Spitfire Squadron Video

Video of my Spitfire Squadron 1:72 scale diorama filmed with the soundtrack from the 1960s classic film “Battle of Britain”

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C

This is my Airfix 1:72 scale Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C depicting the aircraft which took part in the  'Belize Overflight' from No. 809 NAS, HMS Ark Royal, January 1972. 

This build was inspired by Roland White’s book, Phoenix Squadron, in which a pair of Buccaneer fighter bombers were launched from Ark Royal on an unprecedented long-range mission to overfly Belize so as to deter Guatemala from invading the then colony, British Honduras.

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The Kit

Brand: Airfix
Title: Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C
Number: A06021
Scale: 1:72
Type: Full kit
Released: 2019 | Initial release - new tool

North American Mustang F-51D

Mid M18 Hellcat build, I had a bit of a break with an alfresco ☀️ construction of the Airfix North American P-51D Mustang. I first built this kit as the Red Tails “Lollipoop” back in May 2020 and had forgotten what a lovely little kit it is. This time however, as you may notice from the pilot’s attire, I’m going for something very different.

Here is my Airfix 1:72 scale Mustang F-51D, with a difference, completed … this is from my next project inspired by Roland White’s lesser known but excellent book “Phoenix Squadron”. More on that later, meanwhile …

In early summer 1971, the Guatemalan F-51D Mustang squadron deployed to a rough jungle strip at Tikal, close to the border of British Honduras. Less than a year earlier, the unit’s aircraft had been repainted in an effective camouflage known as the ‘invasion scheme’.

M18 Hellcat

I've just finished a new mini diorama after fancying a very different challenge after picking up this Airfix Hellcat from the new stock that had just landed at my local Seaton Hobby Shop. 

This is my first foray into 1:35 scale modelling which I thought would provide an interesting take on the 3rd 'Saints and Soldiers' film "The Void". To complete the scene I wanted to portray, I added a Jeep, recently purchase from my first collector’s fair in 2 years, and as Airfix don’t include figures, a box of Tamiya's tank crew was needed to give a bit more reality to the diorama which I’ve placed on this Heller base. Phew!

The story here, opens in Germany 1945 where the crew of the Hellcat have been informed by the MP in the Jeep, that a bridge along their intended route has been destroyed by enemy forces and they need to take a detour. 

In the scene I have built, one of the Hellcat's tracks has been playing up and is being worked on by one of the crew. Meanwhile, the presence of enemy forces has lead the commander to request more ammunition be brought closer to hand within the Hellcat, while he, with another member of the crew, check out the new route. 

I love a backstory to my model making! 😊

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The Kits

Brand: Airfix

Title: M18 Hellcat GMC Tank Destroyer

Number: A1371

Scale: 1:35

Type: Full kit

Released: 2020 | Rebox (Changed decals)

Brand: Tamiya

Title: Jeep Willys MB 1/4ton 4X4 Truck

Number: 35219 (Also listed as MM219)

Scale: 1:35

Type: Full kit

Released: 1997 | Initial release - new tool

Brand: Tamiya

Title: U.S. Tank Crew set (European Theater)

Number: 35347

Scale: 1:35

Type: Figure

Released: 2015 | Initial release - new tool