1/144 Mark I Model Hawker Hunter FR10/FR71A/FGA73A

Gallery Article by S K Loh on Aug 9 2020

  Singapore National Day 

 

      

This is a two-kit set in the box. The molding is good with crisp panel lines. Decals included markings for four different types of Hunter. However, I decided to build a Hawker Hunter FR74A variant flown by Singapore RSAF 140 SQN "Osprey" instead. I chose to depict one Hunter S/N 503 that had the newly adopted stylised "S" insignia as well as with the red and black checkerboard rudder and the checkboard-flanked Squadron emblem near to the nose sometime in 1974. I will save the second kit for future built.

Building the kit was pretty easy as the fit was good. Instrument panel and seat were included. So I just added the pilot figure for in-flight display. I scratch-built the various external wing aerials and the long whip antenna under the belly. I drilled out the camera windows on both sides of the nose and filled it with Clearview instead of using the black decal window provided. I cut out the molded-on speed brake and scratch-built one to have it in deployed mode.

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I used Tamiya basic colors to mix the 3-toned SEA camo scheme on the upper surface and light grey on the lower surface. Light weathering was applied as the aircraft was relatively new in 1974 then. Decals were self-made. The usual gloss and flat coats were airbrushed on. 

I finally had the finished model mounted on a display base. Added in some write-up of the Squadron. Incidentally the Squadron celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year having been formed in Sep 1970. The Hunters were replaced with the F-16As and Bs in 1990.

S K Loh

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Photos and text © by S K Loh