The base kit for this project is an oldie but a goodie, the classic 1/72 scale Matchbox Hawker Fury I biplane.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/61jqm0bff/match_fury.jpg)
isn't that box art great? Makes you feel like you're on the field at the Hendon air show in 1931.
Speaking of box art, it could vary somewhat over time...
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/kxi9tpa0b/match_fury_reboxes.jpg)
What's inside the box is a bit basic by modern standards, but quite colorful.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/pjee278fv/Matchbox-_PK-1-1-72-_Hawker-_Fury.jpg)
Decal quality probably depends on storage conditions over the last 40-odd years.
There's an excellent paint guide on the back which of course I entirely ignored.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/4b0pkmh2j/match_fury_back.jpg)
This Hawker Fury was going to turn out just a little bit different.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/ukls36q2j/SHF_xprog_01.jpg)
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/51tfq6e8b/SHF_xprog_02.jpg)
I went for a more streamlined look by adding a drop-tank half as a bubble canopy and incredibly intimidating spatted landing gear.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/ojo36cvt7/SHF_xprog_03.jpg)
The spats were cut from card and have wheel halves stuck inside with a dab of putty over the small gaps.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/i5z033ymz/SHF_xprog_04.jpg)
The landing gear struts were swiped from the stand included with a Monogram P-36. I can't remember where the prop & tail wheel came from.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/8zgpfm3mj/SHF_xprog_05.jpg)
It took me about three days to get this far.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/pzzlohjaj/SHF_xprog_06.jpg)
I wish I could've figured out a way to keep it in it's natural colors, but alas my imagination failed me here.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/5tw3pivbv/SHF_under.jpg)
The old hairy stick was trotted out and loaded up with a lot of Model Masters Flat Black acrylic. The canopy was done in Jet Exhaust and Steel was used on the tail wheel strut. The grille was done with a cheap, craft-store metallic and given a dry-brush of Flat Black. The prop was painted Aluminum and the exhausts given a custom rust mix.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/rt2icqjvv/SHF_upper.jpg)
Decals were mostly re-purposed RAF squadron markings from a Glencoe Vampire but the codes are from a 1/144 Academy Avro Lancaster.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/8hgylwtrv/SHF_010.jpg)
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/xva536qbf/SHF_009.jpg)
Rigging was done with busted steel guitar strings (one nice thing about having a musician for a neighbor) stuck in place with a combination of Lock-Tite gel and Gator Glue.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/i9stjcwej/SHF_013.jpg)
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/gur8upnmj/SHF_014.jpg)
If you wondered what I've been up to the past week or so this is it.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/5ienczcdn/SHF_011.jpg)
I'd like to thank Seņor Ysi for bravely moderating this GB and the rest of you who are playing along or just taking a look.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/4u5stliob/SHF_012.jpg)
Coming soon, the Cornish contingent.
Brian da Basher