Biggles models: WW2

Biggles in the Baltic

Aircraft name: SI Mk1A

Kit: Revell, Stearman Kaydet

Notes: The illustrations for this aircraft show what appears to be a Fairey Swordfish stripped of its upper wing. The story describes an experimental high speed monoplane fighter-bomber on floats. I basically went free-range on this one. I'm not very satisfied with the result to be honest. I will likely replace it one day with either a monoplane Swordfish as per the illustrations or a Northrop N-3PB as per the inspired sleuth-work of Biggles Forum member "266": http://www.bigglesforum.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=97&t=2665

Spitfire Parade

Aircraft name: Supermarine Spitfire

Kit: Airfix (new tool), Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1a

Notes: This is Biggles' Spitfire as I imagined it from the Battle of Britain. I did a bit of research as to likely ident codes and serial numbers . Even though the BG code might seem to be a cheesy touch, it's actually quite a likely code had the squadron been real. Decals are mostly from the kit. The new tool Airfix fell together just by looking at it.

Biggles in Borneo

Aircraft name: Beaufighter

Kit: Airfix (new tool), Bristol Beaufighter TF.X

Notes: The Beaufighters used at the Cotabato secret airfield are described as being all over green and having red identifying bands on the fuselage (1, 2 or 3). With one band, this represents Biggles' aircraft. I used RAF green and applied the same SEAC markings used by other Beaufighters in this theatre of the war.

Biggles in the Orient

Aircraft name: "Hurribomber" (Hawker Hurricane II.c)

Kit: Revell, Hawker Hurricne II.c (tropical)

Notes: With the aircraft in the story operating from India, I originally intended to build this with SEAC markings. However, the original illustrations depict Hurricanes in standard RAF markings such as those on Hurricanes in the Desert theatre (http://www.biggles.info/Details/30/Illustrations/). I went with that option, which makes sense in the context of the story anyway, as it's implied that Colonel Raymond rounded up what aircraft he could from wherever (including a Typhoon, none of which ever operated in the far East in the real world, to my knowledge).

Aircraft name: Typhoon

Kit: Airfix, Hawker Typhoon

Notes: As per description above, European theater markings applied as per illustrations. Pretty standard build this one.

Biggles Delivers the Goods

Aircraft name: Gosling

Kit: Airfix, Grumman Widgeon/Gosling

Notes: The chaps use a Gosling to fly out to the secret base they set up. The illustrations incorrectly show a Goose, not a Gosling so this is a storyline build, The British used a fair few Goslings but I'm not aware of them using the Goose at all. Standard scheme applied to this one with just some modification of the registration number.