Shuttle's Report - Duxford 30 May 2013.

Duxford was a hive of activity today due to some major filming going on over the next few days. A lot of extras were being formed up and there is a lot of 'set dressing' going on. It looks like an assault course was being built on the north side..! However, the highlight was an incredible John Romain flying display in the Buchon wearing some unusual colours....! This was being filmed from the runway. The Catalina did a few circuits as well.

 Shuttle.

Final product photos, HA8305, Spitfire HF Mk.IXc flown by Otto Smik.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series, HA8305, Spitfire HF Mk.IXc "DU-N" flown by Otto Smik, ML296, 312 Sqn., England 1944.

The RAF 312 Squadron was formed in August 1940 comprised of Czechoslovaks who had managed to escape Nazi occupied Europe. One such person was Otto Smik who by the age of 21 had become an Ace. 

During the Normandy invasion Smik shot down three FW-190s before being shot down. With the help of the Dutch Resistance he managed to return to his unit. On November 28, 1944 at the age of 22 Otto Smik was killed by AAA. His final score, 12 victories plus 3 V1s.

Pre-production photos, HA8402, P-47D Thunderbolt "No Guts No Glory".

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series, HA8402, P-47D Thunderbolt Lt. Col. Benjamin Mayo, 82nd FS, 78th FG Duxford Air Base, 1944.

70th Anniversary of the audacious Dambusters Raid.

Last week saw the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and No.617 Sqn. celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid. The flypast took place at the dam in the Hope Valley in Derbyshire where the Dambusters of 617 Sqn. did their practice runs using the twin towers of the reservoir. Pics from the link below.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2325460/Dambusters-Back-began-lone-Lancaster-marks-70-years-audacious-Dambusters-raid.html

Pre-production photos, HA4202, Boston Mk.IV RAF 18th Squadron.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA4202, Boston Mk.IV BZ507/Y RAF 18th Squadron, Italy 1944-45.

Pre-production photos, HA3110, F-102A Texas ANG, 111th FIS.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA3110, F-102A Delta Dagger 56-1188, Texas ANG, 111th FIS 1970s.

Pre-production photos, SM6009, F-84G Thunderjet "Five Aces"

SkyMax 1/72 Flying Heroes Series, SM6009, F-84G Thunderjet 51-1111 "Five Aces" 69 FBS, 58 FBW Taegu, Korea 1952.

Final product photos, HA7720, P-51D Mustang "DoDo" flown by Captain Clinton Burdick.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series, HA7720, P-51D Mustang QI-B "DoDo" flown by Captain Clinton Burdick, 361st FS, 356th FG, 8th USAAF, England, 1944. There are two models one with a special edition plate on the stand signed by the pilot.

P-51D Mustang 44-15310 named “DoDo” was piloted by Captain Clinton Burdick of the 361st FS, 356th FG, 8th USAAF. Captain Burdick was one of the 356th five aces when he scored 5.5 victories, all against Fw-190s. Captain Burdick’s victories were achieved between November 25 1944 and January 14 1945. 

On February 20 1945 Captain Burdick flew the last of his 53 combat missions. Clinton was the second Burdick ace; his father Lt. Howard Burdick flew a Sopwith Camel with the 17th PS in WWI. He accumulated 8 aerial victories and was awarded the DFC and DSC.

Pre-production photos, HA3316, F-5E Tiger II, Patrouille Suisse.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA3316, F-5E Tiger II Patrouille Suisse, Einsatz Flugzeuge 2013. The model comes with decals for 6 different aircraft.