Paul Watson was in town again, sorting out the affairs of a late friend, of thirty-five years. And his trip included another box of lead castings needing to be cleared. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to write, Paul flew in?
The first is a 54mm Sopwith Pup, so popular during WW1. For me this does have some side-interests. My grandfather joined the Royal Naval Air Service, and ended up taking photographs of the German trenches in France..... and survived. The RNAS operated a wide range of aircraft during their brief period of service, and it has been suggested they received new designed aircraft before the Royal Flying Corps. At the end of WW1 both organisations were amalgamated into the newly formed Royal Air Force.
MGB
PS. See George Mills comment on the figures and their uniforms, some superb photos of re-enactors to follow on completion of the figures.
Beautiful airplane Michael, with extra significance for you that makes it special! My grandfather was in the Italian Alpini in WW1, and fought against the Austrians on the frontier between the two countries.
ReplyDeleteHello Brad, so viewing Megablitz and 54mm or Fight blogs carry WW1 posts of particular interest to you, I imagine. Regards, Michael
DeleteTerrific aeroplane. The RAF figures are splendid. I have a number of pilots and ground crew and they are figures full of character and period charm.
ReplyDeleteCheers Alan, I remember seeing your post, and also some model planes. Looking forward to working on these items.
DeleteMichael
O0h ! like the aeroplane !
ReplyDeleteTony, a tap on the door, and Paul had an open box with the plane. Its correct for scale, die-cast. Its made in China by a company called Gearbox.
DeleteMichael
Hi Mike - the figures and the aircraft look superb! From the photos I think the aircraft looks similar to Sopwith Pup/Neuiport 17. The former had a very distinguished service with the RNAS and famously was the first aircraft to take off on from a Royal Navy vessel (picture is online).
ReplyDeleteNow the figures are very interesting - it looks like they are wearing 1919 pattern tunics. The figure with the breeches is an officer (the uniform warrant included blue breeches and blue puttees). Now the others are wearing ordinary airmans "OA's" tunics, probably french cuffed in this time period. Their uniform is slate blue in a wool serge material which appears darker than the officers. Lovely figures Mike and looking forward to seeing what you do with them.
The shirts would be white with a black tie. In the top right the figures appear to be in overalls as well.
Thank you George, I know your reenactment and war-game interests are strongly tied to the RNAS, RFC, and RAF, so I was hoping you would comment on the figures. I will start the process of restoration but may seek your advice again. When completed, will wish to give credit to yourself and your re-enactment friends (as those photos you forwarded are quite superb!). Will also put up a permanent link to their society, its just good manners.
DeleteMichael
George, if the top row of figures are c.1919, they would be RAF? So, I could use three figures from the bottom row for the RNAS. I'm still concerned about the two in overalls, as to their actual portrayal.
DeleteMichael
George, I am beginning to think the two in brown overalls are WW2 pilots, with something quite bulky rapped around their necks. I will send you a photo which looks similar.
DeleteHi Mike - that is very kind thank you. The top row figures are definitely RAF so it would be difficult to pass them off as RNAS/ RFC. The figures in what appear to be overalls, could easily be Sidcot Suits - developed by Australian pilot Sidney Cotton during the Great War. The earlier examples are beige/buff/grey in colour and by the 1930s-1941 are an olive green. The Air Ministry began producing their own pattern and issuing them.
DeleteThere is some variety though and I have seen some very unique private purchase examples that include exotic furs - there was a RNAS pilot who had a leopard fur lined sidcot suit (I have the picture!). The bulky scarfs around their necks are usually personal scarfs. They tended to be in university/sqaudron/school colours or in RAF blue. They became so popular that the RAF began issuing aircrew with knitting patterns for airmen to send home to relatives who wishes to make them something. Some of the most valuable flying kit is actually home front made "aircrew pattern" knitwear!
Absolutely wonderful stuff George, thank you for contributing. Yes, the two in khaki overalls will be repainted as RNAS in the 1917 Sidcot suits, and they will join some of the others in the bottom row. Will go with light colours, and one will have a school scarf, the other a leopard skin just visible at the neck, lol. The marching figures will form a separate unit of early RAF 1920s.
DeleteMichael
Excellent - really look forward to seeing them completed.
DeleteI have a small scratch built airforce in 54mm -
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Hi Mark, I shall make a point of visiting your blog.
ReplyDeleteMichael
MESSAGE FROM PAUL WATSON concerning the portrayals of the lead figures.......... Top row Britains RAF - and two pilots in Sidcot suits. Next row, 1950s Crescent spare (thought he might do for the feet of the broken officer above (which is a rare RAF Britains 1920s). After that, Johillco RAF mechanic, and Pilot. Next to them RARE USAAF pilot (circa 1939/40) Others are: spare artillery figure from the quartet (still got to find the other one), and two more RAMC figures for the fledgling medical corps.
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