The Little World

The English Electric company made several notable aircraft in the 50’s and 60’s.

This interceptor was designed to tackle Soviet bombers before they could get to the UK – hence the high speed climb and short range of the prototypes. The over-wing tanks were a novel way to supply enough fuel to permit this remarkable climb of the type and still leave some for a fight and return. No doubt the VVS had similar ideas for their own defence.

The aircraft is not gunned – the only armament I can find on this model are the two missiles carried on pylons abreast of the pilot’s position. Apparently the British-designed missiles were temperamental with cold and had special arrangements to keep them fizzing while being carried.

The type was also prone to leaking fluids – a book in our club library written by a Lightning pilot mentions them arriving back at their fields constantly dripping something or other – signs that the boffins were at work.

Note about the rescued decals – they worked well, but the adhesive to paper bond was very slow to release. The wing walk ones were hopeless from the start and were eventually avoided – the lines being drawn in with black paint in a bow pen.

This aircraft is in every way a fitting companion for the ex-FROG model of a Goster Javelin acquired last year. The price of each was the same. They will join the ancient Airfix Blackburn Buccaneer in the RAF museum section.

Now to find a very cheap Hawker Hunter.