Tamiya and Airfix Battle of Britain Diorama 1:48

Setting the Scene – 16th September 1944…

I wanted to set the scene to capture several elements of a snap shot in the Battle of Britain, it is important to acknowledge all the crews that worked tirelessly during that period and beyond. I also had to accommodate the electronics and power pack to the Spitfire, as a result, using a large wooden keepsake box (with the lid removed and turned upside down) I was able to elevate this diorama, fit the power pack inside the box and add a lovely wooden colour printed plaque from Signomatic on the front. Adding a cut away of part of an early RAF hangar from Large Models Only. At the back I positioned the aircraft so that the Spitfire with P/O Hanbury ready in the cockpit could be started with engine running and ready to taxi out to the runway whilst the Hurricane is sat being re-armed and a panel being replaced due to battle damage.

Gallery Grid

Around them is the bustle and seemingly chaotic response from the ground crews as they rush to get both aircraft flying as P/O Fiske climbs into his Hurricane and another pilot races towards another aircraft beyond them both. I realise that the two squadrons were based at two stations, (albeit only 10 miles away from each other) but as they were effectively stable mates who engaged the same formations on that infamous day I thought it was appropriate to honour one of the first American Eagle pilots who gave his life that day and an RAF pilot who went on to be an fighter ace. The base was finished using varying grasses and airbrushing for the hardstanding area, weathering was achieved using the same techniques employed on the aircraft.

Gallery

Below are a series of images of the completed model. Click on a thumbnail to see the enlarged image.

On Reflection…

I really enjoyed this build. I do have a strong connection to RAF Tangmere and on a weekly basis I am lucky enough to walk past the memorial to P/O Billy Fiske in the museum. The display captures the events of the 16th September so well it was the catalyst and was the inspiration for this build.

The two kits complement each other beautifully and the plug and play set from Magic Scale Modelling sets it alive. It also has given me the opportunity to build something to capture the imagination of the next generation by displaying a scene that comes alive and has a story to tell. I am really excited about what Magic Scale Modelling have to offer, both with props and jets and with the hobby as a whole trying to inspire and recruit new young modellers I couldn’t think a better way of doing my little bit to help towards that on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Richard S.

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Here’s a quick look at the end result…

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