LIFTING OFF OUT OF LOCKDOWN - RAF

The professionals of the Royal Air Force were not to be left behind in the "2020 Modelling Challenge" ("Aircraft & Anti-Everything"):

"Gloster Gladiators" lined up for inspection. This is the original biplane configuration
of the modelling challenge "piece of cheep Chinese plastic" with a simple paintjob.
In an alternative timeline, interwar silver and colourful heraldry similarly banished,
 this paint scheme would become known as "Munich colours".

A mixed Squadron of 'Gloster Gladiators' and Vickers Venoms. The pressures of the VBCW
often resulted in RAF Squadrons having 'mixed types", much as in early WW1. The Venoms
have the same "cheep Chinese body" as the "Gladiators", with only the second wing
removed. A simple job of finger pressure and a little subsequent cutting/sanding.

A "standing patrol", Venom in the foreground and Gladiator in the rear.
With scientific detection of enemy aircraft still in its infancy, this WW1
tactic for protection of airfields was still much in use during the VBCW.

Vulnerable to attack - Mongrel day-bombers on the ground. The RAF also used
'Blenheims' and 'Battles' as tactical bombers, but were not above adopting the
Mongrel (a favourite of the BUF) when required. More info HERE

An RAF heavy bomber coming into land. Some have tentatively
identified this as a "Lancaster", although in 'other times', this famous
four engined bomber did not enjoy its first flight until January 1941.
Perhaps an example of scientific development being spurred on by Civil War...

A contemporaneous newspaper photograph of the same landing, extracted from
"Our Civil War Illustrated" (pub. Newnes, London 1938). While the headline simply
records "New Bomber Introduced", the article noted "strong local opposition to
engine noise and inconvenience to cattle" with a "vociferous campaign" being
launched by locals "against the planned extension to the airfield's flare path".

Safely down - the Lancaster ("Meng Model Kids") being refuelled by an
RAF Bowser ("Lledo"). A shot to establish relative scale (and how to have
a squadron of heavy bombers in the VBCW without overwhelming the
area of the wargames table)

Light bomber and Heavy bomber - a Mongrel soars over a grounded Lancaster. Another
shot to establish relative scale. Despite their very differing origins (historically and in
terms of plastic and modelling quality), the two types look fine together.

"Instrument check, is it? Engine check, sir!" - a pair of Mongrels joyride
over the airfield. As the VBCW wore on and parts and aviation fuel became
scarcities, such early RAF practices of youthful enthusiasm became
 frowned upon. These two light bombers have to get back soon, anyway..

...ready for that afternoon's full parade. Clockwise from the Lancasters - Gladiators,
Venoms at the fore, Mongrels. The overworked RAF Bowser sits in the middle.

Next up - Red Air Force!