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Now Enlisting: Malta Campaign
Lakota
#123
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New Mexico, United States
Joined: November 17, 2008
KitMaker: 1,202 posts
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Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 08:46 AM UTC
I thought there were U.S. planes flying CAP. I don't remember where they came from and I could be wrong. This would be interesting to research.
Take care and Stay Safe,
Don "Lakota"
petbat
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Queensland, Australia
Joined: August 06, 2005
KitMaker: 3,353 posts
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Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 08:49 AM UTC
I like the idea of the first one, but instead of "2020" on the left, how about 'MALTA"? Kind of like this:
phantom_phanatic309
#372
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United Kingdom
Joined: March 10, 2010
KitMaker: 2,568 posts
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Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 09:13 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I thought there were U.S. planes flying CAP. I don't remember where they came from and I could be wrong. This would be interesting to research.
Take care and Stay Safe,
Don "Lakota"



According to the Wikipedia article, Wildcats from VF-71 stayed aboard and flew cover while the Spitfires launched.
Seems like the dive and torpedo bombers were landed in the Orkneys during both operations.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Wasp_(CV-7)

md72
#439
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Washington, United States
Joined: November 05, 2005
KitMaker: 4,950 posts
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Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 09:57 AM UTC
Hey guys, I copied Stephen's list over from the ideas thread.

Gloster Sea Gladiator
Hurricane IIa/b/c
Spitfire Vb/c
Fairey Fulmar
Fairey Swordfish
Fairey Albacore
Martin Maryland
Vickers Wellington
DH Mosquito NF.II
Bristol Blenheim I/IV
Bristol Beaufighter
Bristol Beaufort
Shorts Sunderland
Grumman Wildcat (stretching it, but they provided air cover for Spitfires launched from USS Wasp)
Fiat CR42
Fiat G50
Fiat BR20M
Macchi C200/202
SM79
CANT Z506
CANT Z1007
Re 2000/2001
Bf 109E/F/G
JU 87
JU 88A/C/D
He 111H

Based on a tiny bit of Wiki research, it looks like there were Martin Baltimores flying with No 69 Squadron, mostly recon work. I'm tempted to dig out my old Frog kit. The kit markings, probably for a training unit have long since disappeared, I'll have to cobble together the markings out of the spares box. Now one of you RAF experts are going to have to train me up on Roundel and lettering sizes.
YankeeSteve
#511
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Michigan, United States
Joined: July 10, 2018
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 12:26 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I like the idea of the first one, but instead of "2020" on the left, how about 'MALTA"? Kind of like this:



That is definitely doable and I do like that better than 2020. That being said, the St. George’s Cross would be a bit of a stretch at that resolution. Not sure if it could be made out. I could also do the Malta 2021 on the Red/White example as well.
MichaelSatin
Staff MemberCampaigns Administrator
AEROSCALE
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Colorado, United States
Joined: January 19, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 12:35 PM UTC
Sea Hurricanes Mk.IB were definitely used in the Malta convoys, significantly during Operation Pedestal.

https://www.armouredcarriers.com/hawker-sea-hurricane-variants

Just sayin'.

Michael
petbat
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Queensland, Australia
Joined: August 06, 2005
KitMaker: 3,353 posts
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Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 01:34 PM UTC

Quoted Text

the St. George’s Cross would be a bit of a stretch at that resolution. Not sure if it could be made out.



Bang on the money there. I and others have made awards for other GB's and that has always been the issue using the idea of actual medals.

We have used the medal's ribbon colours as a back ground not the medal itself, but in this case the George Cross Ribbon is just plain Dark Blue so not that noticeable, the intent.

The best resolution for the cross would be to do a representation of the flag of Malta filling one side with the cross on white with red as the other half. Maybe Chaz could do something like this:


I do like the Maltese Cross Chaz originally did but adding that to the red side of something like the above might be a tad too much:


I will go with the flow, but by preference, I still like Chaz's main design with Malta down the side..... simple, easily related to and striking ... but what does an Aussie know about class
YankeeSteve
#511
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Michigan, United States
Joined: July 10, 2018
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Friday, August 21, 2020 - 12:42 AM UTC
Ok, here are the complete 7 designs incorporating as much as possible. Some are better than others.....but here they are.

YankeeSteve
#511
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Michigan, United States
Joined: July 10, 2018
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Friday, August 21, 2020 - 01:05 AM UTC
BUT, I get first dibs on one of VF-71s Wildcats!!! Got one burn'n a hole in my stash!! May be complimented with a CR-42, Stuka, or Beaufighter.

This Spit was suppose to be the 2nd entry in the Big Three Campaign but was a tad late.....

phil2015
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Illinois, United States
Joined: July 27, 2015
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Posted: Friday, August 21, 2020 - 01:51 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Ok, here are the complete 7 designs incorporating as much as possible. Some are better than others.....but here they are.




Thanks for doing the work on these. I am partial to 1, but I am extremely flexible and will be happy if folks decide on any of the ones in the list.
MichaelSatin
Staff MemberCampaigns Administrator
AEROSCALE
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Colorado, United States
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Posted: Friday, August 21, 2020 - 09:18 AM UTC
I'm keeping my vote with #1.

Michael
petbat
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Queensland, Australia
Joined: August 06, 2005
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Posted: Friday, August 21, 2020 - 09:33 AM UTC
Yeah, No. 1 as I said.

Excellent Spitfire too Chaz. Very impressive.
phantom_phanatic309
#372
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United Kingdom
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Posted: Friday, August 21, 2020 - 11:42 AM UTC
Great work Chaz.

7 gets my vote, but happy with whatever everyone else votes for.
McRunty
#491
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Missouri, United States
Joined: April 06, 2016
KitMaker: 602 posts
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Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2020 - 04:17 AM UTC
I am in. I found a convoy run to Malta which contains 2 ships in my stash

Operation Halberd
Sleepwalker71
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Singapore / 新加坡
Joined: August 30, 2012
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Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2020 - 02:09 PM UTC
As for me - number 3.
Lakota
#123
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New Mexico, United States
Joined: November 17, 2008
KitMaker: 1,202 posts
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Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2020 - 02:53 PM UTC

Quoted Text

As for me - number 3.


Me too.
Take care and stay safe,
Don "Lakota"
md72
#439
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Washington, United States
Joined: November 05, 2005
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Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2020 - 06:52 PM UTC
I like #2, but I think number 1 tells the most about this campaign. so my vote is 1.
YankeeSteve
#511
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Michigan, United States
Joined: July 10, 2018
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Sunday, August 23, 2020 - 12:35 AM UTC
Hi All I took the liberty to pare down the ribbons to these three (with original numbers). All now have Malta & 2021 in them and the George's Cross has been lightened a little so some of the detail comes through......



Lot of votes for 1, some for 7 and a couple for 3. I'm good with any of them. Please advise what I am to do with the winner.....haven't a clue.... LOL

Regards!!
phil2015
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Illinois, United States
Joined: July 27, 2015
KitMaker: 502 posts
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Posted: Sunday, August 23, 2020 - 12:45 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi All I took the liberty to pare down the ribbons to these three (with original numbers). All now have Malta & 2021 in them and the George's Cross has been lightened a little so some of the detail comes through......



Lot of votes for 1, some for 7 and a couple for 3. I'm good with any of them. Please advise what I am to do with the winner.....haven't a clue.... LOL

Regards!!



Good work on these, thanks for making the effort. I'll let a few more days go back for people to voice an opinion, then I'll upload the one that seems to have the most support.
McRunty
#491
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Missouri, United States
Joined: April 06, 2016
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Posted: Sunday, August 23, 2020 - 03:17 AM UTC
3 for me.
SteveAndrews
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: August 16, 2010
KitMaker: 693 posts
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Posted: Monday, August 24, 2020 - 06:44 PM UTC
Hi guys,

I was about to sign up with a Spitfire Vb from the stash, but the decals are for a 1943 example stationed on Malta. Any chance of extending the scope a bit?

I'll understand entirely if it's a no and maybe run a parallel blog if that's not going to upset this fine group.

Happy modelling guys,

Steve.
Sleepwalker71
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Singapore / 新加坡
Joined: August 30, 2012
KitMaker: 265 posts
AeroScale: 72 posts
Posted: Monday, August 24, 2020 - 07:38 PM UTC
I will go ahead with Tamiya's 1/48 Beaufighter Mk VI in desert camouflage. I feel lucky having found this kit and picking it up tomorrow.
phil2015
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Illinois, United States
Joined: July 27, 2015
KitMaker: 502 posts
AeroScale: 110 posts
Posted: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 - 02:28 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi guys,

I was about to sign up with a Spitfire Vb from the stash, but the decals are for a 1943 example stationed on Malta. Any chance of extending the scope a bit?

I'll understand entirely if it's a no and maybe run a parallel blog if that's not going to upset this fine group.

Happy modelling guys,

Steve.



Hi Steve,

I'm inclined to be generous in allowing things in. OTOH, it's not an MTO campaign. But for something that was based on Malta, even after the siege itself ended, I would think it should be fine.
SteveAndrews
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: August 16, 2010
KitMaker: 693 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 - 03:50 AM UTC
Hi Phil,

That's great, thanks very much. This is my subject (and I'm quoting from an Xtradecal sheet now):

Spitfire Vb [Trop], EP829/T-N of 249 Squadron, Krendi Malta in April 1943. Flown by the American CO, Squardon Leader Joseph Lynch.

If that's still OK then I'll join and you can watch me struggle with Hobby Boss' 1/32 Spitfire in Naval Blue and Dark Earth.

Fingers crossed, and thanks again.

Steve.
TimReynaga
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
MODEL SHIPWRIGHTS
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California, United States
Joined: May 03, 2006
KitMaker: 2,500 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 - 04:27 AM UTC



I'm for No. 3