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gary sausmikat
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FAA Fairey Swordfish

November 6, 2022 · in Aviation · · 33 · 0.9K

Hi All,

I present my third and final contribution to the , WW2 Fleet Air Arm, mini group build. As with my two previous FAA builds this build is also a tribute to a Fleet Air Arm serviceman.

While reading the book, Tune In: The Beatles, All These years, by author Mark Lewishon, I was reminded to the fact that prior to becoming a world renown producer, George Martin, at the age of 17, entered the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy in 1943. Sub. Lt George Martin served as an observer on Fleet Air Arm Fairey from 1943 to 1947 but did not see combat during the war.


After the war George decided to pursue a career in music and eventually worked at EMI/Parlaphone music studio in London England. In 1962 George signed on to produce an unknown band, out of Liverpool, England, named The Beatles. The 8 year collaboration between the Beatles and George Martin was a perfect fit, they revolutionized popular music and went on to change music history.

George Martin was knighted, Knight Bachelor, in 1996 for his services to the music industry and popular culture.
Sir George Martin passed away in 2016.

This was the perfect opportunity to finally build the Swordfish MK II.

The Build
I could not find specific service or aircraft information in regards to Sub. Lt. Martin's military career, so this will be an out-of-the-box, tribute, build using markings supplied with the kit.

Kit:
1/48 Tamiya, Fairey Swordfish MK.II
Kit Scheme: 816th Squadron, H.M.S. Tracker, 1943

Paints:
Primed with Mr. Finisher 1500 Gray
Mr Color Flat White
AK Real Colors RC294 RAF Dark Slate Grey
AK Real Colors RC295 RAF Extra Dark Sea Grey
VMS Satin Clear
“Weathered” / Accented with washes and dry brushing using Artist Oils.

Rigging and Control Wires: EZ Line-Fine

The build was a typical, Tamiya, trouble free build but care needs to be taken with following the directions (per chosen scheme and wings folded or extended) and deciding when to assemble and paint subassemblies.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my tribute to Sir George Martin. I hope you like the outcome.

Until next time, as always KEEP IT FUN...YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!








Reader reactions:
24  Awesome

5 additional images. Click to enlarge.


33 responses

  1. Lost of words, Gary! This is truly stunning!

  2. The most successful aerial sub hunter of the war.

    I'm sure glad the Swordfish was Mr. Tamiya's favorite airplane - that's how we got it, way back in 1998.

    Really nice work on what has to be one of the best Tamiya kits ever released. Great result!

  3. Absolutely epic, looks real to me @gwskat I'm amazed! Thanks also for sharing the story to this plane.

  4. Absolutely stunning build, Gary @gwskat
    One of my favorite biplanes which were still active in WWII.
    Thanks for the supporting article, very interesting.

  5. I am at a loss of words…truly amazing! This build is as beautiful as Mr. Martin‘s work with those four fellas from Liverpool.

  6. Wonderful Swordfish Gary, most impressive to me is how interesting you've made the white finish look. Thanks for sharing!

  7. A very sharp build Gary, you captured the look of the stringbag quite well, well done and a good story behind it too!

  8. That’s really nice, Gary. Never realized George Martin was a Swordfish observer.

  9. A Hard Day’s Night work there, Gary, beautifully done, with a Little Help From Your Friends at Tamiya, you’ve got to love the FAA colour scheme. What’s next, a Yellow Submarine, or maybe (I Am) a Walrus?

  10. "Absolutely smashing", as Sir George would have said. "And tasteful."

  11. Excellent work here Gary. I’m always impressed by your builds and they all have an even better background story. This one is no exception. I enjoyed watching you build it up too. Now I’m curious to see what our next project will be.

    Take care buddy.

  12. Excellent Gary, well presented build. I like that comment despite being a Tamiya kit. It is not that easy of a build, which is the nature of bi-planes in general. I have this kit that is waiting it's turn on the shelf. Though not really have interest in building any bi-plane, but never say never, with one in the stash and the only one, but seeing yours and some others recently kind a motivates me to maybe build one in the near future. I just can't Let it be.

  13. Awesome job putting this one together.

  14. I really admire modelers who can build a plane with 2 wings and a bunch of wires, and have it come out looking this great. Well done, Gary (@gwskat). And what a great story to go with your model. Sometimes we forget that people who served in the military often go on to very successful careers after their service. White is a tough color to do, but the white, camo, and weathering are perfect.

  15. A beautiful Stringbag! Love it.

  16. Nice story, excellent build, what's not to like. Two thumbs up.

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