1/72 Fairey Flyswatter

[Brian da Basher]

In 1929, the Air Ministry anounced it was looking for a new fighter. Many companies submitted designs, and one of those chosen was the proposal by the Fairey Aircraft Co. The new fighter had a very powerful Rolls-Royce Wastrel radial engine and was armed with two synchronized .303 machine guns, the standard of the day. It was also graced with the most streamlined, spatted undercarriage seen yet on an RAF aircraft. During trials when it out-turned the front-line Bristol Bulldog, an RAF Air Commodore was heard to exclaim "Why sending this craft against an enemy would be like swatting a fly with a sledgehammer!" and the name stuck. The new Fairey Flyswatter was ordered into production and soon equipped many Home Defence squadrons. As newer fighters came online in the mid to late 1930s, the Flyswatter was sent to equip second line units all over the British Empire. The example shown here, K8471, served in North Africa and was made famous by Squadron Leader (later Group Captain) Gary Hogg for shooting down no less than 12 Italian fighters in combat. It is currently on display at the Museum of the Desert Air Force in Mitre Square, London.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

A few weeks back, the ever-generous HOG offered up a 1/72 Avia C-2 trainer model. I felt lucky to be the quickest to reply as I'm always on the lookout for frugal ways to increase my kit stash. He was also kind enough to send me what he called "bits of a Fairey Flycatcher" knowing I like biplanes and figuring I would find the parts useful. Well, to my great surprise, he sent me a complete Flycatcher kit! Granted, it was a bit rough by today's standards, but I was delighted to recieve it!

Of course, there was no way I was going to build it straight out of the box...

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

My first consideration was how to modify it. Since my last project was spat-less, adding spats weas a given, but what else could I do? I rummaged around my spares boxes and found an engine and cowling left over from a Hayate. As the cowling has such nice gun troughs molded into it, that was a natural. All I needed to do next was add the gun barrels and rear gun blocks. I also decided to add a larger headrest fairing made from 1/3 of a drop tank and modify the fin so it was larger and sleeker. Then I added a spinner to the kit prop for a more modern look and opted to only use the oleo bits of the undercarriage legs as they looked beefy enough to work. Finally, I cut a windscreen from acetate to complete the engineering part of this project.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

The final phase of this build was deciding on a camo scheme and markings. Thorvic sent me a huge supply of spare RAF markings and I found some very nice ones with light blue outer rings. I decided they would look best on a desert scheme. I used Model Masters Dark Earth and U.S. Army Gulf Tan for the uppers and a custom mix of light blue done with gesso and Ultramarine Blue artists' acrylics. The prop was done with Model Masters steel and the engine was first painted with Tamiya Gunmetal and then drybrushed with more Steel color to bring out the highlights.

Brian da Basher

[Maverick]

As always, a disturbingly realistic build Brian.  You'd have the JMNs scratching their collective noggins over some of this stuff.

[Brian da Basher]

I want to thank Gary (HOG) for his incredible generosity in sending me this lovely little biplane kit from all the way across the Pond. HOG, I couldn't have done it without you!

Brian da Basher

[HOG]

Hi Brian

Blimey flattery and promotion,  I`m honoured.
Nice converstion of a bad but typical Veeday kit. You don`t let the grass grow do you.

Regards Gary
ps other bits on the way

[The Rat]

Brian, there are precious few modelers on this or any other board who can match your output, creativity, and skill. Another all-round winner! 

[Rafael]

Who can't love spats after seeing this beauty!?

Just excellent, Bri!!!

Rafa

[B777LR]

Flyswatter! There couldnt be a more fitting name for a 1920s era aircraft!

[kitbasher]

Flyswatter indeed!  Great name, great build!!

[John Howling Mouse]

Aw, you freak----you're going to convince me to build another biplane with all these beauties you've been uploading!   I can just imagine how this baby could yaw on a dime to fire upon any pursuer.

Must feel great "flying" this one around the home!!!