1/48 Airfix Hawker Hurricane Mk.Ib [Trop]
My first completion for 2022, actually started in late 2021 but couldn't finalize the build until now. The kit I used is Airfix's boxing of the Sea Hurricane but all the parts are there to do a Trop version. You do a little surgery add the Volks air filter and presto chango you have the Trop version. I think it fits nicely into two group builds that are currently ongoing on iModeler. This IMHO is a nice kit with more detail than Hasegawa's version, plus the ability to open the canopy, but at times can be a little fiddly, especially the cockpit. Take your time, test fit all parts and you'll be fine.
I added PE belts and BarracudaCast wheels to enhance the view and she was painted with Model Master Middlestone, Azure Blue, and Dark Earth enamels. Nylon thread was used for the antenna and a brown Pitt Pen highlighted the panel lines. Decals are a combination of the kits as well Kits-World War Birds series. This Hurricane represents one flown by the Groupe Bretagna, Forces Aeriennes Franqaises Libres [FALA] , in North Africa, 1942.
Stay safe and Happy Modeling.
Nice work on this, looks great on one of your signature stands.
Thanks Robert
Fantastic build, Tom!
Love the markings!
Glad you liked Spiros.
Great way to start the new build year. Good job!
Thanks my friend, up next of course is another P-40, but with rockets attached to the wings.
Very nice! Unique markings and great desert camo. I have the MK I version of the kit that I am looking forward to building- anything to watch out for?
David @dbutlr the only issue for me was the fiddly cockpit. Not for the beginner but when done it's quite nice..
That looks Really great Tom and a nice Testimony of Vichy vs. Free France in ( some ) of the colonies.
I now kind of wish I would have started collecting planes in 1/48 scale too.
So much more detail than 1/72 . Did you use real earth for the diorama ?
Bernard @bernardbedeur the base is a mixture of ballast/sand I purchased at a hobby store, it's used by model railroaders. The Rocks/stones are small shavings of rubber. Long story on how I got them but they seem to do the trick when mixed with the sand.
Excellent work performed on this Hurricane, Tom @tom-bebout
Hurricanes look great but evenmore in this desert scheme.
Well done.
Thanks John, much appreciated
Tom, @tom-bebout
This looks magnificent ! I could tell right away it was one of yours by the "patent pending / Bebout trademark" display base. These Airfix Hurricanes build up very well, and the choice of decals you picked is something I don't remember seeing before.
The only problems I had when I built mine was with the main wing spar. It seemed like it was little too thick, and that kept the wing from closing. A small gap was present on the leading edge. Once I sanded the height of the spar down just a little, the gap disappeared. Like you mentioned, the cockpit is a bit fiddly, but very nice when done.
Thanks for sharing this beauty with us.
I definitely pressed the "like" button. Take care and stay safe.
Louis, @lgardner thanks for the comments, you're only saying those things because their true. LOL.Now go and build/finish something
Very sharp looking Hurricane Tom. I really like the scheme and markings.
That kit is one of Airfix's best and you have gotten the most out of it. Really nice!
fantastic build and cool diorama!
G'day Tom (@tom-bebout),
This is a very good build and scheme.
I built one of these kits in 2017 and while the cockpit was a little fiddly, it does build up into a great looking representation.
I think I had to shave the spar like Louis (@lgardner) to close the wings up.
What did happen, however, was I ended up with a twist to the rear fuselage so that the tail is rotated slightly counter-clockwise - I can't work out how that happened.
Plus, the masking fluid destroyed the canopy - luckily I had a Falcon replacement.
Even so, I have another of these kits in the stash, so I'll make sure I get it right next time.
Love your build.
Nice work on your Hurricane. Hurricanes always looks great in the desert scheme.
Nice looking Hurricane with some cool markings. Well done!