A new Falklands conflict? An ongoing project.

Big Bird · August 10, 2008, 05:57:35 AM

An agreement between the Falkland Islands and Argentina had set the terms for exploitation of offshore resources including large oil reserves, however, in 2007 Argentina unilaterally withdrew from the agreement. In response, Falklands Oil and Gas Limited has signed an agreement with BHP Billiton to investigate the potential exploitation of oil reserves.
In December 2008 larger than expected oil reserves were discovered. Immediately the Argentine Government claimed all deposits up to 200 miles from it's coast. This led to the British Government counterclaiming that all deposits up to 200 miles from the Falklands belonged to Britain. As the Falkland Islands are only 300 miles from the Argentinean coast this left the largest of the deposits in dispute. Seeing that the situation could very quickly deteriorate and another war ensue and suspecting that the islands will never see any monies from the discoveries. The Executive Council, advises the Governor that the islands were declaring independence from the UK and that the Chief Executive of the Council would act as president until elections could be held.
The British Government gambled and tried to influence the the Executive Council by withdrawing military support. Unmoved the newly formed Falkland Islands Government looked for arms and equipment to protect their assets. The British government not wishing to loose face by giving in to the Islanders, but also no wishing to loose any chance of getting it's hands on the oil covertly started making deals to aid the Islands government. It's first move was to secretly broker a deal between the the hard up Zimbabwean government to sell the Islands 6 Britt-Norman BN-2A Islanders and 12 BAE Hawks.
At the same time British companies made deals to convert the Islanders to Defenders and 3 of the Islanders to AEW/MR aircraft and to service and equip the Hawks with sidewinders and the ability to carry and fire the Sea Eagle anti shipping missile. The work was undertaken at Mount Pleasant Airfield. Rather coincidentally a number of RAF pilots and personnel left the service and a week later enrolled in the newly formed air arm of the FIDF Falkland Islands Defense Force.
With in nine weeks the first aircraft and personnel were undertaking training missions, ready to defend the oilfields.

A whole airforce can be spawned from this idea. So first up will be one of the BAE hawks equipped with a Sea Eagle antishipping missile. For this I'm using this kit, which was given to me by Bex (bexwh773). Someone has started it and lost the decals. No problem as I will need to source some special decals for it.

The Rat · August 10, 2008, 07:43:24 AM

Methinks some of the more determined folks here will be burning the midnight oil coming up with FIDF markings for you. And someone really ought to be tasked to build the Defenders!

Keep in mind that they might have to fight the Rayador.

AeroplaneDriver · August 10, 2008, 08:37:20 AM

Great backstory! I'll be watching this one with interest Bex.

Big Bird · August 10, 2008, 08:41:58 AM

Quote from: AeroplaneDriver on August 10, 2008, 08:37:20 AM
Great backstory! I'll be watching this one with interest Bex.

Try Mish

AeroplaneDriver · August 10, 2008, 08:49:29 AM

I jsut realised what I had typed, but was too late to edit without embarassment!! Duh!!

Rafael · August 10, 2008, 08:53:45 AM

Again, this is stirring my interest

Lots of things could come out from this scenario and build.

Rafa

sotoolslinger · August 10, 2008, 09:05:25 AM

Neato Mish. I have always liked that aircraft. Looking forward to seeing this progress.

Big Bird · August 11, 2008, 08:19:39 AM

Made a start on the Hawk today a basic kit this one is.

John Howling Mouse · August 11, 2008, 07:14:10 PM

Watching with great interest as this kit has been collecting dust on my shelf for years. Please keep us updated with in-progress pics and your assessment of the kit.

The backstory is a clever concept, too. So, which one of you hogs the most workbench space, anyhow?

Big Bird · August 11, 2008, 10:39:57 PM

Quote from: John Howling Mouse on August 11, 2008, 07:14:10 PM
....So, which one of you hogs the most workbench space, anyhow?

Sorry John
I don't understand

bexwh773 · August 14, 2008, 05:49:03 AM

Quote from: Big Bird on August 11, 2008, 10:39:57 PM
Quote from: John Howling Mouse on August 11, 2008, 07:14:10 PM
....So, which one of you hogs the most workbench space, anyhow?
Sorry John
I don't understand

Its very simple Sis, but, alas I forgot you live in St Neots (Snots

) What JHM is asking, is which one of us hogs the work bench as I dont think he realised that you live 200 miles away from Sunny Gatwick

I must say, your back story is very intriging and has a very wide scope for crazy ideas

Bex

Big Bird · August 14, 2008, 06:17:24 AM

Ahh right, well it's only about 140 miles actually.
So different benches.

sotoolslinger · August 14, 2008, 10:07:48 AM

Hey Big Bird. I found that exact kit at my LHS yesterday. Still haven't decided how I will bastardize mine yet

But be assured it will be Texican

Mine may also end up as a space ship

Martin H · August 14, 2008, 03:07:51 PM

Quote from: sotoolslinger on August 14, 2008, 10:07:48 AM
Hey Big Bird. I found that exact kit at my LHS yesterday. Still haven't decided how I will bastardize mine yet But be assured it will be Texican Mine may also end up as a space ship

How about a USAF T-45, with out all the navy gear. Could realy confuse joe public at any show lol

Big Bird · August 15, 2008, 07:21:49 AM

A bit more on the Hawk today. Looks like I have myself a filler queen.