Two of Hawker's Finest

[NARSES2]

Hawker Tempest Mk V of 322e Jachtvliegtuig Afdeling (Fighter Division) of the Royal Netherlands Army Twente Air Base the Netherlands late 1947.

In the winter of 1945 322 (Dutch) Squadron R.A.F. swapped its Spitfire XIV's for Hawker Tempests and it was with these aircraft that the squadron returned to Europe with the sudden collapse of the German forces in Central Europe in the late Spring of 1946. The Squadron finished the war at Wunstorf in Germany and after standing down as an R.A.F. Squadron it was immediately incorporated into the reformed Royal Netherlands Army (Air Force) maintaining its squadron number in order to recognise its service during WWII. They kept their Hawker Tempests which were on loan from the R.A.F. , thus retaining R.A.F. serial numbers, until replaced by Gloster Meteors in 1948. This particular aircraft was flown by Squadron Leader Bram "Bob" van der Stok who having just been promoted Wing Commander immediately prior to the Squadron's disbandment by the R.A.F. maintained his pennant as a personal marking.

The kit is the Academy one which is a really nice, simple, enjoyable model; I've built at least 5 others. I built this mainly because I was getting incredibly frustrated with the Trumpeter Sea Fury and it served the purpose of helping me relax and enjoy my modelling again. Paints used are my standard mix of Xtracrylic and Lifecolor with various others for small details. Markings came from the spares box.

N.B. Squadron Leader Bram "Bob" van der Stok was indeed the final commander of 322 Sqd R.A.F.

[NARSES2]

Hawker Sea Fury "Bette" of 1844 Squadron F.A.A. off H.M.S Indomitable in the South China Sea flown by Sub Lt Michael Crawford during the strikes against Hanoi/Haiphong. Some of the older Brits may get this little jokette.

This is the Trumpeter kit and I'm not going to repeat my frustrations with the build of this as they are amply described in my Blog elsewhere on this site.

Paints used are my standard mix of Xtracrylic and Lifecolor with various others for small details. Markings came from an Eagle Strike sheet for the individual aircraft markings whilst the B.P.F. roundels came from the Xtradecal sheet. The individual aircraft names origin is lost in the mists of time and it was found in the transfers' box. The real W of 1844 Sqd was a Hellcat 2 and the national markings provided were way too big for the Sea Fury whence the use of the Xtradecal sheet.

[NARSES2]

Here's my version of the BPF's Strike Force circa late 1946



And finally here's my Kara's which can be found here - http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,39408.msg652023.html#new

[TallEng]

Glad you persevered with the Sea Fury, it's one of my all time favorite piston engined
Fighters. Looks good in B.P.F. Colours
If it ever becomes available at a reasonable price I could be tempted by the Trumpeter Sea Fury,
Unless of course somebody else has a go... Are you listening Mr Airfix?

Regards
Keith

[kitnut617]

Think your first set of photos (the Dutch one) is a Mk.V Chris

But Tempests and Furys /Sea Furys are my most favorite piston powered aircraft and those are very nicely done 

Your Spearfish really shows it's size too --- 

[Tophe]

I love your FAA Sea-Fury!

[Dizzyfugu]

They look both great. At some time I considered a Netherland's Turbo Fury in a livery similar to the Tempest... the FAA Fury is pretty, too! 

[PR19_Kit]

I can't see anything Whiffish about any of them, surely they're all RW models, arent' they? 

[lancer]

Some real beauties there Chris. My favourite has to be the BPF Sea Fury though....

[Captain Canada]

Some beauties there Chris ! Love the Sea Fury. The orange spinner is a nice touch as well

[Weaver]

Those are all splendid - well done! 

Oooooh, Betty! 

[rickshaw]

Beauty, mate!  Love the Tempest and the Sea Fury!  Lovely! 

[kitbasher]

Tremendous stuff Chris. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[Army of One]

Cap'n C......I gotta echo your observation......I think the orange spinner is a fantastic touch.......I love the paint scheme....love the build 
Gotta say......really like the Sea Fury as well..........

[NARSES2]

Think your first set of photos (the Dutch one) is a Mk.V Chris

Doh....corrected. Thanks mate 

And thank you gents and did any get the "Bette" and pilot name jokette ?