Today I made a visit to the SIG's sponsor, PM Models on one of their monthly open days. You'll find a shop well stocked with paints models tools and kits and there were two demonstrations by Phil Flory which focused on weathering using oil paints. A visit is highly recommended, especially on the open day which usually takes place on the first Saturday of the month. 

You can keep up-to-date with new arrivals and announcements on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

On a Flory Models live show I was asked about markings for Zwilling (the latest Hasegawa release include what-if bomber markings). Researching 12 air frames should be easy: sadly that isn't the case. 

I looked at a couple of different sources and came away with a slightly different picture. I've included what I've found in a spreadsheet below. I've added details about the marking options included in the Italeri and earlier Hasegawa kits too.

Incidentally, the two sources of information were:

forum.12oclockhigh.net/archive/index.php?t-22225.html and 
Griehl, M. and Klein, A. (2012). Die späten Varianten H-6 bis H-20 und Z =. Erlangen: AirDOC.

Theres more work to do. I've included an editable Microsoft Excel file for anyone who might have more time or reference materials.

The third issue of The Eagle is ready.

The main feature is some reference materials on the Lockheed Starfighter. For people who don’t follow us on Facebook, there is also an series of photo galleries showing the SIGs displays since Bolton at the start of 2019.

Issue two focuses on the Luftwaffe's response to D-Day. It is not to diminish the efforts and ultimate sacrifices made by Allied force but I felt it appropriate to recognise the role and sacrifice that the men of the Luftwaffe made. On the 75th anniversary the SIG would like to give thanks to all the Allied forces that made the liberty that we enjoy today possible. Lest We Forget. 

I'd like to finish with a quote from The Right Honourable Theresa May MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who delivered a poignant speech this morning in France.

"Here in Normandy, the names of those British men and women who lost their lives will forever sit across The Channel from their homeland. We'll always remember their courage and conviction. And to the veterans that are here today - I want to say the only two words I can: Thank you."

Last weekend saw the SIG travel to the RAF Museum Cosford. We were lucky to be placed next to one of my favourite aircraft, the FW 190. A chance to collect a few more images for the walkaround page was taken.

we were in a busy spot opposite PM Models / Flory Models, who were themselves nestled under the wing of the Ju-88.

thanks to all the SIG members who contributed to the display ands thanks to the organisers who put on a splendid show.

With the Revell Ju-52 getting a welcome re-release in 1/48 scale I've been doing a bit or reading around on the subject. The aircraft really does deserve the moniker of workhorse.

Tante-Ju naturally played a central role in our transport special at SMW 2018, although I have to admit the the Gigants, quite rightly, stole the show.

There is neither the time or space in a blog post to do the Ju-52 justice, for now I've collected some archive images from Crete and Tunisia. There is quite an extensive collection of images in our walkaround gallery, with plenty of engine detail on display in the RAF Museum Cosford.

Operations in Crete were supposed to be the Zenith for the Ju-52 and the Fallschirmjäger but with 150 aircraft lost and the paraschute troops taking heavy losses and failing to capture any of their objective in the first day.

Despite severe losses operations in Crete were ultimately successful but no further en- masse airborne were undertaken by the Germans.

North Africa was another theatre where the Ju 52 performed vital work flying supplies across the Mediterranean. The slow Ju-52 was to suffer heavy losses to allied aircraft.

In the image above, RAF Regiment inspect wrecked Junkers Ju 52s and other German aircraft in a scrap heap on El Aouina airfield, North-east of Tunis. A collection of image below from the Library of Congress show a series of wrecked Ju-52s at El Aouiana airport in Tunis, Tunisia.

With the South Cheshire Militaire's Universal Model Show done, I thought it best be update on the shows that we are due to attend:

7th of April:Shropshire Model Show, RAF Museum, Cosford (confirmed)
28th of April: Modelkraft XXL, MK Arena, Milton Keynes (confirmed)
June: Northern Model Show (TBC)
1st of September: East Riding of Yorkshire Model Show, Driffield Showground (TBC)

Here are some photos and a quick video tour of the Universal Model Show to give you an idea of what this show is about...its a little bit different from other shows on the circuit.

I've had several opportunities to photograph W/NR.10639 overall several years and across two locations. The walk around now features both cockpit and exposed engine details.  Black 6 of III./JG77 was captured at Gambut Main (east Libya) by Flt Lt Ken McRae, Engineer Officer of No.3 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force. 

Upon capture damage to the airframe was repaired by using parts from a 109F w/nr 9678 (tailwheel, tail plane, canopy and one propeller blade). Later on the port wing was replaced with parts from (possibly) another former JG 77 Bf109G-2/Trop, w/nr 10533.

All of this makes it one of the most authentic 109 survivors.

The 2019 show season got off to a flying start with the SIG picking up the award for best club/sig display.

A huge thanks must go to the members who contributed to the display and to our hosts IPMS Bolton.

Here are a few images from the main hall and mezzanine.