It's been a while since I updated this, and since the launch of MSFS it's felt a bit like the "off season" with no A2A planes to fly in that sim so more time at the workbench. However, since we appear to be edging closer to the return of normal service, my modelling activities are likely to slow down soon.
The next model completed was a Messerschmitt Bf-109G-4/R6 "Kanonenboot". This particular plane was flown by Ober Leutnant Rohwer of 2/JG 3 based at Monchen-Gladbach in the summer of 1943.
Instrument panel
Cockpit
I also built a display, as this is one of the few planes in large scale that will fit into a display case. To add a little bit of interest to it I've added a replica Iron Cross medal found in a museum while I was on holiday up there last year.
So this is one of the few models I have which won't get destroyed by dust.
Next, another '109, this time an Emil. It represents a plane flown by the CO of 2/JG 2 based in Germany, Frankfurt-Rebstock, in early 1940. Again it fits into a display case, so I've built a simple display depicting an aircraft having some maintenance performed. This is the first early '109 I've built in about thirty years.
This model took quite a long time to build as the kit was missing the gun cowling when I bought it, and getting a replacement part proved to be q big drama. So it was dropped for a while while I built a 1/24 scale Hurricane Mk IIc, more of which later.
Engine
Cockpit
Hurricane MkIIc nightfighter, as flown by Flt Lt. Karel Kuttelwascher of 1 Squadron in mid 1942. The plane was used in night intruder ops, flying by map and compass over occupied France, with the intention of shooting down enemy aircraft over their own bases. Kuttelwascher was extraordinarily successful in this, destroying fifteen enemy aircraft in a three month period.
The engine in this kit was rubbish, so I updated an engine retrieved from a scrapped model instead, and put that on display by the Hurricane. Much of the detail I added around the rear of the engine was from photos I took in the Darwin RAAF museum last year. The kit engine was thrown together and included only as it has to support the propeller.
However, the cockpit on this kit is good, but I've added more, including the structure aft and below as it is visible when you look into the closed up model.
Presently, I'm working on a Spitfire MkXVI for a client in the US who's father used to own that particular plane. I've built the model previously in 2018 and the model images are on the web which is how I was found by the gentleman (another Scott!!) asked if he could buy it. Unfortunately, it has deteriorated thanks to peeling decals so I suggested building another. This is the old model, pre decal peeling. I have fixed it, but I'm likely to have to do more repair work on it later.
This project has interrupted a Yak-9T which is not too far off paint.
So it's now a race to see if I can get these two projects finished before the A2A Comanche is released. I figure I'm likely to have only a couple of months.
Cheers,
Mike