hawker tempest mk v

 B.F. Miller, a member of the USAAF, served with several units in the RAF. While serving with No.508 Squadron flyng a Mosquito, he shot down a V-1, and added another two while flyng with Fighter Interception Unit, which was tasked with intercepting the V-1s, and which was ultimately done by No.501 Sqdr. Serving with the latter, Miller was able to destroy another six V-1s. Other pilots besides Miller flew this aircraft, and on the night of October 21/22, 1944, F/O L.A.L. Johnson bagged two

Source: Eduard kit instructions & references

The Tempest project, dated 2011/2012, is, to all intents and purposes, the most important in the evolution of the MWP (Metal Work Panels) technique as, for better or for worse, albeit on the one hand, harshly criticized by the so-called model makers. 'purists' and therefore strongly detractors, and on the other hand, loved and dreamed of by all those who, far-sighted, finally glimpsed a real possibility of being able to create their own models completely, or even only partially, in light metal, ultra-thin like sheet metal of aluminum and copper, was the first to indicate the way, obviously paved with successes and failures as happens in life, to follow to obtain a result that is certainly appreciable and capable of giving enormous satisfaction.

So far, nothing special, but the project in question has been capable of breaking down over time the mendacious barrier of the useless belief that infected (and probably also now) the usual detractors, regarding the absurdity and/or impossibility of proceeding with the MWP technique, on a model of such small dimensions (scale 1:48): well, it seems that the facts, or rather, the countless illustrations scattered along the pages of the site, tell a very different truth, as demonstrated for example by the B-58 'Hustler' model in the same size scale.

As stated above, it is incontrovertible that the 'Tempest' project is to be considered in all respects as the genesis of the MWP technique (or at least the one used in the Guide written by the undersigned) and therefore as the 'milestone ' of a truly very complex procedure but nevertheless, within the reach of all those who, armed with a lot of patience and trust, will be able to derive enormous satisfaction from it.

The MWP technique, performed correctly according to precise basic rules in a complete or even partial way, gives the model a realism that is certainly interesting from a structural and texturing point of view with effects that are difficult to compare with those (although of great value and impact both in terms of modeling and photographic) resulting from coloring in NMF (Natural Metal Finishing) regardless of the excellent products on the market and the simplicity or convenience inherent in the coloring and preshading technique.

I am proud and satisfied with the result achieved with the project in question regardless of the mistakes made (there are many and from these, I tried to draw conclusions and learn new methodologies in order to avoid them in the future)  and I am happy to have been able to share the path with many interested parties who still continue to follow me in new and particular adventures that are increasingly complex and important.

Speaking of the evolutionary path of the MWP technique, I conclude the article by reminding myself that there is still a lot to learn about the use of the metal coating technique and only with constant commitment and a pinch of confidence can the necessary experience be obtained to face and overcome our daily adventure.

See you soon and as always, great modeling everyone.

Giorgio

This project, unlike the subsequent ones, was in fact entirely made with ultra-thin sheet metal (aluminium) and spray glue (hot spread).

Currently the metal sheet has been superseded by the more practical and decidedly less expensive self-adhesive metal tape and its use is targeted only for some parts that require particular processing and thinness (e.g. engine compartment opening panels, weapons etc...) where it remains absolutely unsurpassed.

Once covered with metal panels and completely rewritten (paneling and riveting), the model was painted and 'aged'.

The model in question is actually a limited series proposed by Eduard and enriched by numerous accessories proposed by CMK such as the powerful Napier Saber engine (the castle was entirely self-built), the cockpit entirely made of resin.

Soon, the last and definitive photo gallery of the model will be completed and published.

Thanks for your attention and as always, happy modeling everyone.

Milan, October 2018

I have decided to dedicate a new and unpublished photo gallery to the Tempest Mk V model in the 'Limited Edition' version by Eduard in 1/48 scale.

The model is portrayed in its original diorama, perhaps poor but essential in content.

I am particularly fond of this work because, as I had the opportunity to explain to him, it was the first experiment (2011) with which I approached the MWP (Metal Work Panels) technique or the metal coating of a plastic model .

Pue being aware of all the technical shortcomings and consequently of the errors committed during the execution of this project, I am proud to show it as the true and only progenitor of a technique that has given me and continues to give me enormous satisfaction.