Hawker Hurricane Mk.I
Battle of Britain 65 Year Anniversary

Classic Airframes

Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

Classic Airframes' 1/48 Fabric Wing Hurricane Mk.I is available online from Squadron.com


 

On September 9, 1940, there were scattered showers with thunder in the East, but the Channel weather was fair.  But the German bombing attacks were generally unsuccessful.  On that date, the Hawker Hurricane was available in numbers greater than any other aircraft in service with the RAF.  There were nearly 400 Hurricanes in service, with about half as many Spitfires.  To say that the Hurricane was the backbone of the RAF at the time is an understatement.* 

To honor the Hawker Hurricane, on this the 65^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Classic Airframes has reissued its popular Mk. I rag wing Hurricane.  I understand that this will be a release that is quite limited in the number of kits available. 

The kit is exactly the same kit that I reviewed nearly two years ago.  The only difference is the inclusion of new decals. 

Markings: 

There are two different markings, but only one is for a Battle of Britain aircraft.  The other set of marking will make for a quite unique looking Hurricane. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The first set of marking is for a Hurricane of 56 Squadron at Rochford, Kent on the 8^th of August 1940.   This aircraft is N2400 / US*T.  It is described as being in the standard scheme of Dark Green, Dark Earth and Sky.  The propeller for this aircraft is the three bladed De Havilland prop.  The aircraft carries the Type A fuselage roundel with the narrow yellow surround.  The fin flash is the full height of the fin. 

The other set of markings is for a Hurricane in overall aluminum dope and polished metal. It is coded G-AFKX.  This aircraft was used for propeller trial in 1939 and has the Rotol three bladed prop with the distinctive bulbous spinner. 

Neither aircraft has the keel, but both appear to use the early ejector style exhausts.

Having built four Classic Airframes Mk. I Hurricanes, I find that it builds into a very nice model with surprisingly little effort for a limited run kit.  The only real problem being the fitting of part 30, the crankcase face. 

If you missed out on the first issue of the Mk. I rag wing, then this will be an opportunity to get one.  Regardless of the markings you use, this is a great addition to any RAF or Battle of Britain collection. 

Highly recommended.

:

Battle of Britain Web Site

Review sample provided courtesy of Classic Airframes.

Classic Airframes kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers and from Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Steven Eisenman
Page Created 09 September, 2005
Last updated 09 September, 2005

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page