Finished Builds

[kitbasher]

Messerschmitt Bf109E-4, 374a Squadriglia, Corpo Aereo Italiano, Regia Aeronautica, Ursel (Belgium) 3 October 1940





The CAI very quickly began to suffer at the hands of the RAF following its deployment to Belgium in support of its Luftwaffe allies.  Generale sa Rino Corso-Fougier pleaded with Mussolini to ask Hitler for a loan of more capable fighters.  In response, 36 Bf109E-4s were transferred to the CAI, their markings hastily overpainted and Italian markings applied prior to entering combat.

The CAI was not an effective force, being withdrawn from Belgium in early 1941 and taking its remaining 'Emilios' with them.  More German types would be transferred to the Regia Aeronautica later that year when Ju87s entered Italian service.  The Regia Aeronautica would continue to receive Bf109s, eventually becoming a major user of the G-6.

[kitbasher]

Hawker Hurricane Ic, P2921 GZ-L, 32 Sqn RAF, Hawkinge August 1940





The Hurricane Ic was a cannon-armed version of the Hurricane I fighter equipped with two 20mm Oerlikon cannons.  Only two squadrons (32 and 151) were equipped with the Ic; the sub-type being an urgent development - an experiment almost - to seek ways of improving the firepower of RAF single seat fighters.  The Ic was withdrawn from use at the end of the year as a result of frequent cannon faults but cannon-armed Hurricanes in the form of the far superior Mk IIc would enter service in large numbers in June 1941.

At the time of the Battle of Britain there were three Hurricane I variants in service - the Ia (8 x .303 Browning MGs), the Ib ('B  for Bomb' - a conversion of the Ia fitted with bomb racks that could carry 250 lbs bombs intended to attack invading German forces as they landed on beaches - the racks were fitted but the Ib was never used as a 'Hurribomber') and the Ic ('C for Cannon').

[Captain Canada]

Under the wire as per usual !

[Captain Canada]

[Captain Canada]

[Captain Canada]

[Nick]

Avia B.135 in Luftwaffe service

A squadron of these was produced for Luftwaffe trials in early 1940. They saw active service in August and September 1940 escorting bombers over the Channel to attack RAF bases in England.
Their limited numbers, shortage of spare parts and incompatible guns meant this didn't work out too well. In January 1941 the decision was made to send these back to Prague for training purposes, no more were to be made and the factory was to concentrate on license building the Messerschmitt Bf-109.

[perttime]

Avia B.135 in Luftwaffe service

...

I think you missed the deadline

[PR19_Kit]

Avia B.135 in Luftwaffe service

...

I think you missed the deadline

I KNOW he did, the Poll is already in place.

[perttime]

 

I like the Avia, even if it came a couple of days late