[planejunky]

I was in a model shop about a year ago and saw this 1/72nd scale Fairey Fulmar. “Now you don’t see one of these every day” I thought, and at £3.99 (around 2 bucks) what could I lose?

The kit is produced by Směr based in the Czech Republic, and as you would expect it’s a little rough around the edges, but no more than an older Airfix kit. The modeller has the choice of a Mk.I or Mk. II variant, so a choice must be made before starting! I was very pleasantly surprised at how well the kit went together, most of the parts fitted very well, though some filler was needed along the wing root. The canopy is a single piece, and the framing is “frosted” which allows the paint to stick very well, though when fitted it needed some filler to close the gap.

The model was finished with Humbrol paints (which incidentally are numbered on the back of the box), and varnished with Xtracolor satin varnish.

The decals need to be applied with great care as they are very thin, but the bonus is a very snug fitting decal, especially when using Microsol and Microset decal solutions. The result is “painted on” looking decals!
The box art shows a Fulmar Mk.II of 809 Sqn FAA flying from HMS Victorious during Operation “Torch”, following the sinking of the French fleet by the Royal Navy, the FAA adopted US Stars to prevent French reprisals as understandably they were a little p!ssed off with us! However I wanted a more traditional FAA scheme and opted for a Mk.1 of 803 Sqn HMS Formidable circa 1941, as she helped escort vital Malta bound shipping through the Mediterranean.

For a £3.99 gamble, I was very pleased with the overall result. A tidy little kit indeed!

[Epapazian]

Great job! I did virtually the same plane as part of my solid resin collection about 10 years ago.

[Cruver Collecter]

You did a really nice looking job on your Fulmar. Not to many kits of the Fairey Fulmar either, three in 1/48th scale and only couple in 1/72nd scale from the looks of it.

[planejunky]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Great job! I did virtually the same plane as part of my solid resin collection about 10 years ago.

Great work!

Yes this an unsung hero really, the best the FAA had until the arrival of Seafires and Sea Hurricanes. Don't think we'll ever see one of these in diecast though. I'm pretty sure this is an old Frog kit, as apparently eastern european outfits such as Smer and Novo bought up the old mouldings years ago, and have been turning them out ever since in various boxes.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by planejunky

Great work!

Yes this an unsung hero really, the best the FAA had until the arrival of Seafires and Sea Hurricanes. Don't think we'll ever see one of these in diecast though. I'm pretty sure this is an old Frog kit, as apparently eastern european outfits such as Smer and Novo bought up the old mouldings years ago, and have been turning them out ever since in various boxes.

They even used a few of these on the CAM ships prior to using the Hurricanes.

[planejunky]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

They even used a few of these on the CAM ships prior to using the Hurricanes.

I didn't know that, now that one hairy way to fly!

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by planejunky

I didn't know that, now that one hairy way to fly!

I have seen a few pictures of the Hurricane on the catapult, but still digging around for one with the Fulmar on a catapult. Sounds like only a small number of early Fulmars were used.

[Cavtanker]

Looks very nice!

[planejunky]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

I have seen a few pictures of the Hurricane on the catapult, but still digging around for one with the Fulmar on a catapult. Sounds like only a small number of early Fulmars were used.

Only one complete Fulmar left now, and that resides at the FAA museum at RNAS Yeovilton. The only others that I know about are resting at the bottom of the Med near the Ark Royal!

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by planejunky

Only one complete Fulmar left now, and that resides at the FAA museum at RNAS Yeovilton. The only others that I know about are resting at the bottom of the Med near the Ark Royal!

The Aeroplane had an interesting article on the Fulmar this month. It dealt with a flight from Takoradi (Gold Coast Africa) to Alexandria. Article has some interesting Fulmar shots.