1/48 Airfix Hawk Mk 108

No. 6 Squadron, TUDM Kuantan

by Brian Param 

--------------------

    Malaysia National Day 2005

 

Background : 

 

This is based on the Airfix Hawk 100 offering in 1/48 scale. Aircraft depicted here is from the Royal Malaysian Air Force No 6 Sqn flying out of TUDM Kuantan. The Malaysian government purchased the Hawks in the nineties as an alternative to the original intent of the Tornados. A mixture of Hawk 108s and 208 equip 3 flying squadrons which is 6, 9 and 15 respectively. They are used for LIF (lead in fighter) roles/duties to the F/A -18D as well as ground and air to air attack roles. The fly along side the Aermacchi MB 339 AM  in the 15 Squadron daily out of TUDM Butterworth giving their pilots a lot of joy.

 

Click on images below to see larger images

 

The Kit : 

 

The kit is the Airfix offering in 1/48 scale. I used the Neomega cockpit set on this as well as in my opinion the kit cockpit set is sparse to say the least. Fitting the upgrade set in did take some work with the need to trim and modify the bulkhead aft the rear seat and shaving the front instrument panel shroud. The neomega cockpit set is highly recommended as it does bring life to the Hawk once installed. Nose weights are needed in this model, I used melted down solder and lined the entire bottom of the cockpit floor with it. That did the job as it prevented the aircraft from tail sitting. The wing fences are also different on the Malaysian Hawks, the template for this was obtained from the excellent VFA sheet, which was cut using plastic card.

 

 

Painting :    

 

This was relatively easy, with the one colour scheme on Malaysian Hawks. The close match was obtained with Gunze – Medium Sea Grey which was airbrushed on, I filled up the panel lines with a pen, and did some marks and etc with a pen as well. It was a bit too stark, so I tried to tone it down a bit did not achieve what I set out to do. Decals were from VFA Hawk 100 Sheet. It has all the 3 flying squadrons including stencils and all tail numbers which are possible to be represented. It also provides a template to make the wing fences on the Malaysian hawks as well as including decals for the Aermacchi MB 339 AM.

 

Click on images below to see larger images

 

Overall a pleasing build, I was amazed by the size of the Hawk in 1/48 compared to other aircraft such as the F-5 and A-4. I am going to start on my Hawk 208 or the Aermacchi MB 339 AM very soon so that my hawk will have a partner in its display case.

 

Thanks to Thomas and Aidy for helping me out with reference  

 

HAPPY MERDEKA DAY

 

Thank You

Brian Param a.k.a Mr B

Photos and text © by Brian Param