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Even before the Suez
Crisis of 1956, pilots of the Supermarine Swift were learning that, while it was
hopelessly outclassed as a high altitude fighter, it was a very stable weapons
platform at low level. Accordingly they approached RAF Headquarters with a plan
to reconfigure the aircraft for ground attack missions. 56 Squadron was given
the task of working the aircraft into the new role, and when the operations in
Egypt came to a head they were ready for action.
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Click on
images below to see larger images
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Despite the abnormally
high maintenance problems encountered, which were normal for the Swift,
dedicated ground crews kept the squadron active throughout the crisis, and the
squadron’s contribution to air combat was considered critical to the eventual
success of Operation Musketeer.
I have built this kit before, have a
number in the stash, and test fitting of all brings nothing but joy. Except for
this one. I must have got one that was turned out by a jilted lover or a drunken
trainee. Oh well, slap it together anyway and give it a slightly different paint
scheme and you’ve got a whiffer. No prize-winner, but after languishing for a
while on the bench it’s finally done.
Enjoy! (But don’t look too
closely…)
Dave Bailey, aka
"The Rat"
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