Irish Hurricane

History: The Hawker Hurricane was the first monoplane fighter to enter service with the R.A.F. in the 1930s, and it served in larger numbers and destroyed more German aircraft than the rest of the British defenses combined. The prototype first flew in late 1935, and the MkI was accepted for service in late 1937. With its mostly fabric covered fuselage, it was not as technically advanced as the Spitfire, and was introduced with a fixed-pitch two blade propeller that was later replaced with a three blade constant speed unit. It was powered by a 1030hp Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engine, and armed with eight Browning .303 machine guns. By the war's end 3650 units were produced.

This model represents one of two aircraft that force landed in Erie, Ireland. Both aircraft were purchased from the British Government and repainted in dark earth and dark green camo with sky blue undersides, and marked with Irish national markings. Twelve more Mk. I aircraft, and six Mk.IIc models were ordered by the Irish government, and it is believed that these aircraft were delivered in a medium sea grey, ocean grey, and dark green camouflage.

The Kit: This build uses the Hasegawa kit with added detail provided by the Airwaves photo-etched set, and is topped off with resin wheels and tires from Ultracast. The kit is of good quality typical for this manufacturer, with the instructions and degree of accuracy to match, providing for easy assembly, and an overall favorable impression.

For the most part, the fit of the kit pieces was very good, with the only problems coming in the fit of the leading edge sections of the wings. The kit was assembled pretty much per the instructions with the only modifications being a propeller spinner from a Hobbycraft kit was substituted because it had a more accurate shape, and the exhausts were drilled out for added realism.

The kit was painted with Model Master paints, and the decals came from an Aeromaster sheet. For a final touch the entire plane was weathered with pastels.

References:
Hurricane in Action - Squadron Publications
The Hawker Hurricane - Scale Aircraft Modeling Publications