1/72 Matchbox Hawker Hunter T66

Gallery Article by Navin Bala on Jan 26 2013

India Republic Day

 

 

A very generous friend gifted this Hunter model among others to me, and I immediately knew it had to be built the Banners Markings of the IAF. 

The kit itself is quite an old Matchbox kit, with basic two coloured sprues and very basic interiors.  I mated the pilots from an Avro anson, with the Helmets of a few other spares, added some harnesses from PE parts and plasticard drilled instrument panel to the stock seats with some additions for the cockpit. 

This was supposed to be a quick weekend build, so I didn't spend too much time in the front office.  Being mainly '60s Jet Black interiors and in 72 scale didn't think much would be visible anyways.  Most of the parts fit very well and I found it comparable to most modern kits.  The Nose wheel I felt is better than the Xtra Hunter Trainer which has a Very tiny excuse for a nose wheel. Only places I needed some Milliput was in the Wing tip and Root seams, otherwise great fit.  Added a few rivets not too many just enough to occupy my time while the parts glue dried. (After all this was a relaxed Weekend build.)

 

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The photographs I found on Bharatrakshak Site for Kalaikunda Hunters showed this Hunter in a post retirement dilapidated junked state.  I just didn't have the heart to mutilate a model that bad nor the skills, so I decided to build her in a state she would have been after being deputed to the Target Tug role with the High visibility tail stripes painted on relatively recently.  I doubt the camoflauge would have been touched up so I worked a highly sun faded Camo using standard Ocean Grey and RAF Dark Grey With Lighter Med Grey and USAF Green for the Faded effect.  I have recently discovered the magic of Alclad Grey Micro filler primer and used that as a primer with a coat of white over to allow sun fading effects.  Built this over the Christmas Weekend to match the deadline for posting it here in time for Our Republic day in India.

This aircraft personifies years of faithful service in many roles and this being the final role she has dutifuly served and probably the most colourful I have seen.  I do see another equally colourful Hunter, but I shall save that for August 15th.  Until then I do hope you enjoy my latest model The IAF Hawker Hunter Trainer in a Banner role.

Jai Hind

Navin Bala

      

Photos and text © by Navin Bala