Shuttle's Report - Duxford 3 February 2014.

Just a quick update. The IWM WWI Mk1 tank is now ready to move back to Lambeth Rd - it looks great. The F-15 is also getting some cleaning treatment (prior to going into the AAM). BBD is also going in there but I am not sure if it will be in this scheme? The He-162 has been reassembled.

I couldn't resist a picture of the TSR.2 after my recent 'code 3' efforts.

In hanger 2 Sally B is getting some work done and the Chippie is making progress.

The first air show is getting ever near.....!!

 Shuttle

King Air 90 twin crashes at Lanseria this morning.

JOHANNESBURG - At least three people died when a small aircraft crashed on landing at Lanseria airport, north-west of Johannesburg.

The light aircraft reportedly went down in heavy rain and burst into flames on impact. It had reportedly completely missed the runway, and crashed in an open area near the ExecuJet building.

Gavin Sayce, CEO of Lanseria airport, has confirmed that the plane was a King Air 90, which is a twin-turboprop aircraft produced by Beechcraft.

http://www.enca.com/south-africa/three-dead-lanseria-light-aircraft-crash

http://www.news24.com/Travel/South-Africa/Lanseria-flights-unaffected-by-fatal-crash-20140203

Shuttle's Code 3 Corgi No.617 Sqn. TSR-2

Many will know Shuttle from his Duxford reports and Corgi pre-production photos. He's tried his hand at a Code 3 project involving the Corgi TSR-2 and produced a fantastic "what-if " No.617 Sqn. operational scheme. Hopefully his efforts will whet your appetites and encourage Corgi to seriously consider doing one!

OK, I made a massive effort and got it finished in the last two days. I ended up using most of the parts from the Tornado Gr1 but swapped the drop tanks for a 'Hindenburger' pair. Using the aftermarket decal sheet I went for a simple 617 squadron scheme with the 'high viz' roundels. This reminded me of an RAF yearbook that had a great article on cancelled projects. 

So this is a mid '1970's TSR.2 carrying the equipment that would eventually go onto the Tornado. With upgraded avionics, improved engines and a self defence 'fit' it would have been a very capable aircraft.

A 'code 3' is certainly an interesting experience. I approached it as a model Corgi could easily produce using existing parts from the tool bank. I think it would be a popular model and would even be a good 500/500 split run with another similar scheme (different squadron) or a different weapons fit. 

Lessons learned:

1: I should have gone over the whole model with some 'wet and dry' to key the surface.

2: Metal chips paint very easily...!

3: Once you do a code 3 you appreciate a lot more the effort that goes into making a standard diecast.

 Shuttle

For more photos follow this link.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dora-9-Diecast/117765251636451

Bahrain International Airshow 2014

Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2014 was held at Sakhir Air Base, around 35 minutes’ drive from central Manama, between 16 and 18 January.  Karl Drage was present, acting as Crew Chief for the Huawei Twister Duo.

Over 100 international and domestic companies were represented at BIAS 2014.  Amongst the bigger names present were Airbus, BAE Systems, Bahrain Defence Force, Boeing, DHL, Finmeccanica, GE, Gulf Air, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Qatar Airways, Sikorsky / Pratt & Whitney and Thales.

More than 100 aircraft participated in the show, including 89 on the ground and visitor numbers topped 50,000 in total across the three days.  Types on display ranged from ultra-lights and auto-gyros right through to the behemoth that is the Emirates Airbus A380.

Follow the link for the complete review:

http://globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/01/30/airshow-review-bahrain-international-airshow-2014/

Pre-production photos Aviation 72 Saab Draken.

Aviation 72 AV7241001 Saab Draken J35 10/56, Swedish Air force 2010. 

For those enthusiasts waiting for this release, you know what you you're looking for; this, is not it. The canopy bears no resemblance to the original, no nose wheel mudguard, no intake behind cockpit, huge pitot, wrong colours on aircraft and decals...