Curtiss Tomahawk Mk.II

Build No.3 of 2025. This is Airfix's 1/48 scale Airfix P-40 Tomahawk MkIIB. 

I've completed the build in the colours of AK128 BT-H, which was an aircraft of No.1686 Bomber (Defence) Training Flight at RAF Hixon in Staffordshire attached to 30 OTU (Operational Training Unit), in 1942. This is an unusual assignment for a fighter as 30 OTU was part of No. 93 Group RAF Bomber Command.

No.1686 Training Flight were equipped with P-40 Tomahawk aircraft formerly used by No. 112 Squadron in North Africa and it is suggested that this is why they retained their distinctive Sharks Teeth markings. The aircraft of this unit were required to fly simulated fighter attacks against Wellington bombers, of 30 OTU, so that the turret gunners could practice against a fighter attack whilst airborne.

This Tomahawk met its end  in a taxiing accident at RAF Hixon on 23rd December 1943, when RNZAF pilot, F/Lt L.M. Ralph, inadvertently struck a fuel bowser whilst heading either too or from the main runway at the airfield. Whilst he escaped the incident without  serious injury, his aircraft was less fortunate and was immediately scrapped.

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The kit: 

Brand: Airfix

Title: Curtiss Tomahawk Mk.II

Number: A05133A
Scale: 1:48
Released: 2024 New decals

Korean War M4A3E8 Sherman 'Tigerface'

My Korean War M4A3(76)W Sherman is built. 

Although I spent, what seemed a long time, applying oils and pigments to give it a look of wear and use, I haven't really achieved the grimy finish I was expecting. I'm, therefore, assuming this tank represents the time when Lieutenant General Matthew B. Ridgway replaced General Douglas MacArthur in the in April 1951 and I have read that he, amongst other moral boosting actions, got soldiers cleaning their vehicles again!

This is inspired by a tank of C-Company of the 70th Tank Battalion which was one of the first three tank battalions to deploy in the Korean War, where it saw significant action.

From what I understand, as the United Nations forces engaged with the Chinese People's Army along the Han river in Korea in mid-February 1951, several US tank battalions decided to paint their tanks with giant tiger faces, the idea being that they hoped superstitious Chinese infantrymen would be scared by their fearsome faces!

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The kit:

Brand: Airfix

Title: M4A3(76)W Sherman

Number: A1365
Scale: 1:35
Release: 2019 New decals

Republic P-47N Thunderbolt

First build of 2025!

Revell's 1:48 scale Republic P-47N Thunderbolt 44-88835 'Red E Ruth' of 19FS 318FG Le Shima 1945 with Pilot Capt Don Stuck in the cockpit.

This is a Pro Modeler 1997 moulding re-badged and relased by Revell with new Decals in 2012. It was a nice simple build with none of the silly over engineering Airfix have indulged in recently. The figure was brilliant albeit with the canopy closed he's not very visible. Engine detail is likewise very nice, but unlike Andrew's PE2, there's no way to expose this. Overall, a reasonably good kit if you want a P-47 bubble top in your collection.

I actually purchased this for no other reason than it was keenly priced and I thought I could use it as an exhibit for a Nose Art presentation I'm giving to the local u3a Art Appreciation Group later this month.

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The kit:

Brand: Revell

Number: 04867 (80-4867)

Title: Republic P-47N Thunderbolt
Scale: 1:48
Released: 2012 New decals