This superb diorama features an ‘old-school’ classic in the form of Airfix’s 1/72 B-25J, which was first tooled in 1965. The firm’s same-scale USAAF figures plus an Italeri Jeep were also used to adorn the perforated steel planking base, with the scene depicting Captain Marchant examining the airframe Ave Maria, which features his name as part of its nose art.
Built straight from the box, Mario Serementa’s take on the ICM 1/48 Bristol Beaufort shows the kit’s quality. The only addition involved kabuki tape used to form seat harnesses, while Tamiya and Humbrol paints were used in conjunction with the kit-supplied decals for the 22 Squadron livery.
Even prior to the release of Airfix’s new 1/24 Spitfire Mk.IXc ‘superkit’, Lawrence Bassett was delighted with the markings options as they contain an aircraft from RAF Harrowbeer – the Devon site being ten minutes’ drive from his home. Work began as soon as the kit was available, with every stage of construction enjoyed and the detail deemed superb. After an initial photoshoot with the model at the former airfield (as shown), the model is now proudly displayed in the tearoom at the Educational and Heritage Centre based on the RAF Harrowbeer site.
Though now replaced by a more recent …
