Beyond The Sprues
Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => The Snoops, Sensors, Spooks, & Spies GB => Topic started by: Brian da Basher on June 10, 2014, 02:34:47 AM
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The 1982 Falklands crisis between Argentina and the U.K. is remembered for many reasons, one of them being the great distances involved.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Falklands_Campaign_Distances_to_bases_1982.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Falklands_Campaign_Distances_to_bases_1982.jpg.html)
Those distances did not prevent the Argentines from taking South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, but with each day that passed in late April, 1982, the tension ratcheted up at the Defense Ministry in Buenos Ares. The Argentines knew the British were coming, they just didn't know when.
Fortunately, they had the ideal recon platform to keep tabs on the situation. The Spyhawk R-3.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4001.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4001.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4002.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4002.jpg.html)
Modified from the plentiful inventory of U.S.-supplied Douglas Skyhawks by adding a "Caballero" inline piston engine and a camera pod, the Argentines had created the perfect aircraft for this mission.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4003.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4003.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4004.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4004.jpg.html)
The Spyhawk had incredible range on the "Caballero" piston engine alone, and the jets guaranteed it could get itself out of trouble. The two wing-root cannons ensured the recon plane could put up a fight if all else failed.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4005.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4005.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4006.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4006.jpg.html)
With under-wing drop tanks, the Spyhawk could make the trip to South Georgia and back. It was figured this would take just under 10 hours each way, flying "low & slow". While command was concerned about the costs, both in men and resources, on April 13th they thought it prudent to order their newest photo recon plane on constant daylight surveillance of the far-flung island's approaches.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Jorge_Anaya.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Jorge_Anaya.jpg.html)
Neither the Air Force high command nor it's pilots had any idea how this would alter the course of the conflict.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4007.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4007.jpg.html)
More to follow...
Brian da Basher
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In a few days, Spyhawk flights were almost routine, if not for the great stress their duration placed on the pilots. Often, they would return to base exhausted after 20-plus hours in the air, almost unable to do the pee-pee dance which had become a mission requirement.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4011.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4011.jpg.html)
The pilots not only racked up an insane number of flight hours, but tons of overtime too. So did the ground crews and the photo interpreters. This was an expense unforeseen by the upper echelons of the Argentine military.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Argentinebudgetwoes.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Argentinebudgetwoes.jpg.html)
The conflict escalated on April 20th when a Spyhawk caught sight of a small British flotilla and bounced an RAF Nimrod on the return leg.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4008.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4008.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4010.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4010.jpg.html)
The alarm was raised, but the sleep-deprived photo interpreters took a while to positively ID the small Royal Navy force. While they tried to fine-tune their analysis, further Spyhawk flights were ordered.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4009.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4009.jpg.html)
Friday, April 23rd dawned cloudy, cold and wet. The weather had been truly atrocious and the only thing the Spyhawk pilots had to look forward to was that it was payday. Unfortunately for them, the Argentine Peso had become horribly devalued by the conflict and due to this, no overtime was paid. The Defense Ministry simply couldn't afford it.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/underpaidpilots.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/underpaidpilots.jpg.html)
This was the last straw as far as the over-worked pilots, ground crew and photo interpreters were concerned. Their grumbling soon rose to a crescendo with international ramifications.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/June22ndTheTimesweb400.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/June22ndTheTimesweb400.jpg.html)
With their Air Force on strike, the Argentines were forced to sue for peace. Hostilities came to a halt and British forces formally took back possession of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on May 10th. A treaty was signed in Rio de Janeiro on June 9th restoring the status quo ante-bellum.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4012.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4012.jpg.html)
Completely forgotten today, for one brief, shining moment the Spyhawk played a key role in bringing the conflict to an end.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4013.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4013.jpg.html)
Brian da Basher
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The basis for this project is the excellent 1/72 Aifix A-4 Skyhawk. This is the first Skyhawk I've built in 35 years and probably the only one I've done in "the one true scale".
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/airfix-skyhawk-box.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/airfix-skyhawk-box.jpg.html)
As the picture shows, not only is the box art stunning in that inimitable Arifix style, but the kit is an absolute gem as well. The parts are incredibly well molded, so much so that the wings and tailplanes hardly needed glue. The details and marking options offer excellent value for the money. Any ham-handed modeler should be able to make a stunning Skyhawk from this kit.
Mine would come out a little differently...
Some of the parts are just too nice to waste being mostly hidden inside the fuselage, so I saved them.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/AirfixA4parts.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/AirfixA4parts.jpg.html)
This required the first round of modifications. I inserted some large half-wheels inside the intakes and topped them off with bomb tips as shock cones and painted the inside of the tail.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildinserts.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildinserts.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewengines1.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewengines1.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewengines2.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewengines2.jpg.html)
Those half-wheels aren't half bad and should look the part once everything's painted and buttoned up. The big gaps were filled with white glue and further historical research commenced as I waited for it to dry. Another smaller wheel and a drinking straw were drafted into duty for the jet exhaust.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewstrawpipe.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewstrawpipe.jpg.html)
Pleased with that progress, I went on to perform a nose-job. The kit nose was cut off and replaced with a resin inline Lycoming engine sent by the late, great HOG a while back.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewnose01.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewnose01.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewnose03.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewnose03.jpg.html)
An oil cooler intake that came in the same box as the engine was added underneath. I used half of the kit's large drop-tank for a belly camera pod. Gotta earn that Airfix Flying Hour you know!
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewunderside.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/Spyhawkbuildnewunderside.jpg.html)
Lastly, the exhaust pipes from a Spitfire and the prop from a Miles Master (thanks, Raafif!) were added as this model obviously required British parts. Then it was on to paint and decals.
I can't say enough about the resurgence of Airfix under Hornby. Their kits seem more available than ever at a great price and their new-tool offerings like this Skyhawk, are an outstanding value and almost impossible to stuff up. They've upped their game nicely with a full-color paint guide.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/airfix-skyhawk-paint-guide-good.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/airfix-skyhawk-paint-guide-good.jpg.html)
However, mine had a minor printing error.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/airfix-skyhawk-paint-guide-my-copy.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/airfix-skyhawk-paint-guide-my-copy.jpg.html)
I actually like these colors better, accuracy be damned.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4upper.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4upper.jpg.html)
The model was brush-painted by hand with Model Masters acrylics. I used Olive Drab and Euro Green on the uppers and Light Sea Grey on the underside for added kinkiness.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4belly01.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4belly01.jpg.html)
Decals were a mix from the stash. I used two round ones (instrument panels? disco lights?) left over from a DH Chimpmunk as the camera ports on the belly pod. Many thanks to Jeff Fontaine & Tophe for sending me the markings and codes.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4belly02.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4belly02.jpg.html)
The drop-tanks are from an Emhar 1/72 F-4B Fury jet.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4014.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4014.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4015.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4015.jpg.html)
The entire project took me two days from start to finish and made for a fine weekend of modeling.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4016.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4016.jpg.html)
If you like your Skyhawks in 1/72, think about giving one of these Airfix kits a try. I found this kit to be as trouble-free a model as I've ever built despite my repeated attempts to ruin it.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4017.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4017.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4018.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/Spyhawk/SpyhawkAP-4018.jpg.html)
I hope you like the model and enjoyed reading a little forgotten history of the 1982 Falklands crisis.
Brian da Basher
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That is a most intriguing Skyhawk you have crafted Brian. The propeller certainly sets it aside in a category of its own. Nice blending on the parts to achieve your prop/jet combination and the back story as ever was most entertaining.
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What will he come up with next? Brilliant job man, loved every bit of it! Glad to see how nice that Scooter kit is. Might have to venture back into aircraft... :)
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Great build and story as usual Brian, and nice to read about the Airfix Skyhawk: I've got two put aside for the FAA and I'm itching to do them.
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Poor A-4B, now the other A-4s are going to make fun of it!! ;D Great job there, love your back story too ! 8)
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Amazing how "right that looks" That prop is pretty seamless if you ask me :) Brilliant idea! I have looked into putting props on the nose of jets myself and its really tricky, because it just doesn't look good to my eye. But you have a real winner here :-*
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How cool and what a terrific idea.
Nice job all around Brian
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Of course, what is less well known is that a special aggressor unit to train pilots in dealing with the Spyhawk was instigated by Australia:
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/0df96d72-6272-462b-8aa6-da800c3ec650_zps332eb70f.jpg)
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Pleasant transformation :-*
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You've done it again mate - AWESOME!!
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Love how prop & engine blend in with A-4 design so well 8) Works when I think it shouldn't.