Folland Gnat 1:48 Airfix by pugwash

[pugwash]

Having just acquired this kit a sudden rush of blood to my head.

I'd like to display it as a factory floor work in progress, ie in its composite sections before final assembly, without engine, completed cockpit etc.

The problem is lack of online reference photo's.
Unlike many other aircraft, where virtually every nut and bolt can be found, in this case there is very little online.

Do I proceed with the few images I can find and make educated guesses to fill in the blanks?

Bing a UK machine, this Stateside based forum may not be the ideal place to ask such questions, but here I am!

My childhood memories of the use of the Gnat by the RAF 'Red Arrows' (1965-1979) made a lasting impression and my recent research shows what a remarkable little aircraft it was.
A 1960's version of a Spitfire, smaller in size yet a proper, capable jet for its time, with a deeply contentious history.

Several are privately owned and operated in the USA.
Any ideas where 'dismantled' photo's may be found?



















































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[itwbluey]

Folland Gnat T1

Folland Gnat T1

www.bamhurn.org

You have probably already found this reference for one at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum.
Perhaps contacting them may lead to the information/ photos you seek…..

 

[pugwash]

Folland Gnat T1

Folland Gnat T1

www.bamhurn.org

You have probably already found this reference for one at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum.
Perhaps contacting them may lead to the information/ photos you seek…..

Thank you bluey for your interest and the above 'heads-up' on that particular airframe.

Reading their write-up I see the machine was part of the 1977 Queens Silver Jubilee RAF flypast at RAF Finningley, an event I attended as a spectator and have vivid memories.

You have given me confidence to contact the people and organisations attempting preservation of the Gnat survivors.

There is a Gnat appreciation blog on facebook, much of which I've managed to trawl through, though I don't do FB.

 

[Graham]

Hi. The Gnat was built by the Folland Aircraft Company at Hamble. Try a search on either of these two - if you haven't already. There is also a Hamble Heritage Society who I am sure would be pleased to help.
I know you're not keen on Facebook, but also have a look at BAe Systems Past and Present. Hamble, like many other separate sites, was absorbed into the one company
I hope this helps.

 

[Jack Jäger]

Hi Pugwash I built the T1. kit when it first came out. It builds easy and looks great in Red Arrow garb, I really liked it. Have you made a start yet?
I used the 'HAWKER SIDDELEY GNAT F.Mk.1 AND T.Mk.1 by Paul A. Jackson)' booklet as ref. You can still pick up a copy now and again on Ebay

Regards JJ..

 

[RussF]

Hi Pug, so glad to see you back to building!

I found this image at this Facebook page if it helps.

 

[pugwash]

Hi Pug, so glad to see you back to building!

I found this image at this Facebook page if it helps.

View attachment 628539

Thank you Russ, that's an image new to me, of F1 production at Hamble.
The number of fascinating archives is no doubt almost endless, many of which are only known of by a small number of people. I fear that as time moves on these valuable resources will end up in skips unless they are shared on the web.

My request for photo's of Gnat airframe component parts gleaned very little.
So my attention has drifted to my own modest 1:24 version of this...

I ordered and paid for a set of Arthur Bentley's plans some time ago and am still waiting to see them!

 

[RussF]

Thank you Russ, that's an image new to me, of F1 production at Hamble.
The number of fascinating archives is no doubt almost endless, many of which are only known of by a small number of people. I fear that as time moves on these valuable resources will end up in skips unless they are shared on the web.

My request for photo's of Gnat airframe component parts gleaned very little.
So my attention has drifted to my own modest 1:24 version of this...

I ordered and paid for a set of Arthur Bentley's plans some time ago and am still waiting to see them!

View attachment 628597

Alright Pug, I really need some context here. I've been sitting here staring at your photo and struggling with the paradox of it. Even zooming in, that airframe looks like the real deal - all the way to the jack stands, yet the shears on the wall and the plastic parts bin belie the fact that it must be a model! This is your project?!? Wow, it is incredible! You mentioned a kit earlier - is this what you were referring to? Where does one obtain such a kit? I am totally gobsmacked.

I looked on Arthur Bentley's web site, but didn't see a set of drawings available for the Gnat. I wonder if he took them down. Looking at his bio, he must be 90 years old or better. I hope he's ... um ... still in business.

Anyway, what a great project. Do you have a build log for it? Inquiring minds want more!

 

[Jack Jäger]

Hi Pugwash is that a Hurricane your building?

JJ..

 

[pugwash]

Oh I wish!!!
The model isn't mine but is real and can be found here...

Hawker Hurricane 1/12 scale scratch build

forum.largescaleplanes.com

If you ask google images to display '1:12 scale Hurricane' you'll find many images listed there.
It's being built by a genius modelmaker in Switzerland.
You won't be disappointed!

Up until now he's engineered this without resorting to 3D printing of any sort; just using his skill and basic materials.

As such, I defy finding a Hurricane model anywhere else to match it, even remotely.

I may have not expressed my intentions clearly; based on the elusive Bentley Hurricane drawings, I'd like to make my own modest version at 1:24.