1/48 Airfix BAe Hawk T. Mk 1.

by Philip Jones

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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.

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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!

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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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Photos and text © by Philip Jones