Airfix 1/72nd Gloster Gladiator Mk II

[Stikpusher]

Impressive work Bish! Especially in the fact of you rigging up this little fighter! That is some intricate work.

The final base set up with figures and label look just right. So unusual to see a Gladiator in the later Temperate Day Fighter camo scheme.

[Stuart]

Superb work Bish - I love the little dio.

I don't think I've ever seen a Gladiator in that scheme before, I wonder what they used them for.

[Bish]

Thanks guys. This one belonged to a unit that used a range of aircraft to monitor the weather. being based in North Norfolk meant that could head up the north sea and get readings and measurments. I believe some aircraft even flew over Germany so the6y could get weather reports for the bombers.

[tempestjohnny]

The build is great but the scene really makes the history

[Stikpusher]

Thanks guys. This one belonged to a unit that used a range of aircraft to monitor the weather. being based in North Norfolk meant that could head up the north sea and get readings and measurments. I believe some aircraft even flew over Germany so the6y could get weather reports for the bombers.

Yes, weather recon flights had to be flown every day to check for visibility over the targets of the day. If the primary was weathered out, secondary and alternate targets were also planned for and briefed. And seeing how it is unlikely that Germany was broadcasting weather reports from their areas of control, General meteorological information also needed to be gathered daily for the folks keeping track of that for use in daily weather forecasts.

[Stuart]

Combat weatherman - Interesting bit of history that most people wouldn't know about. I assume they must have used a lot of fast recon aircraft whilst over Germany.

And who said predicting the weather was boring

[Stikpusher]

Just think of the Overlord go/no go decision. The invasion was originally scheduled to be on the 5th and was postponed due to weather. Everything hinged on a forecast for the 6th. Certainly one of the most critical forecasts in history.

I think the main Allied fast long range recon aircraft would be Mosquitos and Lightning’s. Flying solo high and fast, hard to intercept.

[Bish]

Stuart, indeed, like the BOAC aircraft, this is anotehr chapter of the war thats often overlooked. I am sure many are aware of the role the weather played on D-Day, as Carlos mentioned. But i would bet there is a host of interestiong accounts out there.