85 Sqn Centenary special

[Devilfish]

No. 85 Squadron was formed at Upavon on the 1st August 1917.  Initially equipped with Sopwith Dophins, but quickly changing to S.E.5a fighters.
85 have the honour of being the only Sqn to have been commanded by 2 VC holders, and has had more than its fair share of aces in both wars.
In a period of 14 days during WW1, 85 Sqn accounted for 39 victories.
They were disbanded in 1919, but reformed in 1938, initially flying Gladiators, but again, quickly moving over to Hurricanes.
85 Sqn were one of the squadrons sent to France as part of the BEF and during the 10 days of the Battle of France, they claimed 90 confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed.(further claims remained unsubstantiated)
A further 54 victories were gained by the Sqn during the Battle of Britain.
After the Battle of Britain, 85 were reassigned to the night fighter role, which they also excelled at.  John "Catseyes" Cunningham was one of the most prominent pilots, helping to raise the wartime tally to 278 kills and 33 V-1 flying bombs.
Post war, 85 Sqn entered the jet age, flying Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF.11, 12 and 14s, then moving on to the Javelin.
By the mid 1960's they had become a target towing and AI training squadron.
In 1975, they gave up their aircraft and began a 26 year vigil, protecting the East coast from Soviet bombers, with the Bloodhound Mk2 Surface to Air Missile.
85 Sqn are no longer operational, finally disbanding in 2011, having been a training squadron, flying Grob Tutors. A rather ignominious end to such a proud squadron.
However, had they still been operational, what would they be flying? Well, given a choice of....one....aircraft, they would be undoubtedly be equipped with the Eurofighter Typhoon.
So, to celebrate 100 years of the Squadron, I present my one and only anniversary build....
Revell 1/48 Typhoon

DSC_0081 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0072 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0073 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0076 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0074 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0063 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0061 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0083 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

DSC_0058 by Paul Carter, on Flickr

[Old Wombat]

Awesome!

[PR19_Kit]

A super looking model and a damn good idea all round too. 

[NARSES2]

Tremendous work  Panel line wash is just right 

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Great idea and beautifully modelled!

[sandiego89]

Great decals, and perfect timing!  Well done

[Martin H]

Works for me  you cant go wrong with 85sqn markings

[Gondor]

Works for me  you cant go wrong with 85sqn markings

That sounds like a challenge 

Gondor

[Old Wombat]

Works for me  you cant go wrong with 85sqn markings

That sounds like a challenge 

Gondor

On an Avro Bison?


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Bison

Or the Blackburn Blackburn?


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn_Blackburn

[PR19_Kit]

Oh goodness, the Blackburn Blackburn, one of the finalists in the World's Ugliest Aeroplane Competition! 

[Devilfish]

Oh goodness, the Blackburn Blackburn, one of the finalists in the World's Ugliest Aeroplane Competition! 

So ugly they named it twice!

[Old Wombat]

Oh goodness, the Blackburn Blackburn, one of the finalists in the World's Ugliest Aeroplane Competition! 

I'd suggest the Bison was sitting right next to it.

[darthspud2]

Gert lush build there. Up the 85th

[NARSES2]

Do you think with the Blackburn the RAF was working on the basis that if they made the Navy take it their Lordship's would stop agitating to get the FAA back under their control ? Possibly even scrap their carriers to avoid getting anything similar in the future ?