A model of HMS Hermes which has taken model maker Rex Hunt over five years to build will be just one of the amazing models on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum’s Model Show on 9th Feb 2013.
The model shows the aircraft carrier as she was during the Falklands War and is complete with on board Sea Harriers and Sea King helicopters which raise from the flight deck accompanied by a recording of their engines warming up.
The February Model Show, now in its 17th year, is the biggest of its kind in the South West and will typically attract some 2000 visitors. Over 120 traders and clubs will be exhibiting everything from model aircraft, boats, trains, figures, tanks and dioramas. There will be competitions with generous prizes sponsored by Airfix, so bring along your best models and you could walk away with a prize.
The highlight of the show will be a flying display by the British Model Flying Association whose model making and piloting skills are admired around the world. The flying line-up for this year has yet to be confirmed but previous shows have seen a 20ft wingspan B52 bomber and jet powered model Concorde taking to the skies.Whether your interest is in kits or ‘scratch built’ model aircraft the Fleet Air Arm Museum’s February Model Show undoubtedly will have something for everyone.
Says Museum Spokes person Jon Jefferies, “The level of interest in this show increases with each passing year and is helped by the fact that in addition to the show, visitors can have the opportunity of going on board the first British Concorde and on our award winning aircraft carrier experience.”
Doors open at 10.00am. Normal admission prices apply and there’s no extra cost for attending the show. Tickets can be bought in advance on the museum’s website www.fleetairarm.com
Using a commercial fibreglass hull, plastic card, brass and timber, this project was completed in time to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict in June 2012.The model represents HMS Hermes as she travelled from Ascension Island to the ‘Exclusion Zone’ on 19th May 1982.
The featured models on deck include:
- Harriers from No1 Sqn RAF
- Sea Harriers of 800 and 809 Naval Air Squadron
- Seaking helicopters from 826 and 846 Naval Air Squadron
- Lynx helicopter of 815 Naval Air Squadron
- Wessex of 845 Naval Air Squadron
- Wasps of 829 Naval Air Squadron from HMS Hecla and Endurance.
Many working features are used in the production of this challenging project, including:
Operating lifts, navigation, action and normal lighting, rotating radar aerials, operating aircraft with rotors, lighting and sound effects, operating anchor, signalling lamps, smoke unit and landing craft have also been incorporated.
Planning time, 3 years. Build time, 5 years.
This radio controlled model was built as a tribute in memory of those of all Arms who didn’t return, or returned injured from Operation Corporate fighting for the freedom of others.