Andy T's Tamiya 1/48 Fairey Swordfish Mkll

[Waspie]

Brilliant Andy. That’s quite a weapon load!!

[Tim Marlow]

Nice to see the stringbag living up to its nickname and carrying anything…..

[Andy T]

Thanks chaps.

There's even more stuff in the box, presumably for different versions, but I didn't want to go too crazy :smiling5:

[papa 695]

That’s looking fantastic Andy.

[Andy T]

Thanks Ian.

I was intending to do some detail painting tonight but my water pot had frozen solid again.

I took it as a sign and went to the pub for a few pints of Jaipur instead

[Ian M]

Looking very much the Part Andy.

[Andy T]

Thanks Ian.

All finished now, pictures are in the completed section

[colin m]

That does look amazing, although I'm not sure the Swordfish could carry all that ordnance at the same time. Whatever, it does look good fully loaded.

[Andy T]

Thanks Colin. Yes, I'm sure I've gone overboard but I couldn't resist.

[colin m]

Thanks Colin. Yes, I'm sure I've gone overboard but I couldn't resist.

Fair enough, I mean what else are wings for ?

[Waspie]

Just been sent this by Navy Wings.
May be of some interest to some of you history buffs out there.

Doug

Titled - Channel Dash by 825 Naval Air Squadron, 12th February 1942
Heroes

On the 12th of February, 1942, six Swordfish torpedo bombers took off from RAF Manston to attack three German capital ships who were steaming at full speed up the English Channel protected by a screen of destroyers, E boats and several squadrons of fighter aircraft.

Salute

The CO of Manston stood outside in the snow and saluted each aircraft as it took off. He didn't expect any to return. None did.

Courage & Duty

Despite knowing the odds against them, and the slim chance of survival, the six aircraft pressed home their attacks. All six were shot down.

Of the 18 aircrewmen who set off, only 5 survived and 4 of these were wounded.

Victoria Cross

The Flight Leader, Lt Commander Eugene Esmonde, had only recently been presented with a DSO for his part in the attack on the Bismarck. He continued to lead the attack even after one wing was shot away. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Respect

German Vice Admiral Otto Ciliax commented:

"... a handful of ancient planes, piloted by men whose bravery surpasses any other action by either side that day.”

Commemoration

Navy Wings exists to bring to public attention, the little known story of actions like this and many others over more than a century of Fleet Air Arm innovation, achievement and sacrifice.