1/72 Matchbox Percival Provosts

by Thomas Ng and Brian Param a.k.a Mr B

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  Malaysia National Day 2004 

 

The Hunting Percival Provost was the first basic trainer of the Royal Malaysian Air Force after the RMAAF  chipmunks were retired. It provided a valuable service acting as the platform to train Malaysian Military Pilots. It was later replaced by the Bulldogs and PC-7s. They were based in Kuala Lumpur then onto Alor Setar Malaysia where 1 FTS of the RMAF was formed and based even today.

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This is my 2nd go at a provost as you can see my 1st go in the current gallery section of ARC. I did a lot different this time around mainly seatbelts, sticks, self made decals (checkers) and a better finish. Easy kit to put together. Not much of it to actually put together. Construction went like a charm. Thomas had also built a Provost recently and we decided to offer a joint effort in this article. He recalls having some problems with the wing root. Other then that it was easy as well. Both version of ours are based on RMAF flying training aircraft's in the 60tees and Thomas decided to make his a bit different as his version does not have the orange bands. A feature seen on some Malaysian Provost's of that era.

Decals were custom printed for serials and checker bands by me. The national markings came from the famous Tutor kit, Thanks to Todd and Ken who gave me their unused portions. With these national markings, it makes it much easier to dress up older RMAF aircraft. Thanks again guys. 

Final Note :- FM 1045 or my Provost depicted here was registered to then Flt Lft Parameswaran my dad and this model with all other RMAF trainers I have built sits in a glass case on his study table. He and his fellow instructors trained many Malaysian pilots how to fly on the Provost and then later on to the S.A Bulldogs. 

Happy Merdeka - Malaysia

Thanks - 

Tom and Mr B

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Photos and text © by Thomas Ng & Mr B