Hunter troubles

[Sheff]

I picked-up the latest issue of Model Airplane International yesterday, chiefly because of the article on the beautiful Fisher Hunter T7 conversion set. Apart from being slightly miffed that the References list didn't even mention my Hunter book (one assumes that the author hasn't checked what's out there in a long time!), I was amazed to read that he seems to think that the resin section for the rear fuselage is included so that you can build the T7 by using the F6 kit.

Just in case anyone is a bit confused here, you can use either the F6 or the FGA9 kit. The Fisher rear fuselage/jet pipe piece is beautifully designed to capture the subtle curves of the T7's smaller jet pipe fairing (which is the same as that used on the F4 and the GA.11). You can't use the FGA9 jet pipe as included in the Revell kit as it's the wrong shape. The only applicable twin-seaters for that jet pipe would be some export versions and the short-lived T.12 which was intended to be introduced for TSR2 training.

Also slightly disappointing is that he has used Tamiya Red (X-7) for the model, which appears to be rather dark in hue. It should be Signal Red. Using Tamya has resulted in the red of the roundels and fin flash being lighter than the surrounding paint whereas it should be darker (roundels being post Office/Roundel Red). I also have a sneaking suspicion that the upper wing roundels should have a white surround, similar to the fuselage roundels. For some bizarre reason, Valley's Hunter T7s had white surrounds to the roundels whilst the F6s did not (the paint scheme was carried-over from Valley, XL600 being "borrowed" by 16 Squadron for training). Doubtless there were exceptions though. if anyone ever sees a picture showing the upper surfaces of a 4FTS Hunter, do let me know - I had one many years ago and I wish I still had it so I could check!

Oh well, worth bearing in mind if you're planning to build the Fisher kit. Beautiful conversion set (top quality) albeit hideously expensive. Best not spoil the proverbial ship for a ha'peth of tar, methinks! There must be some sort of irony in being able to pick-up Revell Hunters for a tenner a time and then have to spend another fifty to get a conversion set for it!

[HighlandSniper]

I'm toying with the T-8C from Fisher - for anyone who hasn't experienced Fisher's resin and white metal, it doesn't get any better. I have their 1:32 Sea Fury FB.11 kit which despite being largely resin, puts most injection moulded kits to shame it's so well mastered/moulded.

[Sheff]

It would appear that the Sea Fury is to be re-released soon. Think I'll try and grab one this time. Some new parts for a super detailed engine interior too!

[HighlandSniper]

Yes, noticed that - I'm going to get the engine-cowling upgrade for mine.

Bear in mind when you order the Sea fury that they have revised the kit so you can order it with wings unfolded, or with wings mastered to be folded. The detail of the wing-folds is incredible. Needless to say I bought the folded-wing version.

[PaulN]

The Hunter is really nice...many years back I grafted the Echelon T7 nose onto the Revell kit..perfect fit...then last year along came the Fisher one which is beautiful.I still have variuos Echelon sheets if you fancy someting different...did mine as 4 squadron
If interested all my made kits for the past 11 years or so are here

http://s914.photobucket.com/home/usnavypatchman

Paul

[Phantom II]

I picked-up the latest issue of Model Airplane International yesterday, chiefly because of the article on the beautiful Fisher Hunter T7 conversion set. Apart from being slightly miffed that the References list didn't even mention my Hunter book (one assumes that the author hasn't checked what's out there in a long time!), I was amazed to read that he seems to think that the resin section for the rear fuselage is included so that you can build the T7 by using the F6 kit.

Just in case anyone is a bit confused here, you can use either the F6 or the FGA9 kit. The Fisher rear fuselage/jet pipe piece is beautifully designed to capture the subtle curves of the T7's smaller jet pipe fairing (which is the same as that used on the F4 and the GA.11). You can't use the FGA9 jet pipe as included in the Revell kit as it's the wrong shape. The only applicable twin-seaters for that jet pipe would be some export versions and the short-lived T.12 which was intended to be introduced for TSR2 training.

Also slightly disappointing is that he has used Tamiya Red (X-7) for the model, which appears to be rather dark in hue. It should be Signal Red. Using Tamya has resulted in the red of the roundels and fin flash being lighter than the surrounding paint whereas it should be darker (roundels being post Office/Roundel Red). I also have a sneaking suspicion that the upper wing roundels should have a white surround, similar to the fuselage roundels. For some bizarre reason, Valley's Hunter T7s had white surrounds to the roundels whilst the F6s did not (the paint scheme was carried-over from Valley, XL600 being "borrowed" by 16 Squadron for training). Doubtless there were exceptions though. if anyone ever sees a picture showing the upper surfaces of a 4FTS Hunter, do let me know - I had one many years ago and I wish I still had it so I could check!

Oh well, worth bearing in mind if you're planning to build the Fisher kit. Beautiful conversion set (top quality) albeit hideously expensive. Best not spoil the proverbial ship for a ha'peth of tar, methinks! There must be some sort of irony in being able to pick-up Revell Hunters for a tenner a time and then have to spend another fifty to get a conversion set for it!

The HunterT.12 XE531,post TSR2,was modded to in incorporate "active flying controls" a type of advanced "fly-by-wire".This was "my" a/c whilst we operated it at Holme on Spalding Moor from 1980 to 17 March 1982,when it crashed on t/o whilst RAE Farnborough borrowed the a/c.The accident was due to a sticking by pass valve,causing an over pressure & turbine disc disintigration.The a/c was nick named "Kermit"due to its`green & white livery.We did some work for the F16 as 531 had a F16 side stick.