The Little World

I have been googling No. 4 Sqn in WW2 with reference to the Wirraway. These were busy aircraft.

The squadron was generally intended for reconnaissance when it was formed before the war and was working closely with the Australian Army and US Army in New Guinea throughout the conflict.

It looks as if this was doing artillery spotting, ground support fire, and recon. One chap – Pilot Officer John Archer – shot down a Japanese fighter for the one kill of this type – and Wikipedia says he got a US Silver star for the feat.

I noted participation by the squadron in battles of Buna-Gona and Wau.

The High Planes model has built up splendidly – completely belying the appearance of the broken box. I build ’em clean, but this model would be perfect for the experienced weathering modeller.

Everything fit, including the white metal parts and the vac-form canopy. The propeller is particularly well-formed – I would wish this level of expertise in Czech models. I could easily cope with the omissions; radio mast/gear doors/ cockpit framing.

And a final tip o’ the Hatlo hat to the DK Decals company from the Czech Republic. Their specialist packet of WWII RAAF fighters decals is proving perfect for the collection. I’ve snipped off the Buffalo, Hurricane, Boomerang, and Wirraway and there are still four more types that can be decorated with the sheet. It was a little pricey to start with but has proved good value by now.