Airfix 1/72nd Mosquito Mk VI Completed

Who doesn't love a Mossie?

The BOAC reference strikes a deep dark chord of memory, think I read an account of it years (decades?) ago.

Keen to see how she shapes up.

Cheers Greg.

I didn't know anything about the BOAC aircraft until i spotted the decals. I know they operated different types in other parts of the world. But the Mossie missions seem rather interesting.

Interesting project. I'll follow along. Looks great so far!

My memory says that the BOAC Mossies were flying ball bearings to England, a pretty high value mission.

This is reminding me of my Airfix HS 129 I still need to finish. Nice little kit.

I'm sorry I missed out on these fun little kits when I was younger.

Looking great so far!

I loved this kit when I was a kid. I think the first time I built it, it cost a whopping $2.00 (Australian) If I recall correctly, the kit it replaced was quite horrible in comparison.

Thanks for looking in guys.

John, indeed they did, amongst other things. I am going to give some background to these flights when i finish the build as i think its some many, myself includd, may not be very familiar with.

$2, now them was the days. I think i got my first one in the 90's, would have been one of those in the white box made in France.

You do work magic with 1/72 stuff Bish.  Can't wait to see this one finished.  Awesome job so far!

P.S.  Sorry about the decals.  My curse with decals you know.  LOL!

Thanks Bobby.

Well, they are over 40 years old, so i think you can be forgiven .

Beshides, it would not have led me to finding out about the BOAC aircraft.

jeaton01

My memory says that the BOAC Mossies were flying ball bearings to England, a pretty high value mission.

Likewise the Danish physicist Niels Bohr, another valuable 'cargo.'

Got the construction on the Mossie finished last weekend, eneded up going together better than i had expected given its age.

The gun troughs underneath were filled in as per the pics i found.

Followed by some painting. Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey on top, Sky undersides. All Xtracolor.

Decals are from a company called Vingtor Decals. This set provides markings for the 6 original Mk VI aircraft operated by BOAC from mid 1943 as well as 3 replacment aircraft recieved in 44. While the first 6 had the Sky undersides, these were re-painted black after several months of operations. The 3 replacments came with black undersides. I have done one of the original 6 in its delivery scheme.

The larger outer strips on the underside did not conform well to the large hinges for the flaps. The decal sheet recomends the Tamiya kit and looking at the one i built last year, i think these would work much better on that kit.

Weathering will be limited to some light exhaust staining as i want to show an aircraft as delivered.

Boy, that bird looks good in the TSS colours!

Great build so far!

Yet another tasty looking build Bish! Awesome looking as always

Cheers guys.

 Very cool

Thanks John.

So here are the final pics of the Mossie, first just the aircraft. As you can see, i left it clean ashide from the exhaust staining. BOAC only operated these for a short time before having the undersides re-painted black, so i just left it looking new.

When i saw this decal sheet on Hannants, it was the frist time i had ever come across these military aircraft operated by BOAC, seems to be a forgotten part of the war. The companies role was to keep the UK in touch with her Colonies, Allies and neutral nations. This often involved flying close to enemy territory, and those aircraft flying to neutral contries of course had to be un-armed and maned by civilian crews. One of these routes was between Scotland and Sweden. This of course involved flying between German held Norway and Denmark, a task that became more tricky after the Germans deployed Fw 190's. In 1942, BOAC asked for faster aircraft and recieved a single Mosquito Mk IV in Dec 1942. In early 43 they recieved a further 6 aircraft, this time Mk VI's, painted in an over water scheme at BOAC's request. In August, the 5 remaining aircraft (one had crashed and been written off earlier that month) had the undersids painted black. In 1944, a further 3 Mk VI's were delivered with the undersides already in black.

These aircraft carried diplomatic items, cargo such as ball bearings and passangers in a modified bomb bay, with a mattress installed and in flight service consisting of a flask of tea.

One such passenger was a Danish physicist Niels Bohr. It seems that Mr Bohr didn't filly understanded the instructions on donning his oxygen mask. Durying the flight, the pilot could get no response from his cargo and, guessing what had happened, dropped to a lower altitude, saving his life. It is claimed that on landing, Niels claimed it was the best sleep he ever had. He went on to join the British team working on the Manhatten Project.

BOAC operated these routes until the end of the war and continue as a company until 1974. It was merged with BEA to form the UK's current flag carrier, British Airways.

I have not added any figures, just the aircraft awaiting its next flight to Sweden.

Well done! I really like the unique and interesting markings. Thanks for sharing the Niels Bohr story too!

Yep Bish, as others have said, nice model, unusual markings, and an interesting story to go with it!  Well done!  

Maybe add a slightly dazed civillian next to the plane?

Well done, Martin.

Thanks guys, i think this is somthing i am going to look into more.

G, i like that idea, i'll see what i can find, thanks.

That's really nice. I can't believe  I still don't have one of these in the stash. Excellent work, Bish.

BK

Thanks BK. I have 3 more Mossie's, but all Tamiya kits, very different to this.

Very nicely done Sir! Super clean build !

Cheers mate.

Bish...another brilliant build my friend.  It looks awesome!

Thank you, and thanks for sending it over to me.

Bish

Thank you, and thanks for sending it over to me.

 

My pleasure!  And I might send you more to make!  LOL!  You do such a good job.