RAAF 'what-if' Group Build

Lots of ideas going on in your head, John!
Nice idea! This GB is perfect, so put me down for a Saab TF-37 Viggen - 1/72 Revell 04365.
It will be RAAF ca 1978, and I think it will be in grey scheme. But we'll have to wait and see ...

I've had a try at a badge for this GB. For once, it actually complies with the regulations!!



Hope you like it, or that it brings on some more badges!
Cheers,
John

I like it! Thanks!

John

Count me in!

I have 3 possibles...

Panda 1:48 F-35 "conjectural"
Italeri 1:48 F-22 Raptor
Zenghdefu 1:48 Su-35 Flanker (horrid kit, but suitable)

cheers

Mike

John this sounds like a lot of fun, but as I said in the Aussie forum I'm busy as at the moment, so put me done as a starter for later in the year. I'll let you know later what I'm going to build.

Cheers
Darren

G'day all,
I'd join in this GB idea, as yet unknown of subject.

I would point out the RAAF 3 Sqn in North Africa, had several Axis aircraft apart from the Bf 109g-6 [RAAF markings CV-V = Bobby Gibbs], this is the aircraft that was once flying as 'Black 6 in England, the RAAF at Eagle Farm [Queensland], had been flying the Zero and several other Japanese aircraft types, from this base.

3 Sqn RAAF also flew a variety of both German and Italian aircraft types, all carried the markings of CV-V

G'day Lobbie,
Thanks for that info, but I guess we're talking mainly about captured Axis a/cs here, as opposed to a/cs actually brought to Aussie as a concious choice for the RAAF. I'm sure that, when the RAAF was formed, the commanders didn't ever envisage using a Fokker Triplane or anything like that.
Therein lies the difference.
BTW you're added to the builder's list.
Cheers,
John

Im in.. I have already signed on to do a Japanese JASDF T-4 trainer in Australian markings for the trainer GB.. I could kill 2 birds with the one stone!.

Chris in Japan

Well I had a look through the stash tonight and came up with zip. Most of the aircraft I've got are mossie's, beaufighters & spitfires etc which the RAAF used. I am going to need a bit of think music on this one.

Darren

Darren

Get yourself a cheap F-104 or Harrier SHAR1 (RAN)

cheers

Mike

What about an F-20 Tigershark? Or even a F-14 Tomcat? I'm resonably sure the RAAF never flew those! - Calvin

Hey Calvin.. I have an old F-14 sitting in a box in pieces, that I was thinking about re-doing.. I also half started a new F-15J a few months ago , but never finished it. I also thought about that one for an Australian what if!

So Cal, does this mean you are joining us Aussies on this one??

Chris in Japan

Calvin

I am doing a "what if" F-20 myself...I call it the F/A-20A Tigersnake. I am sure if Northrop were successful the F-20 would be every where. Australia would have purchased over 100 of them as they would have be 3/4 the cost of the Hornet.

cheers

Mike

Mike, does that mean I should put you down on the GB build list for the F-20?
Just give us a hoy if so.
Cheers,
John
P.S. It's bad form, I know, but I still haven't decided what I'm going to do. Considering a RAAF A-10 though.

John

I am building a RAAF "what if" F-20 for an ARC F-5 GB. But if this GB starts after I am finished, I will have to pick another subject to do. Do you have firm dates yet?

cheers

Mike

Thanks for the suggestions guys they are some cool ideas. I must admit the Sea Harrier sounds like a great idea. Mike who makes a nice cheap SHAR1? I was also thinking of maybe grabbing a Revell AG Hawker Hunter?? I just don't know yet, I think with this build the decision is going to be half the fun.

Cheers
Darren

QUOTE: Originally posted by darson Thanks for the suggestions guys they are some cool ideas. I must admit the Sea Harrier sounds like a great idea. Mike who makes a nice cheap SHAR1? I was also thinking of maybe grabbing a Revell AG Hawker Hunter?? I just don't know yet, I think with this build the decision is going to be half the fun. Cheers Darren

Darren

Best one to go for would be the Italeri SHAR1. It is the rebadged Esci one and is a beaut model.

Hunter is good as well, I seem to recall that the RAAF were interested in the Hunter but the Sabre was a better offer particularly after the poor performance of the Meteor during the Korean War.

cheers

Mike

Everyone keeps comming up with great ideas!.. I have never built a Harrier, but have always wanted to do one!.. I am usually a traditionalist, and like doing models as the actual subject. But this group build has got my mind racing.. I still plan on doing the BAe Hawk in Japanese colors. But I think I will change my T-4 to the Harrier in Australian low vis scheme.. I still plan on doing a T-4, but I might just put it on the back burner! Sorry to who ever is going to do a Harrier.. But I have been looking for an excuse to do a Harrier myself.. Just what Harrier do you think Australia would have gone with, if they did chose it?

Chris in Japan

Chris

The RAN were going to purchase the HMS Invincible just before the Falklands War in 1982. After that the RN came to it's senses and not only kept the Invincible but built 2 more carriers.

So that would be the "historical" reason. Go for a Sea Harrier FS1. Best kit is the Italeri offering as it is a reboxed Esci kit, long regarded as the best on the market thus far. Alternatively Hasegawa do one as well that might be more readily available where you are, though it is not as easy to build or as accurate.

So you could have RAN Sea Harriers c1990 on a new HMAS Sydney - ex Invincible class aircraft carrier.

cheers

Mike

I'm really liking the idea of the Sea Harrier more and more because I wanted to do a real "what if" for this build if you know what I mean. I wanted to pick an aircraft that the Aust forces could have used if historical circumstances were a little different. But that's just my slant on this build
Question to John and everybody else, the title of the GB is RAAF 'What-If" but the aircraft I'm thinking of doing would be an RAN kite. Does this matter? The same question would apply for choppers that the Aussie might have used, these are actually army birds but would they count for the GB?

Cheers
Darren

I guess we could allow the Harrier. And the Super-Lynx. And the Apache, etc.
So yeah, no worries.
Cheers,
John

John

So is the idea that we can expand to RAN "what if's"?

cheers

Mike

Yeah mate. I guess we could rephrase it to be "ADF A/C What-If", but I'm too lazy!
Cheers,
John

Just read last nite that since the RAAF plans to retire it's F/A-18 Hornets in the 2008-2010 timeframe and the F-111's soon afterward, they are looking a purchasing some upgraded used F-15's, new F/A-18E/F Super Hornets or even the F-22. Since this doesn't start for a while, you can put me down tentively for a RAAF F-20. I may change my mine to the Tomcat, though! LOL - Calvin

I have a feeling that by knowing the Australian Government. They will want to try and fly every single dollar out of those F/A-18's. So for my thinking 2008-2010 would seem a little too close for retirement..

I do think however that an airwing made up of F-15's would be the best thing that Australia could do. 20 years ago!. .Why we never had F-15's patrolling the North of Australia at long range, is totally beyond me?.. I would definately love to see the F-15 in RAAF markings, but I dont think it will happen..

Australia was actually the first country to put hard corrency down for the F-35, but from what I have heard, have gone cold, and the F-22 information seems correct .. The new F/A-18E-F's sounds like they will be a great investment. But as always, the Australian government is always 10 years behind when it comes to this kind of thinking.. The F-111's will fall out of the sky one by one, before they get retired. And I think personally the Australian government should be using the idea of the F/A-18E-F's for a future roll in the Australian Navy.. A few reconditioned second hand US carriers is what we should be looking at!.. Will never happen. But that is my thinking!..

Australia's biggest problem is our distance.. ALthough the world is getting smaller, we are a long way away, and we have a massive land mass to protect.. Adding to that, New Zealands lack of self defence, and relying on Australian protection. Why we dont have 1 or 2 carrier fleets is totally beyond me.. I understand money is a big factor. But unless we build them ourselves, or invest in something that be given new life. I just feel that our military is just falling apart.. I also understand that we dont have the manpower to put on them..

But if you really dont have a Navy, as we dont now. Then you dont have people wanting to join it.. To be honest with the list of ships we have, I have been on bigger fishing boats. (Jokes).. Why would anyone want to join.. Put a few F/A-18E-F's on one, and you will have them lining down every major street in Australia to sign up!.. I honestly believe that!

For countries that not only go to the trouble of comming all that way to get us, but then having a carrier feet or 2 to get through before they do. Would in my opinion be more than enough to deter them!

Chris in Japan

Chris

The RAN are getting two LHD (landing helicopter deck) carriers. They will deploy helo's initially but they are certainly big enough to deploy Harriers at a future date if some one with foresight arranges purchase.

cheers

Mike

I had also heard that aswell Mike.. I can understand that being a financially better way to spend the money for now.. But as usual, there will be a bungle, and what we think we are paying for now, will indead cost twice as much when it finally makes it into service. The money spent could then in hionsite, been spent on a project worthy of the dollars.. I dont know if I am just being Defence ministry basher. But alot of sillyness has prevailed over the years by both governments of thier day.. Anyway, sorry for hijacking the thread.. just had to get that out.. Feel much better now!

Chris in Japan

oh yeah, understand that as well. Hopeefully nothing as momentously stupid as Beazley's purchase of the Collins class subs!!

So, is it a Sea Harrier you are going to build?

cheers

Mike

It's actually the 1/72 Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus... I am in the process of decalling it.. After I detail it, and paint the landing gear, it will be done.. Pictures to come.. I also have a half built F-15J that is sitting there. And with all the ADF talk, is screaming out to me for Australian markings!

Chris in Japan