78 Sqn Merlin in 95th Anniversary Mks: 1/1 Scale

[Tony]

T

[Height is Good]

Tony, you spoilsport it was supposed to be a surprise for tomorrow night!!

[Tony]

T

[ianf]

It's like christmas here tony, I want to see the present open now! I can't wait to see EY W final marked up.

Ian

[TomTwin]

Tony, that sounds fantastic! Will be something fantastic to see, can't wait to see it!

[SvB]

The suspense is killing me Tony ! Where is it?!

[Tony]

Kind Regards

[ianf]

I'm working on it tony wont be long.

[ianf]

As tony requested here are the pictures of the Merlin special scheme, all pics are tonys not mine.











The aircraft the markings depict was a Halifax that crashed in holland and below is a propeller recovered from the crash site



For the modeller the Merlins real identity is ZJ126 "Kilo" The design of the marking were by tony who is too modest to admit that, but I think he did a stunning job! The only sad thing is this won't be on her long

Ian

[TomTwin]

I can see it now......

"Dear Airfix,

Please include this option in your forthcoming 1:48 Merlin release.

Yours sincerely,

The whole of The Aircraft Modelling World."

Absolutely fantastic, hope I get to see that very soon!

[SvB]

Fantastic Tony

[Craig]

Looks like it'll be a great event! Happy Birthday 78, and hope that that Merlin hangs about like that for a little while at least!

[Height is Good]

The event took place last night and was a great success. The cab was lit up with spotlights in the hangar along with the other fantastic displays and table set up.

The tributes to the past and those who are no longer with us were read out by current members of the Sqn. This opened with a 'simulation' of a WW1 bombing raid complete with searchlights, soundtrack and much to everyones surprise some live 'explosions'. This was 78 Sqn's first action against the enemy air force.

With regards to the scheme, it was indeed down to Tony's dogged determination that this happened and despite his modesty, he deserves all the credit.

What people must remember is that this was done for 78 Squadron personnel, not for an airshow or for photographers. Therefore if anyone does feel the need to criticise or find fault then I would just ask them to remember that point.

As for the scheme being available for the new 1:48, I couldn't possibly comment...........

Regards

[ianf]

As gareth says this scheme was done for and by 78 sqn personnell, I know a little of the huge effort required to make it possible, and I find it a fitting tribute for those that did not return in all the conflicts, 78 took part in. It was never intended to be in the public domain, which was a pity as other sqn were allowed to do similar things. Remember the climate we currently live in, to see anything like this is to be applauded.
As to the scheme being on the new airfix's kit. I'm sure someone may have mentioned it to them But I also cannot comment on that.....

Ian

[Deacon]

Well Tony, they allowed it in the end.

I have a wee dram here beside me. Congratulations to all those 78 Squadron personnel, past and present.

Alan

[wv383]

Congratulations to everyone on 78 on the anniversary and for this fitting tribute.

[RoverDriver]

k

[Craig]

Looking forward to some air-to-air shots!

Yep that'd be cool! If you need someone to take them let me know!

[ianf]

Guys the scheme is temporary and none flyable It will not be on the Helo long, days only a week at most.

Ian

[Craig]

Guys the scheme is temporary and none flyable It will not be on the Helo long, days only a week at most.

Ian

Didn't realise that it couldn't be flown, that's a shame. Still, made one heck of a centrepiece for that party!

[Ben H]

none flyable

Non-flyable? Why's that...?!

[Height is Good]

Not technically correct. It is physically 'flyable' but maintenance schedules are unlikely to allow that to happen, in the timescale that the markings are applied.

[Ben H]

Ah ok. Why the rush to remove the markings?

[Height is Good]

I am afraid the answer to that Ben is long and complicated but in short, it was only ever authorised for a one off event ie the 78 Sqn 95th Anniversary party.
The markings are decals rather than paint so they come off quite easily.

[andyxh558]

I have some klear and that will sort out that problem Gareth! seriously its a well thought out scheme. contrary to others!