1/48 Aeroclub Hawker Hunter T8

Gallery Article by Darius Aibara

 

This is Aeroclub's vac-formed kit modelled as a T8 of the Royal Navy's Flag Officer Flying Training, i.e. an Admiral's Barge.  The kit contained vac formed upper and lower fuselage halves which incorporated the wing upper and lower halves, thus saving an awkward joint at the wing root. Other vac parts include the internal jet intake ducting and the clear canopy. Injection moulded components were the cockpit tub and console, the tailplanes and fin and underwing flaps.  The engine intakes, undercarriage, ejection seat exhaust and gear doors were in white metal - a typical, well though out kit from Aeroclub.  

 

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Construction was fairly straightforward requiring filler to blend in the white metal intakes and exhaust.  Decal options are given for an RAF camouflaged aircraft and the blue RN example that I opted for.  I raised the canopy and added extra interior bits from the spares box.  

Post construction damage led to new main gear doors being made from plastic sheet as the originals were consumed by a vacuum cleaner...don't ask!

Darius Aibara

      

Photos and text © by Darius Aibara