Airfix 1/48 Hunter F. 6

The Hawker Hunter is one of, if not the, most graceful looking aircraft ever to fly so I was very excited when I first learned that Airfix was going to release one in 1/48 scale. So excited, in fact, that I ended up ordering three: two F. 6's and a pre-order F. 4!

I've made a number of Hunter kits over the years and I'd say the 1/144, 1/72 and 1/32 Revell Hunters are the best. Until now. This new Airfix Hunter surpasses all previous Hunter kits.

The kit decals look good but I wanted to do something a little different so I searched for some after market markings and found an Xtradecal sheet with several choices liked. I chose the markings of the 92 Squadron Blue Diamonds, the official aerobatic team of the RAF for 1961-1962. I would suggest not using anything stronger than Microsol as Solvaset dissolved some of the surface ink on the decals.

I tried a slightly different pre-shading technique this time. Instead of a shaded panel line I used a mask along panel lines and feathered the paint onto the panel. I'm not sure you can see the final effect in the photos since it's very subtle but, it's visible in person.

Kit number 11 for the year complete.

19 additional images. Click to enlarge.