975, and in 1/72, acceptable kits were issued by Airfix, Matchbox located in the fuselage behind the pilot and Finnish aircraft featured smooth surface for the decals. The Colorado decals were a little
and Hasegawa. More detailed but expensive kits were issued by a large circular aerial located underneath the canopy. Whatever thick, but reacted well to setting solutions and bedded into the
Special Hobby in 1/73 in 2008 together with an impressive limited- Buffalo is being modelled, some extra detail will need to be added to surface detail. The model was then weathered with the use of some
run kit in 1/32. Latest in the line was HobbyBoss who added a represent these features. This is easily done with stretched sprue and Humbrol enamel washes and a white Tamiya pastel. Most
Buffalo to their simplified ‘Easy Kit’ range in 2013. wire, but perhaps a little more should have been included in the kit? photographs of Finnish Buffalos show extremely well worn paint
The HobbyBoss kit assembles almost flawlessly into a model These small quibbles aside, the HobbyBoss kit builds up nicely. schemes on what by the 1943/44 period would have been well used
that accurately captures the outlines of the Buffalo. Unfortunately, The fit of the parts is good. Only a little filler was required along part aircraft. The aim was to replicate that appearance on this model and
the simplified approach used by HobbyBoss – moulding almost the of the joint line between the upper and lower fuselage halves. A make the end result look truly worn and battered. Many WW2
entire airframe in just two pieces, has its limitations with respect to light dusting of Halfords Grey Plastic Primer sealed this filler in and aircraft simply did not survive for long enough for the paintwork to
some key details. HobbyBoss are certainly getting much more revealed a few mould lines along the wing leading edges, which get worn, but the Finnish Buffalos did.
accomplished at providing more realistic cockpits. The early kits in needed removing before the model could quickly proceed to the The kit is supplied with a telescopic gunsight, which was
this series tended to have very shallow cockpits, which were hard to painting stage. common on American and Japanese aircraft in the 1930s and early
modify in any way. In common with the more recent kits, the Buffalo The two schemes provided by HobbyBoss are puzzling in that 1940s. Export aircraft, however, were fitted with more conventional
has a fully hollow cockpit, a floor, rudder pedals, and representations for kits designed for relatively inexperienced modellers, both are reflector sights. A representation is easily built up from scrap plastic,
of the instrument panel and control column. This is enough for the difficult to paint convincingly. The yellow, silver and white aircraft but as the telescopic sight was mounted through the windscreen,
modeller to build upon, but for the purist, the problem is that the from VF 3 is a classic pre-war aircraft that possibly has to be included the canopy needs to be modified by cutting out the front
Buffalo did not have a cockpit floor. Many 1930s designs did not, for marketing purposes, but the experimental ‘dazzle’ camouflaged windscreen and replacing this piece of glazing. This demands a little
and the Buffalo definitely did not require a floor because the aircraft aircraft would require extensive masking to represent convincingly. care, but providing a thin piece of scrap plastic or acetate is used, the
was fitted with a window beneath the pilot's feet to aid landings on Its inclusion in this kit is a mistake. This may sound harsh, but either work just requires a steady hand and a sharp pair of scissors.
aircraft carriers. The semi-solid moulding techniques used by a much larger decal sheet should have been provided, or HobbyBoss Hopefully HobbyBoss will provide an alternative canopy in a future
HobbyBoss do not permit this feature to be represented by a should have been more conservative. Alternative decals can, version of the basic kit.
transparency. A decal is provided instead, which is just about however, be obtained from a number of sources, and a sheet from A conventional modern kit of the Buffalo is needed, but
acceptable given that land based operators of the aircraft tended to Colorado Decals was used for this project. HobbyBoss have provided an affordable alternative to the expense
overpaint the window. Finnish Buffalos were camouflaged with grey undersurfaces, of Hasegawa or Special Hobby kits or the frustration of vintage Airfix
two-tone dark green upper surfaces, and often had yellow cowling and Matchbox. The Buffalo is often overlooked, but the aircraft was
and wing tip recognition panels. The Colorado sheet contained simply not as bad as history has portrayed it. The aircraft came along
several Finnish examples, but ‘White 7’ was particularly attractive as at a time of very rapid technological improvement and received an
it had a contrasting blue tail and a number of kill markings. Humbrol undeserved reputation simply by being in the wrong place at the
64 Grey was airbrushed over the entire model to provide the wrong time. But for an accident of history, the Hurricane and the
undersurface colour and to offer a base for the rest of the scheme. Spitfire could have suffered the same fate. MA
01-SAM-Ad-Pocketmags-ALL-Mar-2014_Layout 1 14/02/2014 13:41 Page 1
SAM-MDF24-Mustang Part 2-Offer-Advert-09-14_Layout 1 12/09/2014 14:15 Page 1
OU W
NO
THE NORTH AMERICAN AVIATION
T
P-51 MUSTANG A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Part 2 Merlin Powered

MDF 24
By Malcolm V. Lowe
I
n ‘North American Mustang Part 2 Merlin Powered’,
acknowledged author Malcolm V. Lowe continues the
Mustang story, looking in depth at the Merlin engined
versions as used by the RAF and USAAF in World War II through
Korea and beyond, describing its operators and variants, from the
P-51B though to the F-82 Twin Mustang.
Be in with a chance to
WIN A
P-51 MUSTANG KIT!
MDF 24
P-51 MUSTANG
£19.99
This volume includes colour side profiles, walk arounds, technical

with every order of MDF 24 P-51 Mustang Pt 2 diagrams, scale plans production and serial data, and looks at
5
modelling the Mustang in popular scales, backed up with a
TO BE WON! Kitography of available models, decals and accessories. Fully

illustrated throughout, North American P-51 Mustang Part 2
Merlin Powered is the comprehensive guide to one of the world’s
All MDF 24 orders will be entered into a
most recognisable aircraft.
draw to WIN one of these AMAZING kits
Offer ends 3rd October 2014
M DF ORDER HOTLINE: 44 (0)1234 211245

24
P-51 MUSTANG ORDER ONLINE: www.sampublications.com
62-Events Calendar-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:22 Page 62
62 Events october2014 www.sampublications.com
Show Report
The Australian Model Expo 2014
By Rene de Koning
E
xtraordinary! is the only way to Mark Carlisle won the ‘Best of Show’ award ME12B Jason Steinwedel. Fine example
describe this year's Australian for ‘The Khastripede’, a much admired and superb of the 1/48 Airfix Gloster Javelin FAW.9
Model Expo, which was held piece of work, which caused a real stir amongst won 1st place in the Medium Scale
over the weekend of 7th – 9th the Gundam/Mecha boys. Aircraft - Jet or Rocket Propelled category
June 2014. Saying that the 2014 Australian Model Expo
The competition attracted a record breaking was a huge success would be an
718 entries, from 247 competitors, 61 of which understatement, and is a real testament
were first timers, and these figures are the to the hardworking volunteers who
highest ever recorded in the event's 31-year make this show happen each year.
history. The general consensus was that there For more photos and information go to:
were a lot of great models on show this year, www.modelexpo.com.au
which clearly demonstrates that the hobby of
plastic scale modelling is alive and well.
A greater number of clubs also attended this
year, 31 in total, which pushed the number of
models on display to well over 2,000.
Because of the large number of competition
entries some of the categories were almost
bursting at the seams, with Large Scale Aircraft,
Gundam & Mecha, Sci-fi and Dioramas being the
standouts.
ME22B Sam Dwyer. 1/35 scale Tamiya Merkava 1 took 1st

place in the AFV Large-Modified-Post 1950 category
ME52 Mark Carlisle. Beautifully painted Templar Knight won ME63 Mark Carlisle. Produced this magnificent looking Sgt ME61 Shane Richmond. Klingon Bird of Prey deservedly
him a 1st in the Historical Figures - Small category Connor figure which took 1st place in the Sci-fi, Movie, placed 1st in the hotly contested Sci-fi, Movie, Fantasy -
Fantasy - Single Figure, Bust or Creature category Vehicles & Equipment category
ME43 Callum MacDonald. Great looking RAN Harbour diorama won him a 1st in the Military ME15 Stuart Coleman. Impressive 1/72 Airfix Short Stirling placed 1st in the Small Scale
Dioramas category Aircraft-Modified category and also won the Best Airfix award
BOOKWORLD
Bookworld Wholesale Ltd.
Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est,
Stourport, Worcs DY13 9QB
Tel: 01299 823330 Fax: 01299 829970
wholesale web: www. bookworldws. co. uk email:info@bookworldws. co. uk
Finnish Fighter Colours

1939-1945
How to Build Airfix 1:24 The next book in the Rainbow Series covers
Heinkel He111. An Hawker Typhoon. Finnish Fighters used during
Illustrated History Warpaint 97. North The complete guide to building the WWII.Camouflage and markings of the
The Heinkel He 111 was the most ADJP 006.BAe/EADS American RA-5C Vigilante amazing Airfix 1:24 scale Hawker fighters obtained from France, USA, Germany,
recognisable German bomber aircraft of Eurofighter Complete and detailed history,1:72nd scale Typhoon, written by Brett Green of Aces High magazine issue 2 UK and the USSR are described in
World War 2. This book forms a 10 Years of Luftwaffe Service Sized A4, plan,In detail pictures, Kit, decal and HyperScale and Model Military fame. WWI Aces High is a new, specialized unparalleled detail by the well-known Finnish
heavyweight study of its development softcover, 64 pages, about 130images, accessory list,Pages of superb colour This new book features an exhaustive magazine for scale aircraft modellers. author Kari Stenman. Many unpublished
and operational history, exploring the throughout in colour, bi-lingual camouflage drawings, colour, and black and step-by-step guide to construction with The magazine is divided into several photos, and colour profiles. Volume 1 contains:
many variants pf this famous and long- English/German text and captions, colourful white photography,Complete production modelling contributions by Brett, Marcus articles, which guide the reader step by Bristol Bulldog Fokker D XXI Gloster
serving Luftwaffe bomber unit- and wing insignia as well as colour list,Squadrons, units and individual aircraft Nicholls and Chris Wauchop.74 step through the processes of building Gladiator FIAT G 50 Morane Saulnier MS 406
aircraft.Hardback.328 pages. profiles. ïAuthor: Dr. Andreas Zeitler. serials and codes.60 pages. pages,full colour. amazing models.70 Pages,full colour. including Mˆrkˆ-Morane Brewster Model 239
£60.00 £14.99 £15.50 £12.95 £8.99 £35.00
RAF Tornado Manual

1974 onwards (all marks and models) By: Ian
Black Since 1986 the multi-role swing-wing
Panavia Tornado has been the cornerstone of the Airframe Album No.4 The Images of War Great War
RAF's jet fighter and bomber forces,designed to Westland Whirlwind MDF Scaled Down 1 Fighter Aces 1914-1916 Listening In. RAF
intercept Cold War Soviet bombers and drop Our fourth title in the Airframe Album series U.S.A.F, Navy & Marine Here, Norman Franks tells the story, in words Electronic Intelligence
conventional and nuclear weapons on invading provides an excellent contrast to our previous Corps Aggressors and images, of the emergence of some of the Gathering since 1945
Warsaw Pact forces.RAF Tornados have seen three titles and is perfectly timed for the SAM Publications takes you into the greatest fighter aces to see action during the A highly detailed work illustrated
action in both Gulf Wars,over Kosovo,and most release of the new 1/48 Trumpeter kit. world of ‘Top Gun’, with a full colour, first half of the First World War. He explores throughout with over 180 photographs and
recently over Afghanistan and Libya. Former Modelling Trees Part Two- Contents include: ïA wealth of historical and high octane look at the world of the the manner in which the situation developed drawings, Listening In tells the full story of
RAF Tornado ADV pilot and air-to-air Conifers modern photographs ïDetailed study of the United States Air Force, Navy and from late 1914 to the late summer of 1916, the this secret world and it’s aircraft (both
photographer Ian Black gives an 'insider' insight 92 pages,full colour. structure, equipment and armament used Marine Corps ‘Dissimilar Aircraft point at which Oswald Boelcke helped form actual and proposed) and is a natural
ïPeriod diagrams, data from flight manuals
into operating, flying and maintaining the air
defence and strike versions of the swing-wing jet. £21.95 and spare parts catalogues 82 pages.
Training’ aircraft. 108 pages, Full Colour
photos, colour profiles.
the German Jasta system that would prove so
devastating to the RFC and RNAS.151 pages
companion to Chris Gibsonis best selling
‘Vulcanis Hammer’ and ‘Battle Flight’.
£21.99 £15.95 £9.99 £14.99 £29.95
Planes and Pilots 19.

Spitfire Mk1-Mk2-MkV. The Design and Development
This book is the first of a series of three Airframe & Miniature No.7 of the Hawker Hunter
volumes devoted to the most famous fighter The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Radial- Superbly illustrated with both colour and Realistic Wood Effects
of the Royal Air Force. This one combined Fairey Swordfish engine.Airframe & Miniature No.7: The black-and-white photographs of the First book of this new collection.The
with the equally famous Hurricane gave to the Affectionately known as the “Stringbag” Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Radial-engine Hawker Hunter ñ which has always been collection is oriented to help modelers
British control of the skies against the Hawker Hunter in RAF by its crews, the Fairey Swordfish is one Versions (including Fw 190A, B, C, F, G & one of the most photogenic of all through different modeling tasks.This
Luftwaffe. It covers the different version of Service of World War Two’s most iconic and S) ñ A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffeís aeroplanes ñ this new title is the first volume is dedicated to paint different
the plane from the Spitfire Mk I to the Spitfire Covers one of Britainís classic post-war recognisable biplane aircraft. Includes Butcher Bird by Richard A. Franks. This devoted specifically to the Hunterís design types of wood, planes, ships, tools,
Mk V which appeared in February 1941 and jet aircraft, which first entered RAF photographs. Publication coincides with seventh book in our much acclaimed series and development: how and why the aircraft accessories etc.Becasuse of its low price
was equipped with Rolls-Royce Merlin 45, service in July 1954. This special edition the recently released 1/72 scale kit by contains a massive 224 pages packed with came into being, the troubles it experienced it will be a great help for all modelers
one of the most powerful engines of the includes numerous colour photographs. Airfix.72 pages,Colour Profiles,black & vital information that no active modeller on the way, its flight test programme and and a stand out collection. Published by
Second World War.98 pages,colour profiles. 88 pages,Colour photos,colour profiles. white photos. and Fw 190 enthusiast should be without. what it was like to pilot.. AK Interactive
£17.50 £23.99 £21.99 £18.95 £20.00 £10.99
Henschel Hs123 The Weathering Magazine 8

Planes and Pilots 20 The Henschel Hs123 was a single-seat Art of Modelling Issue 4 This time focused on the Vietnam War.
MiG 15 & 17.It was in 1950 at the start of Airplanes in Scale biplane dive bomber and close-support Naval Fighters 98 Douglas Techniques: Dragon Bergepanzer Tiger (P) Inside you will find how to create a
the Korean War that the West discovered The Greatest Guide.Compilation of the attack aircraft flown by the German AD/A-1 Skyraider Part 'Heavy Metal Tow Truck' Techniques: jungle diorama, how to obtain the
the MiG-15, the first jet-propelled fighter most popular planes from WWII with the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War and Porsche 917 'Langheck' A, Le Mans characteristic earth and dust colors of
mass-produced by the Soviet Union. This latest available kits and accessories. A the early years of World War II.136 One. Legend Techniques: Eduard 1186 Phantom
Covers: Development, Testing, Variants, Vietnam, and realistic painting of
fast, powerfully armed little machine, complete guide employing the most pages,superb colour illustrations of F-4B 'Good Morning Da Nang!' Painting helicopters and airplanes as seen in the
especially its improved version, the MiG- common techniques and the latest camouflage and markings, rare b&w Test/R&D, CAG, FASRONs, Training Techniques 1: Painting and weathering
Squadrons, Base/Carrier/Air Group/Squadron war. This, and so much more. So much,
15bis, quickly turned out to be a formidable assembly and painting tricks. Step by archive photographs, and scale plans. panzer gray Painting Techniques.: that the magazine includes 8 bonus pages
adversary for the United Nations forces. 74 step explanations easy to follow.200 Essential reading for aviation enthusiasts, Hacks and Marine Skyraiders.257 pages,169 Weathering buildings with chipping fluids
illustrations, 472-photos. full of tricks and techniques to cover the
pages,Black/White photos,colour profiles pages,full colour. historians & scale modellers.. Painting Techniques.66 apges,full colour, topic in depth and have even more fun..
£17.50 £31.99 £17.99 £37.99 £7.95 £8.99
YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www. bookworldws. co. uk UK POSTAGE SINGLE BOOKS £2. 50
Stockists of the following subjects: Aviation, Military, Naval, TWO OR MORE BOOKS £4. 50
Modelling, Railway, Motoring OVERSEAS AIRMAIL PLEASE ADD 15% OF ORDER VALUE
Major credit cards accepted, UK cheques payable to Bookworld Wholesale Ltd MINIMUM £4. 50
64-65-Shop-Web-MA-1014_76-77-Shop-Web-AM-0607.qxd 12/09/2014 16:05 Page 64
Promote your company here and appear in all 3 publications – Scale Aviation Modeller International, Model Aircraft and
Scale Military Modeller International - with a total 126,000 circulation.
64 Web & Shop Guides Contact Rebecca Harris on +44 (0)1234 224995 or rebecca@sampublications.com
Jamieson’s HPM HOBBIES

Models www.hpmhobbies.com
Mon to Sat, 9.30 to 5.30,
Sun 11.00 to 4.00 Secure online ordering
Stockist of all SAM titles Realtime stock levels
Worldwide shipping
30 Saltmarket, Glasgow, Scotland, G1 5LY
0141 552 3956 FALCON - JAYS - OZMODS - REDROO

jamiesonsmodels.co.uk PJ PRODUCTIONS - FCM DECALS
Distributors of
Hobbyboss, Vallejo, GINTER BOOKS
NAVY / AIR FORCE
$ www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk MiG, AK Interactive, TEL: (805) 584-9732 FAX: (805) 584-6604 WEB: www.ginterbooks.com
Miniart, Model Master 1754 Warfield Circle, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Shop Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs 10.30-17.30, Fri 10.30-17.00, NF-301 Black Knights Rule ........................................................$49.95
Sat 9.30-17.00, Sun 10.30-16.30, Closed Wednesday and many more… NF98 Douglas AD/A-1 Skyraider Part One ...........................$52.95
NFAF216 United States Air Force in Vietnam .....................$39.95
HALIFAX MODELLERS WORLD 01354 760022 NFAF217 Curtiss XP-55 Ascender............................................$24.95

NF97 Martin PBM Mariner...........................................................$52.95
NF96 Consolidated P2Y Ranger................................................$32.95
3 29 Union Street, Halifax. HX1 1PR Units 6-10 Honeysome Ind Est, Honeysome Road, NF95 Douglas R4D-8/C-117D Super Gooney ......................$32.95
NFAF215 BOEING B-50 ................................................................$49.95
YORKSHIRE p 01422 349157 Cambridgeshire, PE16 6TG www.creativemodels.co.uk
UP TO 20% OFF ALL KITS ONLINE

AND MAIL ORDER
Incorporating 1,000’s of deleted and new kits.
303 The Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8DT Tel/Fax: (020) 8298 7177
MON/TUES/THURS/FRI/SAT 9.30-5.30 CLOSED WEDNESDAY
ALBION ALLOYS
PLASTIC & METAL KIT RETAILERS www.kitkrazy.com Email: steve@kitkrazy.com Precision metals for industry
HOBBY & PASTIME MATERIALS NEW MAIL ORDER LISTS – SEND 70p SAE www.albionalloys.co.uk
121 HIGH STREET,

SCALE MODELS UCKFIELD, TN22 1RN
Sheffield’s Specialist Model Shop KITS • PAINTS • GLUES • AIRBRUSHES • TOOLS • STYRENE ETC
48
YEARS
( 0114 2449170
www.marcway.net Friendly service & advice - Mail Order
Open Tuesday – Friday 10 – 5.30. Saturday 9.30 – 5.00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
01825
www.thehobbybox.co.uk 765296
Vast selection of plastic kits - Aircraft - Tanks - Military
- Ships - Cars - Bikes - Space - Trucks etc
HUNDREDS OF RARE & OBSOLETE KITS
Dioramas - Scenic Materials - Plastic, Metal & Wood sheet and
City Cycle Centre
sections - Modelling Tools, Paints, Brushes, Airbrushes & Compressors We have a large selection of Plastic Kits from Airfix, Revell, Tamiya, Italeri, AFV
Also Model Railways, Die Cast Models and Scalextric Club, Academy and more. Decals from Model Alliance. Also Paint and Sprays
WORLDWIDE MAIL ORDER from Humbrol, Tamiya, Revell, Acrylicos and Games Workshop
598-600 Attercliffe Rd, Sheffield S9 3QS CITY CYCLE CENTRE 3 7 Market Street, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4PB 52 Holdings Road, Sheffield S2 2RE
0114 2449170 Open 10am - 5pm, 6 days Q models@citycyclecentre.com $www.citycyclecentre.com South Yorkshire England
• Situated 2 miles from M1 (junc 34) • 200 yds from Attercliffe Tram Stop CAMBRIDGESHIRE p 01353 663131 Tel: [0114] 2761587 www.blackbirdmodels.co.uk
MU
STANG
airbrushheaven See our selection
HO
of airbrush kits,
B BIES compressors, jars,
“The world’s finest hobby kits,
figures and toys.”
Mustang-Hobbies.com accessories &
Models, Decals, Books, and Much More !
tools
Specializing in white
MOTOR BOOKS
The world's oldest motoring bookseller
metal landing gear
• AVIATION • BUSES • TRAMS • COLLECTABLES • MARITIME 3795 Shady Hill Drive,
• MILITARY • MISCELLANEOUS • MOTORCYCLES • MOTORING Dallas, Texas 75229, USA
+1 (214) 477-7163
www.airbrushheaven.co.uk
• MOTORSPORT • RAILWAY • WORKSHOP MANUALS •
www.motorbooks.co.uk www.scaleaircraftconversions.com Email :- enquiries@airbrushheaven.co.uk

64-65-Shop-Web-MA-1014_76-77-Shop-Web-AM-0607.qxd 12/09/2014 16:05 Page 65
Promote your company here and appear in all 3 publications – Scale Aviation Modeller International, Model Aircraft and
Scale Military Modeller International - with a total 126,000 circulation.
Contact Rebecca Harris on +44 (0)1234 224995 or rebecca@sampublications.com 65
SHOP AND WEB GUIDES

R&R HOBBIES
www.randrhobbies.co.uk email: sales@randrhobbies.co.uk Tel: 01656 858083
70 New Road, Porthcawl, Bridgend CF36 5DG Also at: 16 Picton Arcade, Swansea SA1 3BE SCAN HERE!
Opening Hours: 10.30am - 5.00pm Mon - Sat Opening Hours: 10.30am - 5.00pm 7 days a week
MegaHobby offers over 35,000 hobby
We stock: Aoshima, Vallejo paints, Trumpeter, Italeri, Tamiya, Hobbyboss, Academy ...and many more! products, from plastic model kits to detail
sets, from a fully-stocked paint store to all
the tools and accessories.
www.modelskills.co.uk
Browse our website to see the amazing
selection of products we have to offer.
Place an order and we guarantee you will be
A comprehensive range of tools, decals a customer for life.
and fittings for the bi-plane and general
At least 5-10% discount off Shipping goods online since 2000!
manufacturer’s prices
aviation modeller.
www.megahobby.com
Tel. 01202 511232
Fast and friendly service
Easy to navigate webshop YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE HOBBY SHOP
Large range of over 3500 models,
figures, tools and accessories from
Revell, Airfix, Italeri, Tamiya and many
more, ready for immediate despatch OXONIANS
Based in the Midlands since 2001 with
worldwide shipping available PLASTIC
Web: www.models2u.co.uk FANTASTIC
Email: help@models2u.co.uk
Phone: 01543 433999
We now have the complete Pavla Resin and SAC
undercarriage ranges in stock and on our website.
You can also view and buy from our huge stock of Eduard kits, etch and Brassin, Aires, SAC, Pavla,
Brengun, Valom, Quickboost, Rob Taurus, Amodel and many other hard to find manufacturers.
www.oxoniansplasticfantastic.co.uk
markverney@msn.com
- DON’T FORGET ALL UK ORDERS ARE POST FREE -
PARABELLUM
Aircraft, armour, vehicles and figures,
Vallejo & Tamiya Paints
open 11 to 5.30 Thu, Fri, Sat
PARABELLUM
54 Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham, BI8 6HR
www.parabellum.co.uk 0121-551-8878
p 01782 320990
Affinity www.affinitymodels.co.uk
Stockists of Tamiya, Dragon, Trumpeter, Hasegawa, Italeri and Mini Art
Models
Plastic Kits. Full range of paints from Tamiya Vallejo (Model & Gamecolour),
Military Aviation Naval and Humbrol. Evergreen Centre. Excellent range of tools and glues.
AFFINITY MODELS 3 38 Trentham Road, Longton, Stoke-on Trent, Staffordshire ST3 4DL
www.manmodels.co.uk Q affinitytim@yahoo.co.uk V Mon - Sat 9am till 5pm (closed all day on Thursday)
If you are looking at this... then it’s working!

Promote your company here and be seen in all 3 of our quality titles – Scale Aviation Modeller International,
MATADOR MODELS
and Airfield Accessories ranges
EXTENSIVE 1/76TH ARMOUR AND WHEELED VEHICLE KITS
AND CONVERSION RANGES, FROM WWI TO THE 2000’S
and Airfield Accessories 1/48th. 1/72nd. 1/76th. 1/144th
Model Aircraft and Scale Military Modeller International – with a combined circulation of 126,000! scale ranges of British and German airfield vehicles and
equipment including ambulances, refuellers, tractors,
To be seen in our next issue, call Rebecca Harris on 01234 211245 G.S. and specialist vehicles, figure sets etc.
www.matadormodels.co.uk
66-Finally-MA-1014_MAM-08 12/09/2014 16:22 Page 66
66 And Finally... www.sampublications.com
Finnish Fighter Colours

volume 1 1939-1945
Authors: Kari Stenman and The squadron artist must have had plenty
Volume 13 – Issue 10 Karolina Holda of time on his hands, considering the
Produced by Media House Publisher: Mushroom Model amount of decoration found on many of
21 Kingsway, Bedford MK42 9BJ
Telephone: +44 (0)1234 211245 Publications the aircraft. The spats on the Fokker D.XXI
Fax: +44 (0)1234 325927 ISBN: 978 83636 780 74 seemed to have attracted some attention,
Email: mail@sampublications.com
Format: Hardback, 208pp with a number of wavy stripes over the
PUBLISHER SAM Publications
EDITOR Gary Hatcher underside colour - using one of the topside
A
Media House, 21 Kingsway, Bedford MK42 9BJ t last we have Finnish fighters colours. But that is not all. You will also One gentleman, a Captain Eino Luuka-
Email: gary@sampublications.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR Andy Evans in the popular camouflage find various American cartoon characters nen, the leader of 1/Lentolaivue 24, who
The above editorial email is ONLY to be used for editorial submissions. It is NOT for and marking series by Mush- painted on them, such as Popeye, Wimpy flew a Brewster 239, used beer bottle
subscription payments or queries, back issues or Modellers Datafile orders. Please
send all of these to mail@sampublications.com room. The aircraft dealt with and Charlie Chaplin. labels as kill markings - seventeen of them,
STUDIO MANAGER / DESIGN Jonathan Phillips
PAGE LAYOUT Andy Folds
in this volume are - Bristol Bulldog, We then come to 'kill markings' and obviously a heavy drinker!
SAM PUBLICATIONS EMAIL mail@sampublications.com Fokker D.XXI, Gloster Gladiator, Fiat this applies to a number of types. This is This book is an excellent piece of work,
Use this address for back issue orders, subscriptions or subscription enquiries or book G.50, Morane Saulnier MS.406 and where the station artist really gets to work. with seventy-five large colour profiles, unit
orders. Note that we cannot undertake research into specific or general aviation queries
and that there may be some delays in responses from the contributors, as they are not Brewster 239. It seems that the favourite place to put details and a colour table covering all the
based at the editorial address.
Information on each machine is divid- them is on the fin or rudder. Some are fighter aircraft used in Finnish service, com-
ADVERTISING SALES Rebecca Harris
Email: rebecca@mediaplc.com Tel: +44 (0)1234 211245 ed into two sections. The first covers the denoted by a single brush stroke, but oth- plete with FS equivalents. What more could
PRE-PRESS PRODUCTION Media House service history, the second, camouflage and ers would have taken some time to pro- you want? Oh, and if you cannot wait for
PRINT PRODUCTION Headley Brothers, UK
DISTRIBUTION COMAG markings. It goes without saying that the duce. One such emblem is a front view of volume 2 to identify the next set of aircraft,
Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7QE Telephone: 01895 433600 whole book is lavishly illustrated with high the enemy aircraft and each one is painted then look on the back cover of this one.
NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION BY DISTICOR
695 Westney Rd South, Suite 14, Ajax, Ontario, Canada L1S 6M9 Tel: + 1 (905) 619 6565 quality photographs, which, incidentally, with the characteristics of the particular Highly recommended
Contributions and photographic material are welcome, but must be accompanied by will be extremely useful to the modeller. machine, so you will know if it was a sin- www.mmpbooks.biz
adequate postage to cover return. Media House accept no responsibility for loss or
damage to materials supplied. Most of the colour schemes are pretty stan- gle- or twin-engined aircraft, or a particu- Ernie Lee
© Media House 2014 dard, but I think it is the unit markings that lar type of biplane. However I have saved
Articles, photographs and drawings published in Model Aircraft Monthly are protected by will be of most use. However there is more. the best until last.
copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without prior authority of the
publishers. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those
of the editor or publisher. Media House reserves the right to suspend or refuse any
Next Month in Model Aircraft

advertisement without giving reasons. Whilst every care is taken to avoid mistakes Media
House cannot be liable in any way for any errors or omissions. Nor can the publisher
accept responsibility for the bona fides of advertisers.
ISSN: 2046-5386 In next month’s packed issue of Model Aircraft:
Media House is a member of
Airwars Focus
The paper used in this magazine is made from timber sourced from VF 111 Sundowners in Focus
sustainable managed forests;
the pulp is ECF (elemental chlorine free); the manufacturing mill is
accredited with ISO14001 and EMAS for their environmental controls.
Evgeniy G. Pepelyaev – foremost ace of the
Korean War Part 3
Subscriptions
Cheques/Money Orders in Sterling only made payable to SAM Publications Dornier Do 22 in HAF Service
Limited and sent to the address above. Credit card payment accepted by
phone. Subscription Hotline +44 (0)1234 211245
D-Day Spitfire in 1/48
American Subscriptions
Wise Owl is no longer selling subscriptions on behalf of Media House. Hurricane Wing Armaments
Current Wise Owl customers can renew their subscriptions at the current
rates directly with Media House:
Subscription hotline +44 (0)1234 211245 – we are happy to call you back Ark Royal Phantomisation
to take your order!
Email ordering and customer support: clare@sampublications.com
Website secure online ordering: www.sampublications.com Mi-10 Harke in 1/72
Spotting the link - the Yak-141 and the

Model Aircraft, Volume 13, Issue 10, October 2014, F-35B in 1/72
(ISSN: 2044-737X) published monthly by Media House, 2221 Niagara Falls
Blvd, Niagara Falls NY 14304-5709. Periodical postage pending Niagara
Falls NY. U.S. Postmaster. Send address corrections to Plus all our usual columns and regulars in the
Model Aircraft Monthly, PO Box 265 Williamsville, N.Y 14231
foremost modellers’ reference magazine
Questions to Contributors
If you have a question or query you wish to raise with any of the contributors to this
magazine, they should be made IN WRITING to the Media House address. Neither the
Group Editor nor any of the contributors are at Media House on a daily basis and the
Group Editor asks for all enquirers to appreciate this fact and be patient. Please
understand that the staff at Media House do not have access to the information you
require and therefore cannot answer your questions on the phone. Please enclose a
stamped SAE with all enquiries, if you anticipate a reply. Thank you.
Samples for Review

Model Aircraft Monthly is always happy to review new books within its pages. Any item
which you feel is appropriate will be given due consideration for inclusion in the title. Any
company, trade representative, importer, distributor or shop which wishes to have books
reviewed within Model Aircraft Monthly should send them directly to the editorial address Copyright Warning
and clearly mark them for the attention of the Group Editor. Confirmation of receipt of the Due to the growing misuse and breach of copyright apparent on the web, Media House hereby gives
samples will be supplied if requested. For all international companies etc the above applies,
notice that no-one is permitted to reproduce in any way, (in original form or 'modified'), anything
but please ensure that the package is clearly marked for customs as a ‘sample, free of
charge’ to reduce the risk of unnecessary delays. Thank you.
published in this, or previous editions of this magazine. All design, layout and
studio photography is the copyright of Media House. All profiles, scale plans and
Company/Suppliers Address Details & General Enquiries supporting photographs are the copyright of the individual authors. None of these
Please note that the Group Editor and staff at Media House cannot help with general may be used without prior written agreement from both the author/artist and
enquires about contact details for companies, importers or model shops whose products Media House. Infringement is a breach of international law, so if you see items
may be mentioned in Model Aircraft Monthly if the address information is not included posted on the web from this magazine other than on the official Media House
with the review etc. Please check the advertisements in this journal for all suitable UK website (sampublications.com) please advise the publisher immediately.
sources and only contact the firm directly if it is noted that there is ‘No UK stockist’. We
are sorry, but we cannot help with details of companies which do not advertise in this © Media House 2014
magazine. Also note that neither the Group Editor nor contributors will undertake specific All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
or general research for enquirers. Thank you. transmitted (including posting to a website) in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any other
Model Aircraft is published monthly by Media House information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing
from the publishers.
Next issue on sale 23rd October 2014.
67-Testors-Recreate-Aircraft-1014-WP_Layout 1 12/09/2014 16:30 Page 1
The Testor
Corporation Adds
Creative Models As
U.K. Distributor
68-LuckyModel-1014-WP_Layout 1 12/09/2014 16:30 Page 1

Model Aircraft 2014 10 PDF

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Model Aircraft 2014 10 PDF

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

01-Cover-AM-1014_01-Cover-AM-0607.

qxd 12/09/2014 16:13 Page 1

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIa

For £67.99 you

You get all this

Other kits also available

Red Banner Fighter

The Lockheed Ventura in

Scaling down a Sea God

IPMS UK Column (Chris Ayre)

Model Aircraft | October 2014 5

The Past, the Present and the

CONTENTS – VOLUME 13 ISSUE 10

6 THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE www.sampublications.com

Anson Mk Is were used operationally by Coastal Command

Model Aircraft | October 2014 7

THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE

8 THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE www.sampublications.com

Towards the end of WW2 an extensive redesign of the Anson

Model Aircraft | October 2014 9

THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE

10 THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE www.sampublications.com

Although they were built as trainers, some Anson T.21s also

Model Aircraft | October 2014 11

THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE

12 THE AVRO ANSON IN RAF SERVICE www.sampublications.com

THE NORTH AMERICAN MDF SCALED DOWN – 1

P-51 MUSTANG AGGRESSORS

Secure online ordering at www.sampublications.com

T one of the world’s most iconic

MDF23 Spitfire Part 1 MDF24 Mustang Part 2 (Merlin)

MDF SCALED MDF25 Skyraider (Pre-Order) MDF SD1 Aggressors

Subscription Reference Daytime Telephone Number

A I enclose a £ Sterling cheque made payable to ‘SAM Publications Limited’

Valid From Expiry Date Maestro (Switch)/Solo Iss No

Signed Today’s Date

16 RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2 www.sampublications.com

Red Banner Fighter

Model Aircraft | October 2014 17

RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2

18 RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2 www.sampublications.com

regiments of the 303rd and 324th divisions. In particular, Major

Model Aircraft | October 2014 19

RED BANNER FIGHTER – PART 2

A Bit on the Side

Model Aircraft | October 2014 21

A BIT ON THE SIDE – BV 141

Specifications (BV 141B-02 [V10])

Blohm & Voss BV 141

The asymmetric tailplane, offset to port, looks far less absurd

24 A HISTORICAL LOOK AT No.74 SQUADRON sponsored by

Everything down as this No.74

Flying with the ‘Tigers’

www.testors.com Model Aircraft | October 2014 25

FLYING WITH THE ‘TIGERS’

A superb Hunter line-up

No.74 Squadron Phantom and Lightning on display (Des Brennan)

26 A HISTORICAL LOOK AT No.74 SQUADRON sponsored by

F-4J(UK) ZE362 in flight, prior to the adoption of the all-black tail

Close-in on a No.74 Squadron F-4J(UK) and its American

As a result of the Falklands War of 1982, No.74 Squadron was

28 VENTURA IN COMMONWEALTH SERVICE www.sampublications.com

Model Aircraft | October 2014 29