I wont redo the backstory since I'm happy with the version I posted when I started the project last weekend, but here she is:

Royal Navy Skyhawk FG.1, 800 NAS aboard HMS Invincible (ex USS Shangri La), September 1977.

Armament is a fairly standard loadout with two Matra 155 pods, two AIM-9B Sidewinders, and the internal Aden 30mm cannon with 250 rounds or ammunition.

The Skyhawk FG.1 can carry up to two Matra pods on the triple ejector racks on the inboard pylons, with the inner rack remaining open for landing gear door clearance.

Other weapons carried by the RN Skyhawks included 500 and 1000 lb GP bombs, Martel anti-ship missiles, and during the 1982 Falklands War, the AIM-9L Sidewinder, Shrike anti-radar missile, and 1000lb LGB.

Though the 1977 air display season is winding down in September, aircraft 250 of 800 NAS still wears the 1952-era Sky undersurfaces painted on for the Queen's Silver Jubilee.  Though not a filthy aircraft, it is evident that this Skyhawk has left the display circuit and returned to the business of carrier flight operations.

Apart from the normal UK avionics fit, the FG.1 carried a Farranti LRMTS under hte nose and an infra-red search/track unit over the nose.  A Radar Warning Receiver was fitted 3/4 of the way up the vertical stabilizer, common on most RN/RAF aircraft of the period.

     
That's all I can really say. That, and, "Oh my god I'm in love with a model!"

Great work! Amazing! Epic! So damn cool! Gimme one!

I'm in awe because it looks SOOOO good.

I'm jealous because you got yours done before mine.

And I'm pissed at myself because I STILL haven't finished mine!      

Beautifully executed!      

Totally awesome  

Looks super, Nick!  
 What paint did you use on the upper surfaces?

That is sweet!

   

QuoteLooks super, Nick!  
 What paint did you use on the upper surfaces?

Polly Scale Acrylic Extra Dark Sea Grey on top, Tamiya Sky below

VERY IMPRESSIVE !!!! That is one beautiful aircraft you've got there. Bravo Zulu! B)  B)  B)
    Eddie

Heartstopping stunner you have there!

Very professional.

Wow: saved to the hard drive, for sure!

       

That is one of those jets you look at, and just say "Wow".
    Super build.

           greg

that's beautiful, I especially like the very British lumps & bumps  

Wish I'd built that !

I H-G
Wanders off all quiet & lonely to look at his Viggen and sigh !