Been Thinking About An Alternate Wwii Theory

[Lord Darth Beavis]

I'm going to do my F2R-1 as a RAN Shark FR.1, HMAS Sydney, July 1947 (?).  I may have to snatch up the FR-1 Fireball and do her as a RCN Fireball FR.1, on HMCS Bonaventure (ex-HMS Indomitable).

Of course, the fun part is going to be finding RCN and RAN decals...and a suitable paintscheme.

Backstory?  They're operating in support of Operation Chalice, the Allied invasion of the Kamchatka Peninsula.  In my timeline, Adolph doesn't turn on Uncle Joe (at least not yet!), and the considerable Russian manufacturing power lends ol' Schicklegruber a serious industrial assist.  

Aerial bombardment has been canceled over Fortress Europe, as the overwhelming airpower from the Red Air Force and the Luftwaffe has produced loss rates over 40%, on a regular basis.  Hap Arnold and Bomber Harris have been driven from their positions, and Jimmy Doolittle's raid on Tokyo ended in disaster when an IJN submarine encountered the Hornet, and slipped 3 torpedoes into her hull, sending her to the bottom.  General Doolittle and his remaining pilots managed to survive until rescued a week later.  The Navy decides it is too dangerous to try again, until the Japanese Navy has been contained.

In the Atlantic, the Wolfpacks have pretty much shut down convoys, with 60-75% losses.  The Battle of the Atlantic has been a disaster, as the US has been unwilling to give more than a token support to the convoys, preferring to convey cargo by air.  A steady train of Hughes Hercules flying boats brings supplies of everything except heavy armor, which is traveling by ships, hence mostly littering the bottom of the Atlantic.

The first attempt at Overlord ends in failure when the Axis powers are tipped to the date, time and location courtesy Kim Philby and Donald Maclean, and have time to reposition their armor and artillery under cover of the night, taking the beaches under a murderous artillery and aerial bombardment.  Luftwaffe IL-2s and Ju-88s manage to sink several hundred boats and ships, leading to the death of almost 50,000 allied troops, and the capture of over a hundred thousand more.  At this point, Britain decides to sue for a cease-fire, choosing to support the war effort through the Commonwealth countries of Canada, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and India, although India is attempting to revolt and support the Soviets.

The Allies have managed to invade Italy as far north as Rome, which has been declared an open city, allowing troops of both sides to R&R there (a unique position by Il Duce).

And that's as far as I've gotten.

Comments and suggestions?

Oh, and can anybody recommend a decal sheet for the RAN, HMAS Sydney?  

[Maverick]

Given the RAN had pretty much the same markings as RN FAA stuff until the late 50s - early 60s, you'd be safe using anything from the BPF or the like I'd think.  As for Europe, the same deal so any Brit markings would suffice.

Regards,

Mav

[Jennings]

Mike Grant Decals has a 1/72 RCN Sea Fury set coming (I know, I did the artwork!).  Should work fine for a Skyshark.

J

[Lord Darth Beavis]

Oops!  Forgot to mention, the F2R-1 is the Czech Model 1/48th kit.  Still, any 1/48th Fury decal oughta do it.

You know, I'm also contemplating a RNZAF variant... :dum:

Maybe I'll just concentrate on the Pacific, as Europe will pretty much stay in that state of uneasy peace called a cease-fire...