I recently joined the Friends of Duxford at my last visit to the Duxford Airshow ( see previous Newsletter) and was encouraged to visit one of the member’s open evening events. I wasn’t sure I would be able to get down there in time for the start of the event ,around 6.30 p.m., as I had to finish the day’s model dispatches , go to the post office, and then drive down to Duxford. In the event I had plenty of time and was treated to a visit to the hangers with a small group of fellow enthusiasts, camera at the ready.Normally when you visit museums during the daytime , and especially at the weekends , it is difficult to get the photos that you want,as quite rightly, it is a busy place and everybody likes to get close to the aircraft. I always check with people who might get into shot , that they are content with the back of their head, or other parts of their anatomy, being issued in a Newletter that goes to thousands of people around the world. Usually there is no issue. Apologies if anyone is upset this time or in the future. I could spend hour after hour in each hanger, and I have taken a lot of photographs and I am posting one or two here that I particularly like.
The feature shot is of McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II in the markings of VF-74 USN Fighter Squadron which it had previously worn.This aircraft was manufactured in 1967 and issued with serial no.155529.It served with many USN Fighter Squadrons and over Vietnam with USS America in 1983.It was transferred to the RAF in 1984 serving with 74 Squadron and was retired in 1991. McDonnell Douglas Phantoms are well represented in our model collecting hobby and Hobbymaster have FOUR more available to Pre-order on the website. (Please see below for more details.)
The Hurricane above is a MK IIA . The MK IIA differs from the British MKIIB in that it is powered by an American Packard Merlin 29 engine.This particular aircraft served between 1943 and 1947 in the RCAF.After being privately owned in Canada it was exported to the UK in 1983 and joined the Fighter Collection at Duxford. Made airworthy by 1989 it was acquired by the Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002. It is currently painted as Hurricane IIB Z5140 N o 126 squadron Malta 1941.
As many of you have already collected the first two Hobbymaster 1/48th scale Hurricane MKIs(there are just a few still available), you may wish to know that three more Hurricanes that have recently been added to the website(please see below for more details).
The Aircraft above is Gloster Meteor F8 WK991. The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies’ first operational jet aircraft during the Second World War. WK991 was constructed by the Gloster Aircraft Company at Hucclecote in 1953 .It was transferred to the IWM on 10th December 1963. and given the serial 7825M. It was then that the air frame was repainted from its target towing scheme to 56 Squadron day fighter. It is displayed in these colours today. The IWM displayed the cockpit section at Lambeth Road initially and the rest of the air frame was placed in storage until 1973.The complete aircraft was moved to Duxford and reassembled. The cockpit was opened up for viewing at this event and everyone was keen to take a look inside and take a few photos.
ADDITIONS TO THE WEBSITE
Please check out the website as I have added nearly 40 new models to the site over the last few days. Most of these are Hobbymaster New to Pre-order and can be found by clicking the link here. Some of the models that will be finding their way into my collection are shown below and you can go straight to the model by clicking on the relevant picture below.
I have also added some Sale items on Corgi Sale Section and also some New low-priced Hobbymaster items that can be found instantly by click the links above. Please order early to avoid disappointment as these re-stocks are low in number so it will be “first come first served”.
Finally the HA4551 F-15C Eagles( Lakenheath) have landed at Sywell and are available for immediate dispatch. Please click on illustration below to go straight to the model .
Thank you for reading this Newsletter and until next week.
Richard.
Flying Tigers.