What if

GROUP BUILDS => One Week Build - 2021 => Topic started by: AeroplaneDriver on June 13, 2021, 01:24:45 PM

Title: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 13, 2021, 01:24:45 PM
Since jumping back into modeling about 3 years ago I've almost exclusively built 1/48. In fact of the 50-odd builds on that time only two Bandai Star Wars kits have been anything else. But I think for the OWGB I'm going to one of my favorite kits, the Revell 1/72 Hunter FGA.9 along with Colin's resin supersonic wings and radar nose to make the ultimate Hunter.  Mk number to come along with pics. 
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Pellson on June 13, 2021, 01:44:58 PM
Quote from: AeroplaneDriver on June 13, 2021, 01:24:45 PM
Since jumping back into modeling about 3 years ago I've almost exclusively built 1/48. In fact of the 50-odd builds on that time only two Bandai Star Wars kits have been anything else. But I think for the OWGB I'm going to one of my favorite kits, the Revell 1/72 Hunter FGA.9 along with Colin's resin supersonic wings and radar nose to make the ultimate Hunter.  Mk number to come along with pics.

Marks  13 and 15 are taken for P.1100 developments..  ;)

Looking much forward to this.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: DogfighterZen on June 13, 2021, 02:44:49 PM
Quote from: Pellson on June 13, 2021, 01:44:58 PM
Looking much forward to this.  :thumbsup:

Same here, sounds promising.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Weaver on June 13, 2021, 04:55:45 PM
Oh nice one!  :thumbsup:

Glad to see this 'cos this or a hunter tandem two-seater were near the top of MY list to do for the 1WkGB: if I hadn't realised I could get into two GBs at once by doing a helo then I might very well have ended up doing it. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 14, 2021, 09:38:23 AM
Only have to work two days this week so hoping to make some good progress. 

(https://i.imgur.com/GJhk7Pb.jpg)
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Knightflyer on June 14, 2021, 10:58:28 AM
I shall watch this one with interest, as I have several of the Freightdog conversion bits

I tried to think though a logical (possibly in my own mind!) numbering and this was my penniesworth

Mk.1 to Mk.6 - as in the normal timeline
T.7 - tandem instead of the curvaceous T.7 we know and love
T.8 (and variants) tandem equivalent of our timeline Naval variants
Mk.9 to Mk.11 - as in normal timeline
T.12 - tandem version of the proposed TSR.2 trainer

now the adventure begins

F.13 - The RAF wasn't superstitious with it's numbering was it? So is this the supersonic P.1083 Hunter II / Super Hunter , using the P1109B nose?
T.14 - tandem supersonic Hunter II trainer
NF.15 or FAW.15- tandem supersonic all weather fighter

oh and of course, the D.16 Drone, conversion of all those old left over first generation Hunters  :o
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Pellson on June 14, 2021, 02:07:02 PM
Quote from: Knightflyer on June 14, 2021, 10:58:28 AM
F.13 - The RAF wasn't superstitious with it's numbering was it? So is this the supersonic P.1083 Hunter II / Super Hunter , using the P1109B nose?
T.14 - tandem supersonic Hunter II trainer
NF.15 or FAW.15- tandem supersonic all weather fighter

I shall contest this tomorrow, with pics and backstories. As it happens, I just completed my two Super Hunters.  ;)
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 14, 2021, 07:51:23 PM
A tad daunting to tackle this much resin for someone used to mainy working with just resin ejection seats.  But it cleaned up nicely and after just an hour or so the fuselage is taped up to check the fit.  The radome/nose will take a little more cleaning up but moving on to the cockpit so I can get the fuselage closed up 

(https://imgur.com/a/04x6ty4)

(https://i.imgur.com/bnWRcDn.jpg)

Quite the beautiful Hunter.  :wub:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 14, 2021, 11:14:56 PM
Calling it a night but off work for the next two days and most likely Friday also so feeling optimistic. 

There are a few gaps around the nose and the lower wing root that I think I'll address with Milliput tomorrow.  Nothing major and for my first real foray onto resin mods I'm very happy. Great products from Colin at Freightdog!!

Almost time to focus on how she'll be painted...

(https://i.imgur.com/GzKv7ML.jpg)
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Knightflyer on June 15, 2021, 12:18:27 AM
Ohhhh, I am so liking this  ;D
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Mossie on June 15, 2021, 08:41:37 AM
Love a Hunter. :thumbsup:. I've got the same parts in the stash too, I'll be watching closely.
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Freightdog862 on June 15, 2021, 10:26:48 AM
I approve of this message! Glad your having fun, looks like its going together nicely.

Colin
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Old Wombat on June 15, 2021, 07:02:13 PM
Nice! :wub:


(Still, debatable whether it looks better that the original, though. ;))


Also impressed at the speed with which you produce such high quality builds. :bow:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 15, 2021, 09:52:17 PM
Busy day today so little progress until late.  My plan to fill the gaps with Milliput today looked like overkill after review so a little carefil sanding and a little Perfect Putty seems to have things taken care of.  Day off tomorrow with few commitments so shooting for painting done by tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 15, 2021, 10:05:34 PM
Quote from: Freightdog862 on June 15, 2021, 10:26:48 AM
I approve of this message! Glad your having fun, looks like its going together nicely.

Colin

Not to inflate your ego more than necessary, but these are really beautiful resin sets.  For a first time trying any kind of major resin mods they are a true dream.  The joins are all filled and cleaned up nicely with a total amount of Perfect Plastic Putty that I would be comfortable consuming. 

We have talked before about how I wish you made these Hunter mods in 1/48, and I completely understand why you dont/wont, but this build is just making me wish even more that you did.
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 16, 2021, 04:57:37 PM
She's all put together and cleaned up with a nice coat of Tamiya White Primer. 

Now the hard part...how to paint it.  My near lack of 1/72 in the stash means it WILL be a UK Hunter. RAF or RN shore based interceptor both possibilities.  But the white primer has me wondering how she'd look in Raspberry Ripple at Boscombe. I have decals that could work for this...also considering an "RAF In Vietnam" scenario escorting Vulcans in a nice fictional SEAC scheme. 

Decisions, decisions....

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/203/KdVViG.jpg)
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Captain Canada on June 16, 2021, 06:14:20 PM
Looking good Nick ! Sure changes the look of her eh ? Cheers
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 16, 2021, 11:49:01 PM
Turns out this Hunter F.11 will find itself deployed to RAF Muharraq in Bahrain following the failed Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1961 as part of the UK force in place to deter further Iraqi aggression.

It will be serving with a certain feline themed RAF squadron with a distinguished history. 

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/8800/lfeuPR.jpg)
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Old Wombat on June 17, 2021, 12:00:40 AM
Ooh! That looks nice! :lol:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Gondor on June 17, 2021, 12:55:29 AM
That is looking nice.

Gondor
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Pellson on June 17, 2021, 01:47:17 AM
Beautiful!!

F Mk 16, maybe?  ;)
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Mossie on June 17, 2021, 03:14:36 AM
Shaping up. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter
Post by: Caveman on June 17, 2021, 10:41:23 AM
That does look good!
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 19, 2021, 10:58:28 PM
Happy to report that this one if finished!  Pics tomorrow. 
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 20, 2021, 12:27:27 PM
All done...

From the beginning the Hawker Hunter was a capable fighter for its time, but despite its export success it lost out to supersonic contemporaries such as the F-100 and Mirage. 

In 1955 the Hawker P.1109B demonstrated a radar equipped Hunter armed with guided missiles in the form of the IR guided DeHavilland Firestreak.  Another development explored a supersonic version with a thinner, more highly swept wing and an afterburing Avon engine.  Seeing the potential of merging these developments Hawker produced the P.1112 in late 1956.  There was immediate interest from overseas with this new "Super Hunter" capable of Mach 1.4 and a cruise speed of Mach .94-.97 without the use of afterburner.  RAF interest was lukewarm with the new Mach 2+ EE Lightning well into development, and other even more ambitious fighters on the drawing board. 

Then the axe fell on the RAF in the form of the March 1957 Defense White Paper which announced that the era of the manned fighter was largely over.  The Lightning was spared, but all other promising future fighters were abandoned.  Suddenly the RAF saw the supersonic Hunter as a way to supplement fighter number without introducing a "new" aircraft.  The upgrade was given the designation Hunter F.11, following on from the FGA.9 ground attack upgrade of the F.6 already in development.  In production form the F.11 was equipped with the Ferranti AI.23 AIRPASS Radar system that also equipped the Lightning.  This capable radar set combined with a potential warlord of four Firestreak missiles turned the Hunter into a capable interceptor. 

In Early 1959 the RAF ordered 128 Hunter F.11s, with the first 36 being upgraded F.6 airframes.  Experience with the upgrade showed that a new build would actually be easier and in some ways cheaper than the extensive upgrade, plus with export interest heating up a new production line was warranted. 

The F.11 served with the RAF from late 1959 until 1985 when the last RAuxAF squadron disbanded.  Twelve examples remained in service the Royal Navy FRADU until 1994. 

Export customers included Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand, and Norway with F.11 production totaling 488 including conversions from F.6 models. 

This model depicts an F.11 serving with 74 "Tiger" Squadron in late 1962.  Following Iraq's failed invasion of Kuwait in 1961 the UK beefed up its military presence in the region, deploying two squadrons of Hunter F.11s and a squadron of Canberra bombers to Muharraq in Bahrain.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/3082/YyFJDH.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/3249/h6Iqph.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/7662/RZOMYf.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/1996/peeu1x.jpg)
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: Weaver on June 20, 2021, 01:13:47 PM
Wow that's pretty, and even more impressive given that you did it in a week! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: Gondor on June 20, 2021, 01:51:02 PM
That's really good  :wub:

Gondor
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: Caveman on June 20, 2021, 02:20:22 PM
looks like a winner to me!
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: Mossie on June 20, 2021, 11:22:32 PM
Looking good in toffee and chocolate. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: Nick on June 21, 2021, 05:19:59 AM
Phwoar! That's a cracker that is!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: NARSES2 on June 21, 2021, 06:58:42 AM
Quote from: Nick on June 21, 2021, 05:19:59 AM
Phwoar! That's a cracker that is!  :thumbsup:

Certainly not understated  ;D Fantastic build Nick  :bow: :bow:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: The Rat on June 21, 2021, 08:14:42 AM
Modifying a Hunter and it still comes out beautiful. Great job!  :wub:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: TheChronicOne on June 21, 2021, 01:14:27 PM
Wow!!! Look at THAT. I'm impressed, that looks awesome.... I love it.  "Study long, study wrong!" Amazing what can be done in a week or less.
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: ChernayaAkula on June 21, 2021, 05:53:40 PM
Whoa! :wub: Nice! Gorgeous model. Lovely paint scheme.

How can you work so fast, but still build cleanly? Nothing about this looks rushed in any way. What paints do you use?
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: AeroplaneDriver on June 21, 2021, 07:14:00 PM
Quote from: ChernayaAkula on June 21, 2021, 05:53:40 PM
Whoa! :wub: Nice! Gorgeous model. Lovely paint scheme.

How can you work so fast, but still build cleanly? Nothing about this looks rushed in any way. What paints do you use?

Thank you! 

On this one the gray is Hataka Red Line acrylic and the upper camo colors and black are Vallejo Model Air.  Primer was Tamiya Fine White from the rattle can.
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: Glenn Gilbertson on June 22, 2021, 02:23:24 PM
That really looks the business! Great story & superb build. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hawker Super Hunter F.11 COMPLETED
Post by: CammNut on June 23, 2021, 03:57:35 PM
Oh m, I'm in love! Now I have to tell my wife, and the girlfriend(s)