Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: The Rat on June 10, 2022, 10:55:44 AM
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52135729040_3b24b1ecce_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nr4eS1)1 (https://flic.kr/p/2nr4eS1) 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.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52135728975_884905cc8a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nr4eQT)4 (https://flic.kr/p/2nr4eQT) 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.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52135236166_1d51036735_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nr1Hmb)5 (https://flic.kr/p/2nr1Hmb) 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.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52134224362_66184d9d81_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nqVwzh)6 (https://flic.kr/p/2nqVwzh) by Dave Bailey[/url], on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52135489014_10bfe80d2a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nr31vC)2 (https://flic.kr/p/2nr31vC) 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.
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:smiley:
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...Didn't build many jets well as no Meteors, did build a Monogram F-101 City Of Dallas kit c.1988 for ex Air Force Sacramento Council Of Goverments Executive Director. died decades ago. Model likely only 1/48th airplane model built since mid-1960s, jet no less, guy very pleased how it came out, had expensive special case fabricated for display in his business office.
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Love the Meteor. Great build Dave!
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...DID build the 1/72 FROG Meteor F.8, F-86E Sabre, then new Northrop P-61 (worst tooled 1960s "Widow" kit) c.1991-2. Advertised in FineScale Modeler to locate them, responses all 'round world including two Ukrainian modelers kept in contact with till last year (DO hope they're still alive!) rounding out 1964-66 AIRLINES model collection, these advertised for release late 1966 but not so, FROG directly importing kits by then thanks to changes in U.S. toy tariff laws.
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...DID build the 1/72 FROG Meteor F.8,
One in the stash!
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...DID build the 1/72 FROG Meteor F.8,
One in the stash!
...Not exactly stashed, likely came across it at Riverside Hobbies or Viking Hobby Sacramento, Flores & Mossbergs always had old issue kits for sale then, just got lucky. The Meteor along with 94 other models built 1988-1992 given to young son of my sister's husband's oldest sister in 1997 he claiming still having them some years ago. I chose not to keep any of my builds, digitally photographed all the 2006-2020 Regia Aeronautica ones, had Polaroids of my 1966-68 "ceiling hangers", sadly tossed those by 1970 however.
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Great backstory, and a worthy tribute to the 99th.