McCudden's Pup

摘要

Last year I had the pleasure of building the RNAS version of Wingnut Wings' 1/32 Sopwith Pup, a superb kit that captures the delightful lines of this classic WWI scout aircraft. I must admit to previously not really caring one way or the other about the Pup, but the simple, clean lines characterised by its clipped geometric wings and angular fuselage really won me over during the build. So much was my new-found enthusiasm for the Pup that the arrival of Pheon Models' 'Sopwith Pup Trainers and 'Pets' of the RFC' (32015) decal set galvanised the Editor and myself into building a second, with the acquisition of Wingnut Wings' RFC Sopwith Pup. Pheon's high quality decals are as good as they get. Amongst the examples of garish schemes that typified the Pup's service as a trainer, is an option for the pretty machine flown by JTB McCudden whilst based at Joyce Green, Northolt, on air defence duties. Prior to the release of Pheon's set I'd already noted the scheme as a potential future build, after the publication of a magnificent double page print of the aircraft in the Autumn 2009 edition of the Journal of Cross & Cockade International. As part of an article featuring the scheme, McCudden is seen proudly standing in front of the newly painted A7311 in a photo portrait that looks unbelievably modern, taking in a full view of the aircraft.