Subject: Re: Model Gallery Submission
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Richard Spreckley" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 9 Feb 2014 10:35:36 -0800

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Richard Spreckley 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 12:48 PM
  Subject: Model Gallery Submission

  "1:48 Phatom FGR 2 56 Sqn RAF" 

  by "Richard Speckley (RMCS)" 

  Please include your ARC Discussion Forum Name with your submission 
  -------------------- 

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here  

  This was my first build in 25 years. The Phantom FGR 2 is an iconic cold war aircraft. No 56 'The Firebirds' Sqn RAF is one of the more colourful RAF squadrons and the Hasegawa 1:48 model is a fantastic kit. I decided to go the whole hog and wanted to super detail this build to learn new techniques and make a diorama worthy of this aircraft.

  I used the Aires resin cockpit set, white metal landing gear, Eduard external fine etch detail and the Flightpath RAF ground support set. Paints were Vallejo air using the barley grey and light grey for the low viz sceme. I experimented with an oild dark wash and Humbrol clear gloss varnish.

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

  XV426 entered service with 31 Squadron until they converted to Tornados at which time she passed on to 111 Squadron. Moving on to 228 OCU at Coningsby, after the Falklands War XV426 was one of the detachment of Phantoms sent down there to the newly built RAF Mount Pleasant to defend the islands against further Argentine aggression. Returning to the UK in 1986 and serving with 29 and 23 Squadron, she ended her career with 56 Squadron. On retirement she became a BDRT airframe at Coningsby and was finally scrapped in 2000, the nose being saved by a team from RAF Coltishall. XV426 was well looked-after at RAF Coltishall by Mick Jennings and his band of volunteers and by 2001 they had already restored it to immaculate condition. A nice touch is that one of the names now painted on the canopy sills is that of one M Hanna. The late Mark Hanna was of course a Phantom pilot with the RAF before going to become one of the nation's best loved warbird pilots. With Coltishall's closure Mick's collection moved to the City of Norwich Aviation Museum.

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here  

  The build was a steep learning curve, the resin cockpit needed to be modified to fit the frame and ensure the front landing gear bay fitted it had to be modified by cutting the depth by half. This didnt detract from the overall look with enough depth to give the impression of a full sized bay.

  Using my airbrush for the first time a low viz option seemed the best way forward, I was amazed at the detail that came through using this technique. Once dry a clear gloss varnish was added and my home made wash was put on over the decals. The main learning curve from this build was the different use of varnishes and washes, using a water based wash and sealing with a satin coat drew some mositure from the paint, causing some 'weathering' and some hasty re-paininting where I could. The model was finished off on a plynth of styrene edged with balsa wood and a medium thickness plasticard (scribed) was added for the flight area, all painted, finishing it off with the 56 Sqn Phantom flightpatch.

  "Richard Spreckley"

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

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