Heller 1/72 Fouga CM170 Magister
Discussion
This might be my next project -
It dates from 1980 - which, to me is modern (the Gnat was from 1964 and the Vampire from 1970).
It's actually a lovely little kit but it does feature raised panel lines - which shows its vintage.
I intend to do an Irish Air Corps version as they were a common sight back back home in the late 1970s and 80s. I remember watching four of them (3/4 of the entire Air Corps fleet) escort the Aer Lingus 747 carrying Pope John Paul II to Ireland in 1979.
It dates from 1980 - which, to me is modern (the Gnat was from 1964 and the Vampire from 1970).
It's actually a lovely little kit but it does feature raised panel lines - which shows its vintage.
I intend to do an Irish Air Corps version as they were a common sight back back home in the late 1970s and 80s. I remember watching four of them (3/4 of the entire Air Corps fleet) escort the Aer Lingus 747 carrying Pope John Paul II to Ireland in 1979.
This should be interesting, I built the equally nice but also raised detail Airfix version back in the day. Inspired by the box lid and their visit at the time to Biggin Hill I built it as a Patrouille de France example. Like the Arrows losing their Gnats the Patrouille switching to Alpha Jets, for me, lost them their quirky edge.
They were quite successful commercially with a number of air forces operating them - the French, West German, Israel, Irish, Austrian etc as well as a number of African and South American air arms.
Oddly, they evolved out of a glider design, which is why they have relatively long wings for a jet.
They were not very fast and the instructor needed a periscope to see over the head of the pupil.
As well as being the mount of the French Patruoille de France aerobatic team,they were also flown by the Belgian Aerobatic Team, Les Diables Rouges.
Even the Irish made up a four ship team with their Magisters - the Silver Swallows -
In the movie version of "Jesus Christ Superstar", Judas gets chased across the desert by a pair of Israeli Air Force Magisters -
There are a number still flying in private hands.
Oddly, they evolved out of a glider design, which is why they have relatively long wings for a jet.
They were not very fast and the instructor needed a periscope to see over the head of the pupil.
As well as being the mount of the French Patruoille de France aerobatic team,they were also flown by the Belgian Aerobatic Team, Les Diables Rouges.
Even the Irish made up a four ship team with their Magisters - the Silver Swallows -
In the movie version of "Jesus Christ Superstar", Judas gets chased across the desert by a pair of Israeli Air Force Magisters -
There are a number still flying in private hands.
nope - definitely V-tailed and black (or dark blue?). Possibly not Bond, now I come to think of it, but Mission Impossible or of that ilk. Now I am confused and Google can't help me, it seems...
edit - I think there may have been a pair of them, from (faulty) memory
edit 2 - chuckling at the tripod holding up Mr Bond's wings...
edit - I think there may have been a pair of them, from (faulty) memory
edit 2 - chuckling at the tripod holding up Mr Bond's wings...
Edited by AER on Tuesday 2nd September 08:57
Eric Mc said:
You're not thinking of the Bede BD5 in "Octopussy"?
I'd love a BD-5 but they're so twitchy and awkward to fly they can't be flown in the UK, think there's a guy in Irish republic has one though.They were so different to fly Jim Bede had one on the end of a hinged arm on the front of a truck where you could "fly" the BD-5 without being in any danger of really leaving the ground so prospective owners could get the hang of it.
Plus the BD-5J jet version in the pic has the shorter wings making it even worse.
Anyway, back to the Fougas, they're fab too!
Edited by 16VJay on Sunday 7th September 22:02
Back from holiday and ready to get started on the Fouga.
As you can see , the basic parts are in a fairly lurid shade of blue plastic. First task will be to spray on a coat of Halfords grey primer on the internal components that will need painting (cockpit, seats etc).
The raised lines are very fine and delicate and hopefully the fit of the parts will be good enough to ensure that not too much rubbing down will be required.
As you can see , the basic parts are in a fairly lurid shade of blue plastic. First task will be to spray on a coat of Halfords grey primer on the internal components that will need painting (cockpit, seats etc).
The raised lines are very fine and delicate and hopefully the fit of the parts will be good enough to ensure that not too much rubbing down will be required.
Progress report -
Main components now assembled and interior completed to the level I'm satisfied with. The cockpit is essentially straight out of the box, the only addition being some straps made from painted Avery labels cut into strips.
True to this era of Heller kits (1979/80 or so) there are virtually no gaps at all and everything clicks together nicely.
Next step will be undercoating the whole model with Halfords Grey Primer - that blue plastic has to go!
Main components now assembled and interior completed to the level I'm satisfied with. The cockpit is essentially straight out of the box, the only addition being some straps made from painted Avery labels cut into strips.
True to this era of Heller kits (1979/80 or so) there are virtually no gaps at all and everything clicks together nicely.
Next step will be undercoating the whole model with Halfords Grey Primer - that blue plastic has to go!
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