1 by Dave Bailey[/url], on Flickr
“Gentlemen, you have an excellent aircraft, and I’m sorry to give it back. I wrung her out pretty good, needs a touch-up on the paint!”
Captain Edward ‘Topper’ Toppins, with the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, USAAF, had a wistful look in his eye, a look that spoke of dreams fulfilled and sadness to come. He had tasted the future of aviation, but knew that once he went back to America, he would be a second-class citizen.
4 by ]Dave Bailey[/url], on Flickr
When Britain offered the USAAF a chance to fly the Gloster Meteor in combat, it rankled a few feathers among RAF personnel. They were specifically forbidden to engage aircraft over enemy territory for fear of the Germans getting their hands on one in the event of a crash. But the reputation of the 99th was that, rather than chasing Luftwaffe fighters all over the sky, they merely chased them away from the bomber formation and then returned. This led to their incredible success on escort duties, and actual dogfighting was rare.
5 by Dave Bailey[/url], on Flickr
Captain Toppins was known as one of the best pilots to graduate from the Tuskegee program, a “pilot’s pilot”, and he was chosen to be the first American to get his hands on a jet. An American radio system was fitted, replacing the blade aerial with a wire from tail to canopy. Technically it still belonged to the RAF, so it sported two roundels and an RAF serial number, but to celebrate the occasion it was painted in silver, with yellow wing bars, and the famous red tail. American markings completed the scheme, and away it went on missions over Italy. Because of the engines the other pilots called it ‘Topper’s Twin,’ and proudly showed it off to visitors. There was no jealousy, for all knew the singular honour that had come their way.
6 by Dave Bailey[/url], on Flickr
2 by Dave Bailey[/url], on Flickr
The kit
Who has NOT ever built the Airfix Gloster Meteor III? I have, a few times over the years, but for some reason forgot to add the 5kg weight needed to keep the nose down. I figured a few fishing sinkers would do. They didn't.
The blade aerial was broken in the box, with just the base in evidence, so that explains the change of radio. (Don't you just love fictional back stories?) The silver is AK Silver Paste from a tube, and it doesn't cling very well. Long learning curve with this stuff. But let's call it 'weathering' instead of repeated handling. It also doesn't accept decals very well, as I learned when some mild contact rubbed off the TOPPER III from the starboard side, and some of the identification numbers. So you don't get to see that side, but it looks kind of like the port side anyway, so don't be greedy.
