1/72 Matchbox Tempest Mk. II

Gallery Article by Paolo De Sanctis on Dec 30 2010

 

The aircraft: 
The British were impressed by the overall superior technology showed by a captured F. W. 190 in June 1942; by that time they studied for an aircraft similarly arranged. They began to install a radial Bristol Centaurus engine in the HawKer Tempest, thus building the Mk. II version.  Then continued so on with the Sea-Fury, in fact a lightweight and size-reduced Tempest II.

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The model: 
The Matchbox kit is unique among the whole Tempest kits offered because it provides the pieces to build the Mk. II version.  I built this kit mostly OOB (apart from a complete scratchbuilt cockpit), but at that time - 1990 circa - I didn't know all the techniques to realize the Natural Metal finish that I know today.  So I painted it in Humbrol 11 overall, albeit with an airbrush.  But I was not happy with it because it resembled a brand new coin too much.  So I recently grabbed it and I applied a complete weathering, oil colours, leaks, fumes included.  Today is a little enhanced although photos don' t do it justice.

Decals are as supplied in the box; Matchbox decals are among the best for colours and adhering power.  Many greetings to all the ARC Air friends!

Paolo De Sanctis

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Photos and text © by Paolo De Sanctis