Hurricane Mk I, PO-N, 46 Squadron RAF, Bardufoss, Norway, May 1940

This subject begged to be built mainly because of the history. I chose the scheme based on a profile, and while it is probably fictious, I like it as a unique scheme on my shelf.

The Subject

46 Squadron deployed aboard HMS Furious to Norway in the Spring of 1940 when Churchill believed Hitler was going to imminently invate Norway to secure the iron ore there. Hitler in turn did invade, but it was in response to the English “invasion” to do just what Churchill had feared, secure the iron ore.

46 Squadron chalked up some firsts on this deployment: first to launch a Hurricane from a carrier when the squadron flew off for Bardufoss, and then when the situation in France grew grim they landed aboard Furious for the first landing of a Hurricane. And all this with no training and no tailhook!

The paint scheme was a suggestion from the RAE for aircraft operating in the Norwegian area, being Temperate Land above but with Sky Grey for the undersides and of course the Night/White wings for identification. The high demarcation reflected the FAA scheme used in those lattitudes. In all probability the aircraft retained its original scheme with Night/White undersides. We will never know for unfortunately the squadron was lost with Furious whe she was sunk en route from Norway to England, including most of her crews and support personnel.

The Model

This is the old but accurate Mk I by Airfix. Its age is obvious by the raised detail and lack of detail in the cockpit and wheel wells. With some investment in plastic card and time, or alternatively resin aftermarket bits one can make this a very accurate model. Unfortunately my skills are not ready for the former and I dislike the latter unless it comes in the kit box.

Construction was straghtforward. I didn’t add any detail but was tempted to box in the wheel wells. Having now build the new Airfix rag wing kit I’m convinced this is easier than I’d realized so I’ll try that on the next one.

Paint was Humbrol enamels. Hu29 for Dark Earth and Hu116 for Dark Green. The Sky Grey is Tamiya XF-19. I think the Sky Grey is too dark, in that more contrast should exist with the codes. Since the serial numbers are not known, I didn’t put any on.

Decals are from the kit and spares box. I used Medium Sea Grey codes from a sheet by Xtradecals. I put a coat of Future (Klear) to provide a gloss coat and the decals were put on using Future as a setting solution. It worked, but I found that I had to brush it on thinly, put the decal on somewhat dry, then brush another thin coat on. To ensure it laid well I then rolled a cotton swab over the decal getting all the bubbles out. After a day of curing it looked good, but I don’t use that technique anymore. I’ve found I have little flexibility in where the decals goes once it’s covered in Future…get it right the first time.

Summary

I like this scheme as it’s an attention getter. I’ve been asked about the history behind the scheme, only to share all the history and most folks find the real history more interesting than the scheme.

Thanks for looking…