RNAS Martlett III

[BarryW]

This is the 32 scale Trumpeter kit of the Wildcat. The model seems to have been on my bench for ages and it fought me all the way. The bulkheads were a terrible fit and the undercarriage provided all sorts of problems.

The research showed up contradictions. A picture is on the internet of this aircraft in a mid-stone over azure finish and a lot of models have been made like that. But the first thing I noticed about that picture is that it is the wrong mark of Martlett!! I then found 2 photos of the aircraft with clearly a two tone camo flying with the rest of the squadron with every aircraft painted in a different pattern - no A or B type schemes!!! As the aircraft (originally for the Greek Air force) was delivered to 805 squadron in an overall US neutral grey finish I also opted to leave the undersides that colour as it is thought that only the topsides were repainted.

Anyway - from the aftermarket I used Eduard seat harness and Ad-Astra custom made paint masks for the markings. This was the first time using masks and you have to be patient but the results are worth it.

Anyway - glad its done. Not my best but not a disaster either!

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I do recommend using masks for marking. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Far better than those awful Trumpy decals anyway.

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[Guest]

Hi Barry, with all the problems you've still managed (as usual!!!) to create another cracking build. Congratulations and a big stars from me mate!!!!!

Cheers, Andrew

[Guest]

Thats a nice clean build Barry, very subtle paintwork, those markings are very crisp too.

As far as colours, from what i've gathered it seems that even though there were specific orders issued it never stopped the ground crew / armour engineers etc tipping paints in together or thinning them down with other colours to make them go further...

five stars for this from me

[HAWKERHUNTER]

great job Barry.

[colin m]

It's strange how a build can present these problems, and yet the final result gives no clue to the difficulties encountered along the way. I think you've got the hang of this model building thing we do. Great job Barry.

[Guest]

Looking good to me... Despite all problems you have, I only can see nice build

Roman

[stona]

It looks good to me.

Those sprayed on markings definitely work don't they.

Top job!

Cheers

Steve

[yak face]

Great job barry, ive always had a soft spot for the tubby little martlet/wildcat, and it always looks good in the FAA scheme , 5 star build , cheers tony

[mossiepilot]

That is a well done Martlett Barry, and the paint job has come out first rate.

Cracking all round.

Tony.

[Ian M]

Well nice Barry. With my hang for FAA aircraft, I can't figure out why I have not snagged one of these. Having now seen this one I might just grab one.

Great work and the paint has certainly made it look the part.

Ian M

[Guest]

A very nice, clean build with great paint work

[BarryW]

Thank you all for your comments.

[Gern]

Colin's right! You've definitely got the hang of this modelling lark. That's another fine piece of work Barry. Add my ***** to your collection.

Gern

[papa 695]

What can i say Barry no sign of any problems, just a great build well done, and 5 stars from me

[flyjoe180]

I missed this finished Martlett. Great work Barry, it looks fantastic.