Airfix 1/72 Folland Gnat "Yellowjacks"

[1275GT]

Hi all. This is my latest completion, the new tool Airfix Folland Gnat, finished in the scheme of the team leader of the Yellowjacks aerobatic team in July 1964. The black fin was only used for a month or so, before being repainted to match the rest of the aircraft. The finish of the rudder is based on one grainy black and white photo, so the detailing of the hinges, etc is purely speculative on my part.

The kit is pretty straightforward, quite well detailed considering the scale, the decals are excellent and certainly looks the part.

The only problem I had were the size of my fingers - but given the subject matter, that was always likely !! The fit in places could have been a little better, and yes, the panel lines are heavy, but for the price, I don't think you can really argue.

I made a few small additions to the cockpit, made the 2 rear pipes to create the smoke and replaced the nose probe with a sewing needle. Otherwise, it's all as Mr Airfix intended !

Cheers, Neil

View attachment 71540

View attachment 71541

View attachment 71542

View attachment 71543

View attachment 71545

View attachment 71547

View attachment 71549

View attachment 71551

View attachment 71552

View attachment 71554

View attachment 71556

View attachment 71557

View attachment 71559

View attachment 71560

 

[flyjoe180]

Superb build Neil, and it looks very smart parked next to the F-4.

 

[Dave W]

Looks really good in the yellow paint Neil.

 

[treyzx10r]

Very sharp looking Gnat Neil,very nicely done Sir! The Phantom looks sweet as well!

 

[yak face]

Excellent job neil! Its a fab build of a great little kit and its a nice change to see the yellow scheme. A very underrated aircraft ,the gnat , low cost , easily built , lightweight (in fact just like the airfix kit!) and quite a formidable dogfighter in single seat format - the Indian air force scoring several victories over PAF Sabres during the India Pakistan wars. cheers tony

 

[papa 695]

A stunning little gnat Neil job well done. Looking forward to the nexy build

 

[1275GT]

Thank you for the comments guys, much appreciated. I chose the yellow on purpose, the thought that it might brighten the shelf up a bit, which it certainly does !! The pics next to the Phantom were just to try and show how small the thing is, given both are 2 seat aircraft.

Next build? Not sure yet, pennies are a bit short at the moment and the only things I've got everything for are a Thunderbirds F-16 or another Swordfish, although I could change tack completely and have a crack at one of the Tamiya F-1 kits lurking in the stash......

Oh, and talking of lurking, I've been watching your B-17 build from afar Trey, it's amazing stuff, mate. You must have the patience of a saint !!

Cheers, Neil

 

[Polux]

Fantastic build Neil.

Love this yellow colour, looks great.

Cheers. Polux