[sniperUK]

This will give you the history of 151Sqn markings ,The St Andrews Cross,certainly nothing to do with 100Sqns skull and crossbones.

In view of 151's Squadron's association with Scotland, it having been disbanded at Qullane in 1919 after World War I, and re-formed at Leuchars in 1951, it seemed appropriate to have new markings for the aircraft. With Leuchars being in sight of St Andrews, the St Andrew's cross was chosen as the Squadron motif. The black border round the motif was chosen to emphasise the night defence aspect of its role, for which it was formed in 1918, and in which role it had distinction in World War II. The design for the Squadron markings was submitted for approval and accepted.


http://www.151squadron.org.uk/

Sqn Markings 151_P

Sqn Markings 100_P

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by sniperUK

This will give you the history of 151Sqn markings ,The St Andrews Cross,certainly nothing to do with 100Sqns skull and crossbones.

Mind you, I wasn't trying to make a connection between the St Andrews Cross with the 100 Sqns "Skull and Crossbones", the picture I posted was to convey or point out to the reader what those emblems meant to me---> the roundel with blue and yellow checkers, that's all...

[planejunky]

The RAF prides itself on it's squadron markings as these date right back to WWI. Probably the most flamboyant use of squadron markings came during the 1930's, but were lost during WWII for obvious reasons. After the war they returned, and were particularly spectacular on the Lightning squadrons during the 1960's and 70's.

Even with the advent of the grey/green camouflage during the 1970's, units retained their identity in the fashion demonstrated on this Hawk. We used to get 151 Sqn into Wattisham on NATO exercises, but by then they had lost the green/grey wraparound camo and were painted in Barley Grey, the same as the Phantoms and Tornado F.3's. However the St Andrews cross was still prevalent, albeit slightly toned down by comparison to this 1984 version.

There was a 100 Sqn Hawk around here last week, callsign "Pirate 21", rather apt I think!

[timbo]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

Forgive my British military aviation ignorance, but what is the purpose/meaning/significance of the various "x" markings seen on this and other British warplanes?

Blue and white "X"'s would be the cross of St Andrew which would be for the squadron, the black 'XX" behind that would be part of the aircraft registration #. Not sure about the various red "X"'s over the wings and rear, but I can only assue that they are warning signs - ie do not walk!

[smartd]

It is a nice choice of scheme, however, what about the gaps where component parts meet? The gaps on the wings between the plastic?? flap areas and the top of the wings seem wide in other pics also. How is it close up and personal?

[planejunky]

Originally Posted by smartd

It is a nice choice of scheme, however, what about the gaps where component parts meet? The gaps on the wings between the plastic?? flap areas and the top of the wings seem wide in other pics also. How is it close up and personal?

Well yes there are gaps, but remember it's mass produced diecast! If you want no gaps, buy plastic and use filler to smooth out those gaps to create the perfect model. Coming from the kit world I guess I've learned that you'll never get that sort of perfection in diecast, and so I just accept them for what they are, unless it's really bad in which case I won't buy it!

The only thing I felt was a little scrappy was the panel on the intakes, they are ill-fitting and could've been made much neater. In fact I'm not sure why they're even there? I guess I liked the model as there's a personal connection with the squadron.

Yes the red "x"s are the no walk markings, and yes the XX326 is the serial number.

[smartd]

Corgi in particular has problems with the mating of component parts, (gaps).
As modellers, yeah, we fill and sand gaps and look for tight joint lines. Corgi, on several of their models have no concept of this.
We buy their models because of the pieces they represent not necessarily because of the quality of production.
Do I buy a lot of Corgi?... yes, ...are there some pieces I would not touch?... definitely.
Other manufacturers don't have the same degree of this problem and we tend to hold them to a higher standard, HM, CW, spring to mind. They seem to manage crisp join lines for the most part.
Do we accept Corgi flaws because its' Corgi or because they basically have nice pieces, generally do reasonable work, and do a lot of models, (Brit) that other folks will not be doing anytime soon? Yes.

The model pictured below is probably one I will buy, as the colours tend to help hide the lack of fit between parts.

[planejunky]

Originally Posted by smartd

Corgi in particular has problems with the mating of component parts, (gaps).
As modellers, yeah, we fill and sand gaps and look for tight joint lines. Corgi, on several of their models have no concept of this.
We buy their models because of the pieces they represent not necessarily because of the quality of production.
Do I buy a lot of Corgi?... yes, ...are there some pieces I would not touch?... definitely.
Other manufacturers don't have the same degree of this problem and we tend to hold them to a higher standard, HM, CW, spring to mind. They seem to manage crisp join lines for the most part.
Do we accept Corgi flaws because its' Corgi or because they basically have nice pieces, generally do reasonable work, and do a lot of models, (Brit) that other folks will not be doing anytime soon? Yes.

The model pictured below is probably one I will buy, as the colours tend to help hide the lack of fit between parts.

Indeed, the paint often helps hide those little blemishes that would otherwise lead me to leave it on the shelf. I'm pretty intollerant of stupid errors that should have been put right at the quality control stage, but there are some things that we all just accept in the medium of diecast and accept it for what it is. Once HM get over the "third model right" and "black ink panel" syndrome, then I think they'll have it sorted, but again the panel lines can be hidden by the paint scheme, the Euro 1 schemed A-10 being a great example.

[Shamrock]

This Hawk is a 'cracker' IMHO. I had the two Valley ones and the Red Arrows aircrfat from the start. But space being what it is the Chivenor is the one I've kept. The 204 Squadron Grey Hawk looks nice on pre-pros;if it appears!

[ZS-VAN]

Nice, nicest Hawk so far. Pity that Corgis Hawks have those horrible gaps though.