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FLIGHTLINE

 
 
   
 

Having already offered internet users the chance to invest in his vast range of photographs, Ken Guest asked for my help in downsizing his extensive 4mm scale model bus collection. My response was to use what had started out in its naked, beige MDF incarnation as The Fastest Diorama in the West and modify it as a sales display arena.

 
 
   
  Having already offered internet users the chance to invest in his vast range of photographs, Ken Guest asked for my help in downsizing his extensive 4mm scale model bus collection. My response was to use what had started out in its naked, beige MDF incarnation as The Fastest Diorama in the West and modify it as a sales display arena.  
 
   
 

Bristol RELH RDV 423 H - 1472 in the Royal Blue division of National Bus Company markings - passes preserved Hawker Hunter F6 G-PSST at Kemble Airport. The destination blind reads Cirencester.

 
 
   
  Bristol RELH RDV 423 H - 1472 in the Royal Blue division of National Bus Company markings - passes preserved Hawker Hunter F6 G-PSST "Miss Demeanour" at Kemble Airport. The destination blind - as captured by Ken Guest - reads 132 Cirencester.  
 
   
  Although too shallow to realistically accommodate even a low relief bus garage or bus station, part of this original diorama design was relatively great height in relation to depth to deter unauthorised interference - or theft in the context of a shop window display. Inspired by a number of photographs that Ken had taken of classic road vehicles on show at air displays, I added my usual Dulux First Dawn for the sky and Wilkinson's Feather Grey for the concrete apron, a solid roof with fastenings to support a model aircraft and a thin section of 18mm MDF to make the previous "road" level with what had been the railway. The Fastest Diorama in The West thus evolved into Flightline!  
 

   
  NOT ONLY BUSES BUT PRINTS TOO..  
 
   
  As a special introductory offer, a range of card mounted 7" x 5" Ken Guest prints will also be available alongside the buses for just £ 3.00 each or £ 5.00 for two. Subjects range from Handley Page Victor K1 of 57 Squadron seen at RAF Gan in 1968 ( pictured above ) to Bristol K buses. Come and have a look!  
 

   
  As a special introductory offer, a range of card mounted 7" x 5" Ken Guest prints will also be available alongside the buses for just £ 3.00 each or £ 5.00 for two. Subjects range from Handley Page Victor K1 of 57 Squadron seen at RAF Gan in 1968 ( pictured above ) to Bristol K buses. Come and have a look!  
 

   
  THE VAMPIRES BITE BACK  
 

   
  Ken has attended many more air displays than I have recently and one current feature that caught my imagination was not only the number of ex military jets now being owned and flown privately but the range of liveries they carry. Some stay faithful to the markings of their original air forces while others - like Kemble based Hawker Hunter G-PSST - sport almost psychedelic paintwork. With this in mind I have delved deep into the Jet Age Reserve Model Collection and pulled out a De Havilland Vampire originally painted in UDI era Rhodesian markings for a "Jets for export" themed display. Now though I can say that it is in private hands and preparing to mark the 30th anniversary of the transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe in 2010.  
 

   
  Ken has attended many more air displays than I have recently and one current feature that caught my imagination was not only the number of ex military jets now being owned and flown privately but the range of liveries they carry. Some stay faithful to the markings of their original air forces while others - like Kemble based Hawker Hunter G-PSST seen above- sport almost psychedelic paintwork. With this in mind I have delved deep into the Jet Age Reserve Model Collection and pulled out a De Havilland Vampire originally painted in UDI era Rhodesian markings for a "Jets for export" themed display. Now though I can say that it is in private hands and preparing to mark the 30th anniversary of the transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe in 2010.

Originally known as the Spider Crab, the famous De Havilland Vampire followed the equally notable Gloster Meteor to become the second British jet aircraft to enter service. The first De Havilland Vampires joined 247 Squadron early in 1946 and took part in the Victory Fly Past on 8 June 1946. With 45 and 72 Squadrons receiving Vampires in September 1946, the three units came together to form the first Vampire wing and were based at Odiham in Hampshire.

In July 1948 six Vampires of 54 Squadron made history by completing the first Transatlantic flight by jet aircraft of the Royal Air Force. After preparation at RAF Kemble they crossed to the United States, refuelling at Iceland, Greenland and Labrador on the way.

The success of the Vampire was phenomenal and more of these aircraft were exported than any other British type. The De Havilland Vampire was also built under licence in several Commonwealth and European countries as well as by English Electric in Lancashire.

Capable of many roles, including day fighter, ground attack fighter/bomber, night fighter and advanced trainer, the Vampire was still in service with many air forces - such as that of the unilaterally independent Rhodesia - as late as the 1970s.