The Official Airfix Club Magazine...

Issue 4 2008

IN THIS ISSUE...

FLIES
FROM THE
NEST!
PLUS...
DIORAMA
RE-ENACTING A NORMANDY
BEACH SCENE

www.airfix.com
Contents
2008 September Release Programme Pages 3 & 4
Editorial
Past & Present - RAF Trainers Page 5
D-DAY...An Epic Tale! Pages 6 & 7
The BAe Hawk of 19(F) Squadron Pages 8 & 9
Model Build - BAe Hawk Pages 10 & 11 Many of you will have heard the news that on 1st May,
Competition Time Page 12 2008, Hornby took over that other famous British diecast
Issue 2 Competition Time Results Page 12 model institution – Corgi. Hornby issued the following
Press statement following the takeover.

Hornby strengthens product range with

£7.5M Acquisition of Corgi...

Hornby Plc ("Hornby"), the international models and collectibles group, has today announced that it has acquired the famous die-cast model
business Corgi Classics (“Corgi”). Hornby has agreed to buy the brand, tooling, and intellectual property rights from NASDAQ listed Corgi
International Limited, for a consideration of £7.5 million. In addition, existing inventory will be acquired for a consideration of c.£0.8 million.
Hornby will focus on managing the business for growth. Key existing marketing, sales and development personnel will be retained, whilst currently
outsourced logistics will be integrated into the Hornby structure along with sales administration, finance and operations. It plans to strengthen the
product range and improve the marketing and distribution support. In the first year after the acquisition, Corgi is expected to be earnings neutral.
The Corgi product range, particularly their Aviation Archive series of 1:144 scale and 1:72 scale diecast metal aircraft is highly complementary
to the Hornby’s existing hobby brands, which includes Airfix models.

Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby commented...

“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Corgi. It is a fantastic brand and has a superb reputation
worldwide. We intend to build on the brand’s super heritage and invest to build its premier position in the market.
The strategic fit with our existing businesses could not be better. We are confident that we will grow the scale of
the business rapidly and drive it forward.
The team at Hornby has the expertise and a successful track record in managing a portfolio of famous hobby
sector brands that have flourished under our stewardship. This team will be complemented by the expertise of
the Corgi employees who will be transferring to Hornby. Together we have set in place a detailed integration
plan to ensure that we improve Corgi’s performance rapidly. We will focus on product innovation, improving the
distribution network and driving sales growth both in the UK and Internationally.
This acquisition is an extension of the Group’s strategy to build an international hobby and collectibles business
with a broad range of brands. Looking to the future, we are extremely excited by the potential growth that Corgi
can deliver.”

Consultant Editor: Susan Pownell Design & Production: DSP Limited

Membership Organiser: Sarah Woodhouse. 2008 Subscription
Fees: UK POSTAL Version £22.99. UK DOWNLOADABLE Version £14.99.
EU DOWNLOADABLE Version £18.99. Rest of the World DOWNLOADABLE Version £20.99.
Cheques made payable to: Hornby Hobbies Limited. Visa, Access, Mastercard,
Maestro & Switch accepted with valid expiry date and in the case of Switch &
Maestro, either an issue number or a ‘valid from’ date.
Club Address: Airfix Collectors Club. PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK. LE13 IZG.
Tel: 0870 062 4001. Fax: 01664 480 257. The Airfix Club Magazine is published on behalf of
Hornby plc, Westwood, Margate, Kent CT9 4JX.
The Club accepts no responsibility for errors or ommissions or for views and opinions expressed
by contributors to the magazine.

2 www.airfix.com
 2008
SEPTEMBER RELEASE PROGRAMME
We review the variety of Airfix kits being released between now and the end
of September
Classic Kits
A03049 BAC Strikemaster
The Strikemaster was an armed version of
the Jet Provost. It was capable of operating
from rough airstrips and featured two
ejector seats suitable even for low-altitude
escape. This new 1:72 scale Airfix kit comprises 90 pieces and comes
in three kit variations. When finished, it measures 144mm long with a
width of 146mm.
A10104 Martin B-57B Canberra
Airfix have also modelled the US version
of the English Electric Canberra – the
Martin B-57B. It is available with three
variants depicting it as a USAF B-57B
Martin; an RB-57E or the RB-57G. Dimensions are the same as the
Canberra.
A05040 Focke-Wulf Mistel (Ta-154)
(Fw-190)
The Mistel project involved packing a war-
weary bomber airframe with explosives
and guiding it to its target using a fighter
aircraft mounted above it on a set of struts. This version was planned
but it never flew. 1:72 scale. 111 pieces.
A04201 HMS Victorious
A04201 HMS Victorious consists of 94
pieces which make up a model 397mm
long and 58mm wide.
HMS Victorious, an Illustrious-class aircraft
carrier, saw action in every theatre in WWII. Her most notable
achievements included launching the aircraft that found the Bismarck
and subsequently playing a major part in the destruction of the Tirpitz.
Both these German battleships are in the Airfix range already in 1:400
scale. New 2008 release.
A02329 Bedford Mk Tactical
Aircraft Refueller
Developed for the refuelling and defuelling
of helicopters and the Harrier under
operational conditions, the 4 tonners were
used extensively until the 1980s when the MJ series were introduced.
This new Airfix model in 1:76 scale has 36 pieces with a length of 92mm
and width of 32mm and is a single kit variation.
3 www.airfix.com
A10103 English Electric Camberra
PR.9
This was developed as the photo-
reconnaissance version of the Canberra
and successfully served in the RAF for
many years. Chile took the aircraft following the Falklands War and the
1:48 scale Airfix model contains four options – three RAF and the
Chilean Air Force to reflect this.
The finished model is 423mm in length and 441mm wide. New for 2008,
the model comprises 122 pieces.
A04036 Eurofighter Typhoon
Named by the RAF, the Eurofighter has
been developed by the UK, Germany, Italy
and Spain as a highly advanced combat
aircraft suited to many roles. It is an
awesome spectacle at the many air shows around the country. The 1:72
scale Airfix version has 65 pieces with finished dimensions of 221mm
in length and a width of 152mm.
A03076 Gloster Meteor F.8
The Gloster Meteor F.8 is an all metal, twin
engined aircraft and was the first jet to be
operational within the RAF. First flying in
1948, the F.8 was the last in the line of
single seat variants. The 1:72 scale Airfix model has 86 pieces and comes
with two kit options. Finished length 184mm. Width 157mm.
A02326 Bedford Mk4 Tonne Truck
Modelled in 1:76 scale, this new Airfix
introduction comes as a single kit variation
comprising 25 pieces. It is 87mm long
and 33mm wide.
The Bedford MK series was developed to meet the needs of the UK
forces to have a general purpose load carrier capable of operating in
military environments throughout the world. New for 2008.
A02328 Saracen APC Mk 1/2/3
Also new for 2008, this kit contains 46
pieces and when built gives a model
72mm long and 32mm wide. Its use in
the British Army was chiefly during the
Malaysian Emergency when it was rushed into service due to the need
for an armoured personnel carrier.
 Battle Sets, Themed Collections & Sea by Sail
A50064 The D-Day Collection
This evocative set depicts the events surrounding Operation
Overlord on 6th June 1944 when the Allies landed on the
Normandy beaches in Northern France. The collection
comes with a Normandy beach-head, tanks, landing craft,
trucks, a gun emplacement and soldiers to enable you to create this momentous day. The
components include 1:72/1:76 scale pieces.
A50048 Waterloo Battle Set
This 415-piece set in 1:72 scale re-enacts the famous
battle in the environs of Waterloo in Belgium on 18th June
1815. Much of the battle took place around a village
farmhouse which sets the scene for the Airfix kit. Heading
the battle for the British against Napoleon of France was the Duke of Wellington, known as
the Iron Duke. As well as the battle scene, the kit contains nine regiments of troops, enabling
you to create your own British victory over Bonaparte, which ended the French aspirations
of ruling the whole of Europe in the early 19th Century.
A50056 Duxford Anniversary
Collection Gift Set
This set commemorates the commissioning of the famous
Duxford Airfield in 1918. Now part of the Imperial War
Museum and the venue for major Air Shows, Duxford in
Cambridgeshire was – in its early days – a key air base
for many squadrons both from the RAF and particularly in WWII, the USAAF. The Airfix kit
modelled in 1:72 scale contains aircraft from WWII, a narrative from a WWII fighter pilot and
other items of historical interest. No of pieces 106.
A50031 BAe Red Arrows Hawk
Gift Set
The Red Arrows are arguably the best known of all the
international aerobatic teams, seen at all the important
occasions and frequent visitors to Air Shows. This Airfix kit shows the team in their new
2008 colour scheme. In 1:48 scale, there are three kit variations to choose from.
Boxed Gift Sets & Mini Kits
All new for 2008, this series of highly detailed gift sets covers a wide range of modelling interests.
Boxed Gift Sets
A50069 HMS Belfast. 1:600 Scale, 250 pieces.
A50071 HMS Hood. 1:600 Scale. 131 pieces.
A50070 HMS Ark Royal. 1:600 Scale. 171 pieces.
A50068 Dogfight Double. Messerschmitt Me262A and De Havilland Mosquito.
1:72 scale. 40/97 pieces.
A50036 Dogfight Double. Messerschmitt Bf110 and Spitfire Mk IX. 1 :72 Scale. 45/22 pieces.
A50037 Dogfight Double. Messerschmitt Bf109G and Bristol Beaufighter TF.X.
1:72 Scale.38/55 pieces.
A50039 Dogfight Double. 1 Flying Bomb (Doodlebug) and Gloster Meteor III.
1:72 Scale. 37/4 pieces.
A50040 Then & Now Spitfire & Eurofighter Typhoon Twin Pack. 1:72 Scale. 29/65 pieces.
A50041 Then & Now. P-51D Mustang & F-15E Strike Eagle. 1:72 Scale. 125/26 pieces.
A50042 Harrier GR7. 1:72 Scale. 102 pieces.
A50043 F-18A Hornet. 1:72 Scale. 94 pieces.
STOP PRESS 2009 National Junior Modelling Competition
Guideline Publications, publishers of Scale Aircraft Modelling and Military
Modelcraft magazines, are running a junior modelling competition. There are
two Classes – One for juniors between 8 and 11 years of age and Class 2 for ages
12-15, as of 30th September 2008. Airfix is supporting the competition with
4 www.airfix.com
A50047 The Endeavour
The Airfix kit in 1:120 scale replicates the famous sailing ship that,
in 1769, sailed from Plymouth under the command of the legendary
explorer Captain James Cook. Born in Marton, North Yorkshire, he
was apprenticed to a trade in the seaside village of Staithes and then
Whitby but his passion was always the sea. He eventually went to
sea, working his way up from Ordinary Seaman to Master. Captain
Cook was to discover and chart much of the southern hemisphere,
including the East Coast of Australasia and the unknown islands of
the Pacific during his several voyages. He chose the bark Endeavour
for several reasons. A Whitby collier, Endeavour was the type of
vessel he knew to be sturdy and practical, solidly built with a broad beam and a shallow
draught making it less likely to run aground. Given its moderate size, it could also be easily
managed by a small crew.
The Airfix kit comprises 106 pieces and when completed, it has a length of 395mm and a
width of 355mm.
A50044 Wasa
The Wasa (Vasa) sank within one nautical mile of the start of her
maiden voyage in 1628 before she had even left the Stockholm
archipelago.
She was raised in 1986 and is now on permanent display in the
Swedish capital.
The 1:144 scale Airfix kit comprises 229 pieces and when finished
is 486mm in length with a width of 170mm.
A50045 Cutty Sark
Probably the most famous tea clipper of them all, as well as being the
fastest, Cutty Sark plied the Tea Route between China and London.
She has been a key tourist attraction moored on the Thames in London
for many years but suffered a devastating fire in 2007. It is now hoped
to rebuild the sailing ship to her former glory. In the meantime, enjoy
building this fantastic 1:130 Airfix kit that contains 220 pieces and when
complete measures a length of 520mm and a width of 140mm.
Mini Kits
A50024 Focke-Wulf Fw190A.
1:100 Scale. 21 pieces.
A50025 P-47 Thunderbolt.
1:100 Scale. 20 pieces.
A50026 Mitsubishi Zero.
1:100 Scale. 26 pieces.
A50027 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle.
1:144 Scale. 22 pieces.
A50067 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom.
1:144 Scale. 22 pieces.
the building kits. Regional heats will take place in 2009 but for more information,
you need to access the SAM and MM August and September 2008 issues. The
information is also available on their website at www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
Entry to the competition is free. Good Luck!
PAST & PRESENT
By Jeremy Brook - Editor of ‘Constant Scale’
With the impending release of the new 1:72 scale Red
RAF TRAINERS
Arrows Hawk kit (A02005) and the Advanced Jet Trainer
Hawk 128/132 (A03073) later this year, I thought it might
be timely to look at the other R.A.F. trainers that have
been modelled by Airfix over the last 50 years.
The fifteenth aircraft kit to be moulded by
Airfix in 1957 was the De Havilland Tiger
Moth (01015), probably the most famous
R.A.F. trainer of all. It shows the enduring
popularity of this little bi-plane that it is
still in the range today. In the early 1960’s, Airfix would model the then current
R.A.F basic jet trainer, the Hunting Jet Provost T. Mk.3 (01029) followed shortly
after by the new advanced trainer the Folland Gnat T. Mk.1 (01036).
The Jet Provost would later disappear from the catalogue when the new BAC
Jet Provost T.Mk.5/Strikemaster was released in 1974, which kit (A03049), is
also being re-released this year.
The Gnat might have gone the way of the
Jet Provost but for a decision to alter the
mould to enable a model of the R.A.F.’s
display aircraft for the new “Red Arrows”
display team to be modelled. This was a
very clever move as the kit has become one of Airfix’s best sellers and was one
of the first kits released by Hornby, despite the presence of the “Red Arrows Hawk”.
We may not have seen “Red Arrows Gnats” flying for 30 years but many
modellers born long after their disappearance are still fascinated by them. Apart
from the odd preserved example the only place to see Gnats in action is in the
1991 spoof film “Hot Shots”!
By far the most popular trainer in terms
of numbers built was the Avro 504K and
a lovely model of an R.A.F. trainer version
was released by Airfix in 1967. It was
recently re-released by Humbrol so should
still be available in some model shops.
MEMBERS’ MAIL
I joined the Airfix Club for my
youngest son Matthew – he will
be delighted to receive the Spitfire
and Club goodies – after he saw
your stand at the Scottish Model
Championships in Perth earlier
this year. Since then he has had a
keen interest in aircraft modelling
and has just completed his first
kit – the recently re-released
Airfix Gladiator. Having grown up with Airfix myself in the 1970s, it is good to
see Matthew’s enthusiasm for the brand. He now has a Bird Dog, Anson and
Mosquito to build and has just started the Tempest.
Allan Callow, Aberdeenshire.
5 w w w . a i r9f i x . c o m
Shortly after in 1970, The Tiger Moth’s successor, the DHC Chipmunk was
modelled. The successor to the Chipmunk, the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.Mk.1,
was in turn modelled in 1975. As well as pilots, the R.A.F. also trained navigators
and weapons operators and to cater for these Airfix released a model of the
H.S. Dominie T. Mk.1 in 1968. It was re-released by Humbrol a couple of years
ago and should still be fairly easy to find.
In 1975, a beautiful model of the Hawker Siddeley Hawk T. Mk.1 was released in
1:72 scale. Not long after entering service, the Hawk was chosen to replace the
Gnat as the mount of the “Red Arrows” and so Airfix changed their kit into a “Red
Arrows Hawk”. Sales of the “Red Arrows” kit far exceed the sales of the training
version. A special boxed version was even made available to potential R.A.F.
recruits in the 1990’s as an incentive to “join-up”!
In 1990, Humbrol announced the
release of a model of the Shorts Tucano
T.1 which was entering service with the
R.AF. Also in the early 90’s a model of
the Gloster Javelin T.3 was released,
though this was a Heller mould and
shortly after it was modified to make a Javelin FAW9 fighter variant. The trainer
version of the Harrier II was also modelled.
In 2003, Airfix announced the release of a new 1:48 kit of the Red Arrows Hawk
(05111) and a kit of the Hawk 100 (05112) and the Red Arrows Hawk is released
this year with the Arrows’ 2008 scheme. The Hawk 128 (05114) is shortly to
join the R.A.F. as its Advanced Jet Trainer and decals for these aircraft will now
doubt shortly be provided.
So over the last 50 years, Airfix have
provided models of most of the training
aircraft used by the R.A.F. during its
first 90 years and judging by 2008’s
releases they will continue to do so for
the second 90 years of the R.A.F.
To find out more about Constant Scale and the history of Airfix visit:
www.airfix.com - then click on Clubs Directory and select ‘Airfix
Collectors Club’
I am a new member to the Airfix Club but have been a keen model maker since
I was about ten years old, when my Dad used to help me build them. He was
just as keen as me and had a long history of constructing Airfix models. I myself
have completed many kits over a period of over 40 years!
I am still as keen as ever but in the last 15 years or so have specialised in
making airliners and civil aircraft, along with creating dioramas of the same
subject. I am currently building the Dragon Rapide to include in a diorama.
Previous builds include the 747 Jumbo Jet, Concorde and more recently the
Britten Norman Islander – to make at a later date. I would love to see other
civil aircraft introduced into the Airfix range in the future. In the meantime, long
may you reign!
David Seabridge, Staffordshire.
Ed: Thanks for writing David. Perhaps you would like to send us some
images of the Airfix dioramas you have created. In the meantime, we
have passed your future suggestions to
our Airfix development team.
D-DAY...AN EP
The Medway Modelling Club have achieved a worthy
model build of a Diorama based on the Normandy D-Day
landing on 6th June 1944.
The scene depicts the seaborne landings of the assault
craft and troops, the beach battle, the cliff-top defences
and the Allied aircraft giving support to the landing craft
bringing in further troops from the ships further out at sea.
It was built by Kevin Nunn, Peter and Max Birkett and Chris and Mike Porter, all
from the Medway Modelling Club. Max and Mike are both junior members. The
project was constructed at the request of the Mail on Sunday for their on-line
magazine and took over 750 hours to construct. You can also view it on their
website at www.mailonsunday.co.uk/moslive/article-1026013/How-Make-Airfix-
diorama.html
Omaha Beach was the code name for the operation at one of the principal landing
points of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings
on the coast of Northern France which took place on 6th June 1944. This part of
the operation was the responsibility of the United States Army troops with sea
transport supplied mainly by the US Navy with some support by the Royal Navy.
Their task was to land at both the western and eastern sections of the beach. The
initial assault comprised tanks, infantry and combat engineer forces with the aim
of reducing the coastal defences held by the enemy to allow larger ships to come
in as part of a second phase of the operation. The overall plan was to secure the
area of about five miles to link up with the British landings at Gold Beach to the east
and linking up with VII Corps at Utah Beach to the west. All this was in the face of
the German determination to defeat any seaborne assault at the point of landing.
Whilst the day was ultimately declared a victory for the Allies, little went as planned
and around 3000 Allied soldiers lost their lives. Enemy losses were assessed at
around 1200. Difficulties in navigation including bad visibility caused many of the
landing craft to miss their targets.
The sea was very rough which left many of the soldiers seasick. Under heavy
enemy fire, the engineers who landed first struggled to clear beach defences which
meant that further landings were channelled through a much narrower area than
planned and casualties were heavy. The surviving assault forces were not able to
clear the heavily defended exits from the beach and delayed subsequent landings.
Groups of survivors did eventually achieve assaults, scaling the cliffs between the
most heavily defended points. By the end of the day, two small footholds had been
won, resulting in greater success inland over the next few days where German
defences were found to be weaker.
KEVIN NUNN TOLD US HOW
6 www.airfix.com
How they did it...
First of all, we consulted reference material of the time including maps, books and
film clips to make sure we used correct models of the period and that the landscape
was accurate. It is always important to pick out the fact from the fiction!
We also selected a team who could work together and had the necessary skills
between them to complete the task. It was also important to be able to visualise
the whole thing and to include elements that people would recognise as being
D-Day from both history and their knowledge.
If you break down the 750 hours the project took to construct, you are looking
at approximately 120 hours for the scenery – cliff, beach and seascape plus 4-6
hours on each of the models. For instance, landing craft took around 6-8 hours
including painting and application of decals and this did not include time allowed
for glue and paint to dry.
Starting with the scenery, the cliff faces comprised a base structure of contour
shaped foam board which had an infill of cardboard and scrap paper sealed with
watered down PVA glue. Once set, we laid a skin of Mod Roc, basically an
impregnated plaster bandage, to form a shell. The real trick was the painting and
the addition of crumbled dry lumps of Polyfilla type material to create rock faces
as well as shading these areas to achieve even greater realism.The modeller
assigned to this task was a graphic designer so there was great artistry involved.
The sea was Polyfilla laid in a bed about 3mm deep and then combed to form
waves. We then painted it with a mixed blue colour before detailing it in white to
form the wake of the boats and the wave tops. Finally coats of polyurethane varnish
were applied to give the wet look. If the scene had been smaller, we would have
used clear resin but this is a very difficult material to use and we felt that our
method produced a better result.
Sand scenes are probably the easiest to build as it settles well over contours and
is never just pure sand. There are always bits of rock contained in it and you can
conveniently ‘weather’ the models by putting a coat of sand dust over everything.
The model painting was also quite involved. First we washed the pieces in weak
washing up liquid, rinsed them in clean water and allowed them to air dry. We then
primed them with a base coat of matt paint – normally grey or white, followed by
the main colours, adding shading for depth or thinned blacks to bring out details.
The next stage was to apply a gloss varnish before applying the decals. Following
that, we applied weathering where appropriate on such parts as exhaust systems
and the wheels – putting more ‘mud’ or ‘sand’ at the top than on the bottom. Finally
we applied a further coat of appropriate varnish. For instance, a gloss finish is
unlikely on army equipment but looks right on trucks, cars and aircraft. Satin is a
good choice for aircraft whereas matt is as good for military items, tanks, lorries
and ships.
PIC TALE!
A useful tip is that two thin coats are better than one thick coat of anything.
Paint effects on the landscape were interesting to do. All the green areas are
achieved with sand glued on with PVA glue and then painted with different shades
of green – mostly dark. Even the beach sand is painted to a darker tone that it
was naturally. The edges of the beach where it meets the water were achieved
with thick and thinned varnish to give a wet/damp look with the main beach area
painted in a variety of greys and base colours for depth and shading.
One of the team was responsible for putting men inside vehicles, which proved
a very fiddly job as it was difficult to retain the figures in the correct poses. I found
painting the figures the most boring because there were so many of them. I painted
most of the cliff attackers, changing the poses at the same time. This section is
also my own personal favourite within the diorama.
Whilst we may attract criticism for lack of detail and landscape perspective, we
are all pleased with the result. Who else, with the exception of museums perhaps,
has achieved a scene on this scale, particularly as we are all amateur modellers?
And our next project, you may ask? I would like to tackle the Battle of the Bulge
– that would be a major project but well documented.

What you need to re-enact the Dog

Green, Omaha Beach scene:
All the kits used were either 1:72 or 1:76 scale.

Airfix product Editor’s note: With the recent Corgi acquisition by Hornby Hobbies, there are now
several Corgi Aviation Archive diecast aircraft models (not kits) in the correct scale that
1. Small troop-carrying landing craft £3.99.
would enhance this diorama admirably.
2. Sherman ‘Crab’ mine-flail tanks Each tank £4.99.
3. Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tank £4.99.
4. White M3 A1 half track with trailer £4.99. The Medway Modelling Club
5. Large landing craft carrying tanks and other vehicles (LCM and tank) £6.99. Founded in 1983, the Medway Modelling Club, run by modellers for modellers, attracts
6. Opel Blitz truck and Pak 40 gun with crew £4.99. enthusiasts interested in all types of models, from aircraft, vehicles, figures, tanks and
7. The Coastal Defence Fort Set includes coastal battery featured on the cliff AFVs to sci-fi, ships and much more. Most models use the medium of plastic but not
top and two sets of figures – attackers and defenders. Gun emplacement set exclusively. Club nights are held between 7.30 and 10 pm on the first Tuesday of each
£14.99; British Commandos £3.99; British infantry £3.99; German infantry month at the Disabled Persons Sports Hall, the Strand, Gillingham, Kent. Activities
£3.99 and American Marines £3.99. include competitions, raffles, demonstrations of modelling techniques, guest speakers
and members’ project displays. Refreshments are available. For more information on
The scene also included some Non-Airfix kits to complete the detail.
joining the Club, contact Kevin Nunn on Telephone 01795 421456 before 8 pm.
8. Coastal defence bunker £7.99.
The age group of members ranges from 10 to 81, although the Club insists that children
9. Small bunker and accessories £7.99.
under 16 years of age are accompanied by a parent at all times.
10. Anti-tank/anti-aircraft bunker £7.99.
2008 sees the 25th Anniversary of the Club and the highlight of the year’s activities is
11. North American P-51B Mustang fighter with D-Day stripes £4.99. an exhibition planned for the 5th and 6th September at the Royal Engineers Museum,
Gillingham, Kent ME4 4UG. The planned attractions include a model exhibition, trade
stands, competitions, as well as the chance to look round a great museum hosting a

W THEY DID IT!

wealth of vehicle exhibits. Refreshment facilities are available.

DIARY DATES
These are some of the events where you will find an Airfix presence during
the coming months. We’ll keep you updated on further venues via our Club
website at www.airfix.com...See you there!

28 - 31st August: ‘Bournemouth Air Show’, Bournemouth.

18th October: ‘Yeovilton Autumn Model Show’, Fleet
Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Somerset.

7 www.airfix.com
 The BAe Hawk
Monday 14th April Tuesday 15th April
Thursday 24th April
RAF put the clock back 70 years when she took on
a Special 2008 Colour Scheme...
In looking up into the skies this year, you will be excused from thinking you are
experiencing a double take.
2008 marks the 70th Anniversary of the 19(F) Squadron equipping with the Spitfire
at Duxford in Cambridgeshire. It was in August 1938 that the Duxford based
Squadron, at that time flying Gauntlets, received the ninth production Spitfire MK 1
K9795, assigned to them under the command of Squadron Leader Henry Cozens.
This made it the first RAF Squadron to equip with the famous fighter.
It was to be December 1938 before the Squadron had its full complement of 16
Spitfires, by which time intensive trials had been conducted that would lead to a
host of improvements and a Pilot’s Handbook for the new fighter. It is also
noteworthy that in March 1940, Flying Officer Douglas Bader was posted to the
squadron and his first introduction to the Spitfire. This was in spite of his horrific
flying accident eight years earlier.
8 www.airfix.com
Friday 18th April Sunday 20th April
Friday 25th April Saturday 26th April
Wing Commander Adrian Hill, the current ‘Boss’ of No.19 Squadron was
determined that a unique date in the annals of the RAF and his squadron’s history
was not going to pass without due recognition. With the RAF celebrating its 90th
Anniversary this year Wing Commander Hill was of the opinion that the 70th
Anniversary of the Spitfire’s first entry into RAF squadron service should also have
some prominence.
As a result and following an approach to the powers that be, 19(F) Squadron
received both sponsorship and special permission earlier this year to re-livery one
of their Squadron’s Hawks in a Spitfire camouflage scheme of that immediate
pre-war period. Leading up to the decision on the definitive livery, dialogue with
the RAF Museum and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight had brought up several
suggested colour schemes. It was understood that the original camouflage scheme
was dark brown and dark green upper surfaces with aluminium undersides and A
type roundels and other A type roundels edged in yellow (A1).
 The few photographs from the period showed that a prominent number 19 had
been applied to the fin. Whilst the RAF Museum determined that the numbers were
Red for A Flight and White for B Fight, the BBMF believed that the colour Yellow
was applied to the commander’s aircraft.
After considering the various options, Wing Commander Hill sought approval for
the repaint of a T1 BAe Hawk trainer jet aircraft in the camouflage scheme as worn
by the first Spitfire when it was delivered to the Squadron in August 1938, with the
addition of number 19 in yellow on the fin. On 11th April 2008, permission was
granted from RAF Valley and Babcocks Defence Systems to proceed. They also
approved the addition of an Aden cannon pod to reflect that 19 Squadron had
been the first unit to receive the cannon armed Spitfire Mk 1b. It is the first time
that a serving RAF aircraft has been decorated in the distinctive brown and green
camouflage scheme. Following the announcement by Wing Commander Adrian
Hill on 11th April, Valley Aviation Society have documented the progress on the
repaint of XX184 between then and the presentation of the finished aircraft on
1st May.
The repaint received funding from BAe Systems and Babcocks. PPG Aerospace in
County Durham supplied the paint to the nearest specification of the period. The
company kindly donated the paint as a contribution towards the project. On 14th
April, Hawk T1 XX184 was quietly and carefully backed into the paint shop bay at
RAF Valley, into the hands of the crew known locally as the ‘A’ Team. The plane
had recently returned from service with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Requirements Air
Direction Unit. The initial work involved placing XX184 on service jacks and
retracting the undercarriage. The airframe was thoroughly washed and delicate
areas protected. The fuselage was then sanded down over the next couple of days.
By the end of the first week, the pristine shiny black paintwork was now reduced
to the base metal ready for the next stage.
Monday 21st April saw the careful process of degreasing prior to the application
of the primer. XX184 was surrounded by a team of white-suited persons.
The grey base metal was soon covered in a bright primer showing the lady in a
whole new light. Using drawings and the RAF regulations to hand, the team marked
out the upper wing and fuselage decoration before putting on the various coats of
the top scheme on XX184’s fuselage. It was then protected in preparation for the
painting of the camouflage scheme on the wings and fin. By 3pm on 24th April,
XX184 was back on her own legs and with the covering removed, looked quite
majestic in her new coat. Next came the job of marking the position for the RAF
roundels and spraying parts that had been out of reach during the previous stages.
The aircraft was then wrapped in a gossamer blanket before the meticulous process
of applying approximately 270 stencils.
It was now Monday 28th April and the final stages in the countdown to the
presentation of the finished Hawk scheduled for 1st May. The paint shop team
began the initial stages of applying the roundels and their efforts were
acknowledged when the Base Commander of RAF Valley, Grp Cpt Connell called
in to check on progress.
The next step was to apply the various warning and safety markings, which
coincided with the armourers needing to fit the external stores, gunpod and pylons.
By 30th April, XX184 was resplendent in her evocative 1938 guise and looked all
ready for action, should the word to Scramble be given. She was given the chance
the next day when just after 10.30 am in clear blue sunshine, she put the clock
back 70 years. Piloted by Wing Commander Adrian Hill and crewed by Flt. Lt.
‘Paddy’ Ireland, who was retiring from the RAF that day, she took to the air from
RAF Valley, watched by the team who had effected the new colour scheme.
For all concerned, it was a stirring and memorable sight and a worthy 90th
Anniversary tribute to all RAF and Allied pilots that flew and fought and died in the
famous SPITFIRE.
In August this year, 19(F) Squadron will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the
arrival of the Spitfire on squadron in a special event as part of the Valley Aviation
Society Photocall and 19 Squadron Families Day.

Monday 21st April Tuesday 22nd April Wednesday 23rd April

Monday 28th April Tuesday 29th April Wednesday 30th April Thursday 1st May

Friday 11th April 2008 The confirmation of approval to create a 70th Anniversary Scheme was received during the afternoon and was announced by Wing Co A. Hill CO of 19Sqdn. Monday 14th April 2008 –
At 13.30 hrs Hawk T1 XX184 was quietly towed from the short line and carefully backed into the Paint Shop Bay at RAF Valley. Hawk XX184 has recently returned from service with
Royal Navy's Fleet Requirements Air Direction Unit (FRADU)
Tuesday 15th April 2008 The Babcock paint shop team, making the necessary preparations. By 0900 hrs Hawk XX184 had been placed on service jacks and the undercarriage retracted. Initial preparation began.
The airframe was thoughly washed and delicate areas protected. By 1300 hrs an extensive area of the lower fusulage had been sanded. Work proceeded over the next 48 hrs.
Friday 18th April 2008 Gone was the pristine shiny black and almost two thirds of the fuselage had been rubbed down to base. the contrast clearly shown in the view of XX184. Whilst this was happening various
external store were also prepared.
Sunday 20th April 2008 Yes, by Sunday, the Paint Shop Team had managed to denude the lady. XX184 was indeed a sorry sight, yet still exuded a quiet dignity.
Monday 21st April 2008 By 1400 hrs the careful process of degreasing had been completed prior to the application of the primer. XX184 surrounded by white suited persons began to take on a whole new character.
Going, going, gone was the dark dingy grey. The bright primer started to show the lady in a whole new light.
Tuesday 22nd April 2008 The meticulous preparation of masking the fuselage and other areas prior to applying the aluminium undersurface began early on Tuesday morning. By afternoon the Painting Team had
applied along the fuselage and wings this unique colour scheme.
Wednesday 23rd April 2008 Drawings and Regulations to hand, the marking out of the upper wing and fuselage scheme progressed leaving XX184 looking more like a hovercraft than a fast jet. In the afternoon the
team suited up again to put the various coats of the top scheme on XX184's fuselage.
Thursday 24th April 2008 The fuselage, painted the previous day, had once again been protected in preparation for painting of wings and fin. By 1145hrs the fin and wings had had the camouflage scheme applied.
Come 1500hrs the ground crew had put XX184 back on her own legs. With coverings removed XX184 stood majestically with her new coat of colours.
Friday 25th April 2008 The Paint Team began marking out for Roundels and spraying parts which hitherto had been out of reach.
Saturday 26th April 2008 Once again XX184 was wrapped in a gossemer blanket. The meticulous process of applying approximately 270 stencils began.
Monday 28th April 2008 Bullseye well perhaps not. The initial stages of applying the roundels to XX184 was well in hand by 1300hrs. The efforts of the Paint Shop Team were acknowledged when Grp Cpt Connell,
the Base Commander of RAF Valley, called in to view progress.
Tuesday 29th April 2008 The steady progress of applying the various warning and safety markings continued only to be interrupted by the armourers attending to fit the external stores, gunpod and pylons. At last
XX184 was looking the part.
Wednesday 30th April 200 The first sight of XX184 in all her splendour evoked memories of years long gone. Resplendent in her 1938 guise the lady seemed so tranquil yet had the order to Scramble been given.
Thursday 1st May 2008 Scramble! Scramble! At 1035hrs on this sunny May morning Hawk T1 XX184 of 19 Squadron bridged 70 years of time when 'Python 3' rolled, piloted by Wing Co. Adrian Hill and crewed
by Flt Lt 'Paddy' Ireland. XX184 took to the air from RAF Valley - a stirring and memorable sight.

9 www.airfix.com
The subject of our Model Build in this issue comprises of the 1:48 scale Red Arrows Hawk
A05111 decorated in Camouflage colours to mark the 70th Anniversary of RAF 19(F) Squadron.
This ‘step by step’ guide has been created using the 1:48 scale Airfix red Arrows Hawk
(available at www.airfix.com) using a special decal scheme which alongside the painting
instructions will be available to buy soon from www.hannants.com.
The completed model shown here will later be donated to the Valley Aviation Society in
conjunction with the anniversary.

1:48
scale

21

1 2 3 4

BAe HAWK 19 ( 10 www.airfix.com

 1. Construction starts with the cockpit area. The cockpit of the Airfix Hawk is relatively
simple but once the crew figures are added and the canopy is in place it is good
enough. (Picture 1)
2. The insides of the fuselage and cockpit tub were then given a coat of Humbrol No
1 Spray Acrylic Primer. (Picture 2)
5 13 3. The interior of the Hawk is then brush painted with H165 Medium Sea Grey with the
floor areas painted H27 Sea Grey and the seat cushions H86 Light Olive. The details
on the instrument panels and cockpit switch panels aren’t an exact copy of the real
Hawk painted in the No 19 Squadron scheme, but with a little detail painting of H33
Matt Black and H34 White it looks close enough. Again, with the model completed
it is acceptable. (Picture 3)
4. Once the cockpit is installed into the fuselage half there is an area available to add
nose weight. Here I used some lead shot with PVA glue added to stop the lead shot
6 14 from moving and rattling. (Picture 4)
5. The main wing was then constructed with the flap hinges and hard points fitted.
The Airfix 1.48 Hawk gives you the option of having the flaps raised or lowered.
(Picture 5)
6. The fuselage was then glued to the wing assembly and at this stage I also added
the jet intakes, fuselage top piece (behind rear seat), fins on lower fuselage, aerials
and the cannon pod. I deliberately left off the rear wings as it is easier to spray these
7 15 separately and add them later. A small amount of filler was needed on some of the
joins particularly the jet intakes, nose area and where the underside of the wing fits to
fuselage at the front end. (Picture 6)
7. Some screwed up paper towel was stuffed into the cockpit and the whole model
sprayed with Humbrol acrylic Primer. (Picture 7)
8. While the primer was drying I painted the inside of the cockpit canopy frames with
H33 Matt Black. (Picture 8)
8 16 9. The upper surfaces were then sprayed with Humbrol spray acrylic H29 Dark Earth.
Once the paint had dried any further filling and sanding could now be done. (Picture 9)
10. The crew figures were added. I painted the overalls H86 Light Olive with H93 Desert
Yellow harnesses with some H33 Black on the oxygen tubes and masks. The Helmets
were painted H21 Gloss Black. (Pictures 10 and 11)
11. The canopy was then fitted with some PVA glue to prevent fogging. The canopy was
then masked with Humbrol Maskol leaving the canopy frames unmasked. Some pieces
of paper were added into the Maskol which would make it easier to remove once
9 17 painting was complete. Then the model had another coat of H29 Dark Earth.
(Picture 12)
12. Once the paint had set all the areas that were to be left Dark Earth were covered with
Maskol again with pieces of paper added to help remove it later. The upper surfaces
were then sprayed with Humbrol Spray acrylic H30 Dark Green. H30 Dark green is
probably not the most accurate colour to use in Pre (and early) World War 2 schemes
but it is the only green close enough in the Humbrol Spray paint range, and as I
10 18 wanted to build this kit solely using Humbrol spray paints. If you are brush painting
or using an airbrush a better colour to use is H116 US Dark Green. (Picture 13)
13. The Maskol was then removed by pulling the pieces of paper enough to get a pair
of tweezers onto the masking fluid to pull it off. (Pictures 14 and 15)
14. I then left the model for a day for the paint to set. I was really pleased with the results
of using these Humbrol Spray paints. They are easy to use and do give an excellent
finish. I hope in the future Humbrol will increase the range. All the upper surfaces
were then masked with a mixture of fine tape and Maskol and then the undersides
11 19 were sprayed with Humbrol Acrylic H11 Silver. At this stage the rear wings which
were sprayed separately were then fitted. (Picture 16)
15. The next job was to install the undercarriage and the gear doors (which were also
sprayed separately). The model is almost ready for the decals. (Picture 17)
16. The decals have been added and with this set there are a lot of stencils! Other
finishing touches were the wing tip lights, nose probe and touching up inside the
wheel wells with H166 Light Aircraft Grey.
12 20 Now the kit is complete. (Pictures 18, 19, 20, 21)

(F) SQUADRON
11 www.airfix.com
COMPETITION TIME
Rules of Entry.
1 The winner will be the first selected at random from the
all-correct entries received by 31st October 2008.
2. The competition is limited to one entry per current
member of the Airfix Club.
3. Duplicate entries will be disregarded.
4. The results of the competition will be announced in issue
5 of the Airfix magazine and the winners notified by post.
5. The competition is not open to employees of Hornby
Hobbies, their agents or families.
6. No correspondence to be entered into in conjunction
with the competition.
7. No cash equivalent is available.
8. The Airfix Club accepts no responsibility for entries lost
or damaged in the post.
9. Entries defaced or altered in any way will be deemed
null and void.
10. The judges’ decision is final.
If you are an avid aircraft enthusiast, you will want to have a go at winning
the superb Airfix prize we are giving away this time.
We are offering one of the brand new A05115 Spitfire Mk I models and
an example of the A05111 Red Arrows Hawk with special 19(F) Squadron
decals.
Both are 1:48 scale and will go to one lucky winner who can answer the
following questions:
1. Where are 19(F) Squadron based?
2. 2008 marks which anniversary of the Squadron?
3. How many Red Arrows Hawk aircraft take part in the famous
aerobatic display?
Put your answers on a postcard with your name, address and Club
membership number and send to Airfix Issue 4 Competition, PO Box 25,
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1ZG. UK.
Entries should reach us no later than 31st October 2008.

JUNIOR COMPETITION TIME

Rules of Entry.
1. The winner will be the first selected from the all-correct
entries received on the closing date of 31st October 2008.
2. The competition is limited to one entry per Airfix Club
member aged 14 years or under.
3. Duplicate entries will be disregarded.
4. The results of the competition will be announced in Issue 5
of the Airfix magazine and the winner notified by post.
5. The competition is not open to employees of Hornby
Hobbies, their agents or families.
Calling all Junior Club members aged 14 or under. Airfix are giving you the
chance to improve your history with a fantastic prize of the brand new
A50064 D-Day set!
On 6th June 1944, under the code name Operation Overlord, the Allies
landed on the Normandy beaches in Northern France at the start of a military
campaign to free the occupied countries of Western Europe from the clutches
of the enemy.
The Airfix set in 1:72/1:76 scale, going to one winner, includes a collection
of tanks, landing craft, trucks, gun emplacement and soldiers, complete with
a Normandy beach-head.
To enter the competition, please answer the following questions:
1. D-Day took place on which date during the Second World War?
2. Who were the Allies fighting (a) France (b) Spain or (c) Germany?
3. Which Allied Forces were involved in the landing at Dog Green and
6. No correspondence to be entered into in conjunction
with the competition. what was the code name for this particular part of Operation Overload?
7. No cash equivalent is available.
8. The Airfix Club accepts no responsibility for entries lost Put your answers on a postcard with your name, address, membership
or damaged in the post.
9. Entries defaced or altered in any way will be deemed number and most importantly your age and send to Airfix Issue 4 Junior
null and void.
10. The judges’ decision is final.
Competition, PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK. LE13 1ZG.
Answers should reach us no later than 31st October 2008.

COMPETITION RESULTS
In issue 3, we were giving away a superb Battle of Britain Memorial Flight canvas to one And the lucky winner of our Junior Competition, carrying away a full set of fantastic 1:72
winner of our adult competition. And the winner is Mr C Flemming from Staffordshire. scale Airfix figures is Mstr M Maclean aged 12 from Essex.
Congratulations! And the answers to the questions were:
The answers to the competition questions were: 1. King Richard the Lionheart. 2. Sherwood Forest.
1. 1793. 2. Locomotives. 3. General Ernst Udet. 3. Guy of Gisborne.

Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe Offer...

The Airfix Club are offering the opportunity for all club members to purchase an additional Supermarine Spitfire MkXVIe kit.
You will then be able to build both the TE199 (clipped wing) and TD248.
UK members £13.99 (postage and packaging included). Overseas members £15.99 (postage and packaging included).

To order your Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe please fill in your details below and return the I enclose cheque/postal order for £ Cheques should be made payable to Hornby
completed form with your selected method of payment to: Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe offer, Hobbies Ltd. Overseas members, please note that cheques should be either in the form of
PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray, Leicester LE13 1ZG. Once payment has been received please a Eurocheque, a cheque drawn on a London bank or an International Money Order.
allow 28 days for delivery in the UK. OR
Title Initials Surname Please debit £ Sterling to my
Address Visa Access Mastercard Switch/Maestro
Post code Country Card Number
Telephone (daytime) Switch/Maestro Issue No.
Club Membership No. (if applicable) Start Date Expiry date
Airfix Club Spitfire MkXVIe - Quantity required x1 x2 x3 Other
Signature Date
Signature (of parent/guardian, if under 16 years) If you wish to order but do not want to damage your magazine, please photocopy the order form and use that
to place your order.

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