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.
I really enjoyed giving a different look to this old kit, thanks Bobby for sending it over.
Now, time to get the Belfast wrapped up.