Czech Mate

[The Rat]

Hawker Postolka

The 'Prague Spring', which began on January 5, 1968, caught the USSR completely unprepared. Faulty intelligence had not only failed to predict a win for the liberal forces of Alexander Dubcek, but had utterly underestimated both the strength of the movement and its resolve. It was apparent from the outset that the Czechoslovak military was in full support of the government, and would offer stiff resistance in the event of Soviet intervention.



A tense stand-off began in late August, when Russian forces began to mobilise, but similar liberal movements among the populace in Hungary and Poland made any possible transit through those countries problematic. NATO made it clear that it was prepared to stand ready with any resistance, and America even pulled some troops and materiel out of Vietnam to bolster those in Europe.



In the end, a diplomatic solution was reached. Czechoslovakia would be split into two countries, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. This, in itself, was of little consequence to the people of either country, as they had always been distinct cultures, and were only a single country due to outside influence. The new Czech Republic would peacefully leave the Warsaw Pact and Comecon, but would remain politically neutral and not join NATO. Residents of Slovakia were not happy at the political outcome, and there was some resentment toward the west for what was seen as an abandonment. But in reality, the previously tense situation was now stable, and liberal forces behind the Iron Curtain felt a glimmer of hope.



New aircraft were needed for the Czech Air Force, as part of the agreement required that all weaponry was to be turned over to Warsaw Pact nations. Britain was quick off the mark with resupply, and provided Hawker Hunters that were previously earmarked for Kuwait. Twenty FGA.9 aircraft sporting desert camouflage were delivered to the Pardubice air base, and were initially parked alongside various Russian aircraft which had yet to depart. It was the first time during the Cold war that aircraft from both sides had operated from the same base. The Hunters were immediately repainted in a temporary overall green scheme, with light grey undersides, and given the name 'Postolka', Czech for Kestrel. These remained in service until 1977, when they were supplanted with the TSR.2.

This model represents one of the first aircraft delivered, after repainting. Later camouflage was a two-tone green.

[zenrat]

...and after the Russian aircraft had all departed it was noted that there only seemed to be nineteen Postolkas left at Pardubice...

Excellent bit of building and a great story.

[The Rat]

...and after the Russian aircraft had all departed it was noted that there only seemed to be nineteen Postolkas left at Pardubice...

[DogfighterZen]

Excellent bit of building and a great story.

My feelings exactly!

[Army of One]

Great........love it.....

[brigadyr]

wow! 

[The Rat]

Thanks all. The Czech roundels were from the KP MiG-17PF, which was posted here as The Crimson Kite. Fuselage numbers were found laying around in the stash, can't remember what from. Upper paint was Polly Scale Signal Green, a bottle which I bought decades ago for reasons unknown, and it just begged to be finally used on something. Lower surface is Model Master Acryl Light Grey. The model is the old Airfix Hunter FGA.9, which captures that lines nicely. And let's leave it there, because the kit is definitely showing its age. 

[NARSES2]

Yup, come out well Ratty

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Looks good -and I liked the story.