1/72 Matchbox Hawker Fury

by Oliver Weston

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Hello ARC'ers!

Here we have a classic (and beautiful) British fighter penned by probably (in my humble opinion) one of the greatest aircraft designers in history Sir Sidney Camm. There is something about Camm's work that is both functional and asthetically pleasing. I can't remember but it may have been the great man himself that said "if an aircraft looks right it'll fly right!", and this applied to so many of his designs. The aircraft represented is of No 43 Squadron "The Fighting Cocks" (stop the sniggering at the back there!), which were famous for there aerobatic displays in the 30's. And for achieving a greater number of interceptions than any other fighter wing.

    The Fury I entered squadron service with the RAF in May 1931, re-equipping No. 43 Squadron. Owing to financial limitations because of the Great Depression, only relatively small numbers of Fury 1's were ordered, the type equipping only three squadrons, with the slower Bristol Bulldog equipping the bulk of the RAF's fighter squadrons. The Fury II entered service in 1936-1937. Furies remained in front line service with the RAF until 1939, replaced with, amongst other designs, Gloster Gladiators and Hawker Hurricanes, but continued to be used for training purposes.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

As for the kit, it was built straight out of the box including decals. With only the addition of antenna wires and bracing for the wings. The kit itself went together well without the use of any putty, you do get the impression that Matchbox kits are of a reasonable quality. Although the funny coloured plastic can take some coats of paint to cover! Lovely little model and bags of fun to make!

Happy Modelling!!!!

Oliver

Photos and text © by Oliver Weston