17th Oct Yom Kippur & Middle East Night 2023
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the Ramadan War, the October War, the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, or the Fourth Arab–Israeli War, was an armed conflict fought from 6 to 25 October 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.
Many thanks to Nick W for supply the images and text from this evenings meeting.
Brain S gave a slideshow of aircraft photos from his extensive travels across Europe and North America. There were a very wide range of different types that he has captured from tiny pre-WW1 biplanes to huge Russian helicopters. It made for a very enjoyable aircraft recognition session – and there were even some that Brian himself didn’t know – so they must have been rare indeed.
Thank you Brian.
The theme for this evening’s club night was “Yom Kippur and the Middle East”. For all the wrong reasons this is very topical right now.
Brian R brought along some of his huge collection of Israeli and Middle Eastern armour.
Moving away from the Middle East, there has been no slow down in Bob’s incredible rate of production. He brought along two completed models – a Red Arrows Hawk and a very interesting and unusual version of the Fairey Firefly – the specialist anti-submarine Mk 7. Particularly impressive were the masked and painted spiral on the Firefly’s spinner and, hidden underneath, the black and yellow striped arrester hook. This is the only time I have seen this kit built and a lovely job Bob has made of it…
Meanwhile, El Presidente Colin W has built a Buccaneer. At first glance I assumed it was the new 1:48 Airfix kit – but then remembered that on the new kit the option to expose an engine is on the port side… Colin confirmed that this is in fact the old Airfix kit – and anyone who has tried to build it will know what a challenge it is. The Rolls Royce Spey on display is a resin part that Colin sourced in Greece via Britmodeller. A great deal of work has gone into showing this model in its fully folded state – it looks ready to be struck down on the lift to the hangar deck…
Paul C was in attendance with two more of his beautifully built and painted armour models. Lovely subtle dusting and highlights on this BRDM-2, and this more heavily weathered Hotchkiss of the French Army from early WW2.
Chris S continues with his excellent figure painting – he tells me this is Viriathus – an Iberian warrior and leader who was successful in resisting the expansion of the Romans and who inflicted several defeats on them before being betrayed and murdered in his sleep. He was the leader of the Lusitanian peoples – an area after which Cunard would later name their ill fated liner…
Moving on to the works in progress, Andy brought along evidence that he really has been working on the Airfix Bentley that has been “in the works” for quite a while now. But it looks like the wait will be worth it… A somewhat more humble but no less brilliant 2CV was keeping the Blower company, along with the resin chassis and (not pictured) body for a Mini van.
Meanwhile Chis M is on a mission to collect all 18 1:76 Matchbox vehicle kits that came with a mini diorama base. She tells me that she has 17 of them – only the Panther tank eludes her. So if anyone sees one at a show be sure to let her know!
The world’s slowest built of the Airfix Dakota is edging forward – the airframe is now together and it shouldn’t be too long before I can get some paint on. Will be interesting to see if my efforts to eliminate that top seam have been successful…
Mick is back on his favourite theme of air defence systems – this time with his “Minion on a lorry”. Mick confirms this version was only ever built as a prototype – a different version with the weapon on a trailer was deemed more likely to garner export sales…
We all know that, wherever Chris S is in the world, his thoughts are never far from Arnhem. It looks like he has almost crossed the finish line with this Zimmerit covered Panther in three coloured scheme that took part in the battle there…
And finally…. Bob has been working with his airbrush again, creating a very convincing wartime finish on this Ilyushin IL2 – no doubt this will be ready for the completed models section of our next club night!
