Manhattan Rebellion...1/48 Fairey Firefly FR.I, Royal Thai Navy
17/2024
So, after two months pause due to the foto studio being out of order, I can finally post what my dad has finished in-between.
Special Hobby Korean War kit with decals and correctly molded wing tanks (with all other kit editions the tanks are molded in 4 equal parts instead of two different pairs) from the Special Hobby Foreign Service kit. Added Eduard PE seatbelts, a scratch "stirrup", the T-shaped things under the horizontal stabilizers, a whip antenna using a plastic rod and a rearview mirror.
Painted with Tamiya Sky and AK RC Extra Dark Sea Grey.
Build thread here
https://imodeler.com/groups/serving-under-another-flag/forum/topic/siam-brit-1-48-fairey-firefly-fr-i-royal-thai-navy/?topic_page=3&num=15#post-43
In 1950/51, ten Firefly FR.1 and two T.2, overhauled in the UK, were delivered to the Royal Thai Navy.
On June 29th 1951, during a ceremony for the US dredge "Manhattan" being handed over to the Thai Navy, some junior officers took the Thai prime minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram hostage on the flagship HTMS Sri Ayudhya. After hours of fighting against army airforce and police, the coup was ended and the flagship sunk. Prime minister and crew had to swim ashore. Following the coup, the Thai Navy leadership was fired, officers, sailors and soldiers arrested, heavy naval weapons confiscated, naval bases relocated, the submarine fleet decomissioned, the Thai Marine Corps downsized and all Navy aircraft handed over to the Thai Airforce. The latter one used the former navy Fireflies until the mid 60ies.
Great result, Reinhard. That’s probably my all around favorite series of limited run kits.
Fantastic job and great result, Reinhard!
Beautifully done and in rarely seen markings!
Excellent Firefly. Especially as the kit isn't the easiest to assemble.
Very nice build, Reinhard @grimreaper
The Thai scheme is quite unique but looks great.
Excellent result - looks great!
Glad you guys are back in production!
Great looking Firefly!
Nice work! Never knew that Thailand flew these.