This is a BAe Hawk T
Mk. 1 completed in the markings of 234 Sqn, RAF Brawdy c.1991.
BACKGROUND
The British Aerospace Hawk is an aircraft familiar the world over. This is
thanks to is great export success as a training and strike aircraft, used by
airforces such as Finland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Canada, The US Navy, Abu
Dhabi, Indonesia, Dubai and Kuwait (to name a few!).
Beautiful in its
simplicity, the Hawk's appeal for the modeller may also come from the wide scope
of subject material - both colour schemes and operators. For RAF Hawks alone,
there are training colours, green and grey camouflage, overall gloss black,
"raspberry ripple", air defence grey, a large choice of special
markings, and of course The Red Arrows.
THE KIT
The release of the 1/48 Hawk from Airfix was greatly anticipated, and created a
lot of excitement amongst the modelling community. Whilst what was found in the
box might not have satisfied all that bought it, it is a good kit that with care
and patience can provide a pleasing result.
A number of
aftermarket detail sets have been produced for the kit, including the resin
cockpit from Neomega and wheel wells from CMK. Aftermarket decals come from many
sources, Model Alliance and Xtradecal are worthy of note - the former for
producing sheets of up-to-date RAF special markings and the latter for its huge
sheet covering pretty much all RAF schemes one could think of.
CONSTRUCTION
Using the excellent Neomega cockpit, construction began in this area, as
is the norm. This resin replacement fits into the kit with great ease, and
once installed, provides an impressive level of detail. The Martin Baker
Xb ejection seats, which are an option with the cockpit set (for earlier
marks of Hawk) are just as highly detailed. |
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The rest of the kit
goes together relatively easily, although some time was spent adjusting the fit
and the shape of some pieces. The two main areas were the air intakes and the
wing-to-fuselage fit. Filler was also used in these areas, smoothing over the
join lines which are very evident without any "treatment".
PAINTING
After buying an air compressor, this was the first model I had attempted to
paint using an airbrush "properly" for the majority. In previous
builds I have experimented, but experienced the frustrations that are all too
familiar when compressed air cans are used with a very basic airbrush. I was
surprised by the speed with which I could finish a single coat of paint compared
to using paint brushes. I got more enjoyment from the painting process too -
partly to do with the novelty of airbrushing,
and partly to do with the anticipation of the final result.
Masking for the grey/green camo was done with blue tack "sausages"
to get the soft edge that was evident on TWU Hawks. This produced a mixed
result, but not bad for a first attempt. Humbrol enamels were sprayed for this,
followed by two coats of Klear/Future to prepare for decals.
DECALS
The excellent Xtradecal
sheet was used for the 234 sqn markings. These decals responded well to
application of Klear/Future once in place, and were very easy to "work
with". One criticism I do have is of the amount of stencilling provided on
the sheet. To my mind, this is not really sufficient and although extra stencil
sheets are available, I had already spent as much as I was willing to on this
model! The most noticeable absence is the "red x" markings on the
topsides of the wings. However, once the weathering process had begun, the lack
of detail markings became less apparent.
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WEATHERING
This was applied after completing the decals, with my usual method - a chalk
pastel wash. To my mind, the way this enhances the panel lines is quite
effective, but obviously not the whole story when dealing with
"weathering" of aircraft.
Once the wash has been mixed, I apply it to one area of the model at a time,
waiting 15-20 mins for it to dry before wiping away the excess.
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Once weathering was
complete, 2 coats of Humbrol Matt Coat were applied, followed by final
construction of the canopy, tailplane and undercarriage.
CONCLUSIONS
I draw my
"normal" modelling conclusions from this project - enjoyable and
educational (on a number of levels), which is what it's all about. After so many
projects based on kits by "Hasegamiya" it was nice to return, in part,
to where my modelling began - with Airfix. The aftermarket items I used on the
kit were excellent - my first "go" at a complete resin cockpit
couldn't have been much easier. The Neomega set goes so well with the kit that
its makes it a "must" in my eyes. The Xtradecal sheet offered the
scheme that I wanted for this Hawk, but I felt that more stencil markings were
needed. These are available - but it depends on how much the modeller is willing
to spend on his/her Hawk!
The model has now
been sent to its new home - passed on to my Uncle, who has flown this very
aircraft during his time with 234 Sqn.
Phil
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