Airfield modelling (Airfix / Hornby / Lego etc)

Where is this thread going??? It's bad enough that I'm classed as an anorak plane spotter, but if I admit I hang around with people who collect models of control towers and train sets I'll have to make a noose and end it all!!

dangerousdave;36280 wrote:

if I admit I hang around with people who collect models of control towers and train sets I'll have to make a noose and end it all!!

Thanks to this thread I've ordered one of these towers to go with my collection of 1/72 diecast aircraft......

Well this threads goes to the top of the "men in sheds" list for 2009

I do get out occasionally.....

`

Martin,

I've just typed out a post/reply mentioning the above (now 'Legendary') shot !!!!!!!!!!!!
(in the Swannington/Mosquito-thread)

Makes sure ya post a duplicate of 'Bit O' Lace' (976), over in the Eastern airfields thread/section, eh ?

Oh, & those Lancaster/Airfield shots too (was it Metheringham ?)

Always brings a smile to my boat that 'Bit O' Lace'/Rattlesden shot !!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. I STILL prefer the Airfix Control-Tower = the Skaledale looks too 'skinny' to me.

`

OK, I've briefly emerged from my potting shed to deliver this learned report to the AiX.....

Thanks to Paul Francis' superb book 'Control Towers' ( Airfield Research 1993 ) I can identify the Hornby tower as being a vague effort at portraying a 'civilianised' Watch Office for Bomber Satellite Stations 13726/41 - of which a prime example is cited as that of one of my favourite airfields, Little Staughton.

Here's a genuine, anorak-style comparison...





As can easily be seen, Hornby haven't got it right. Apart for the obvious lack of a side window, the building simply isn't deep enough front-to-rear ; a complete set of rooms has been left out.

It's not totally beyond redemption - it bears a passing resemblance - but what with this and the Airfix effort, I wish someone from 'Cornby' would just get up to East Kirkby, take a few photos and drawings, and give us a proper WWII Watch Office for All Commands....

Thanks for the comparrison shots Martin.

I can only agree with what you and Paul have already said above!

Perhaps you'd like to put a little bit more together with the photos above for a "review" in the next Airfield Review??