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Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - USS Nimitz- No 2 Elevator
£19.99

KWB 48-492 USS Nimitz- No 2 Elevator
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-492, USS Nimitz (CVN-68), No. 2 Elevator, 2020

Named after Chester W. Nimitz, the ship was launched in May 1972 and commissioned in May 1975, originally as CVAN-68 and thereafter CVN-68. Her first deployment was to the Mediterranean in July 1976 and she returned to the United States in February the following year. This was followed by further deployments to the Mediterranean, firstly in December 1977, returning in July 1978. She was then sent back to the same area of operations in September 1979. This trip saw her redeployed to the Indian Ocean during the Iran hostage crisis and in April 1980 she took part in Operation Eagle Claw, a failed attempt to rescue fifty two staff held hostage at the US Embassy in Tehran.

During May to August 1979, she starred in the United Artists movie The Final Countdown starring Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, Katharine Ross and James Farentino. The movie was released in August 1980.

In August 1981, she was involved in what is known as the Gulf of Sidra incident off the coast of Libya, where two F-14 Tomcats from VF-41 Black Aces, engaged and shot down two Libyan Sukhoi Su-22 Fitters, one of which had fired on the F-14's. Following this, the Libyans carried out at least three more mock attacks without further incident.

Nimitz undertook an number of further deployments throughout the 1980's, During 1982 and 1983, she deployed to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean again. In 1985 she was involved in attacks on Beirut and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 by two Lebanese terrorists. In December 1986 she deployed again to the Mediterranean followed by a long voyage around Cape Horn and through the Pacific Ocean, eventually to arrive at Bremerton, Washington in July 1987 which would be her home port. She provided security for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul and then took part in Operation Earnest Will in the North Arabian Sea where she provided protection for Kuwaiti oil tankers.

The 1990's were no less busy. In 1991 she deployed to the Persian Gulf to provide relief for the USS Ranger following Operation Desert Storm, then in 1993 she was active again during Operation Southern Watch. During 1995 and 1996 she served a number of further deployments to the Indian Ocean, again to the Persian Gulf, and also the Taiwan Straits where she undertook observations of Chinese missile tests. In July 1997, she participated in Joint Task Force Exercise 97-2 off the California coast. This was then followed by more deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch which was still ongoing. In 1998 she underwent a three year major refit and update program.

In 2001, Nimitz was then sent to her next home port of NAS North Island where she underwent more upgrades until she was deployed again for participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in 2003, also in 2005 when she was sent to the Arabian Sea, and again in 2007 in further support of Iraqi Freedom. In 2008, she went to the Western Pacific area where she participated in threat response to counter growing threats from Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers. An unusual event occurred in 2004 when she was involved in the tracking of reported UFO's.

During the 2010's, Nimitz undertook more deployments and visits around the globe notably in the Arabian Sea area and also in support of Iraqi Forces fighting ISIS in 2017. She was again overhauled in 2018, and was redeployed to the South China Sea along with the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in support of US troop withdrawals in Somalia.

Nimitz has now been in service for nearly fifty years and is due to be replaced by the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) by 2022.

The base here shows Nimitz's No. 2 elevator which is located to the forward of the ship on the starboard side. The elevator has been constructed from official measurements and photographs.

Aircraft operated (for the 2000's onwards). Note that this list is not extensive:

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (VX-23 aircraft on test in 2014)
?? Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
?? Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
?? Boeing EA-18G Growler
?? Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye
?? Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler
?? Grumman C-2A Greyhound
?? Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk
?? Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk

Stock code: 48-492

Kitsworld base shown with a model - Boeing F-18F Super Hornet and A/S32A-31A Deck Tractor

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Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - Plain Grass- Worn
£19.99

KWB 48-493 Plain Grass- Worn
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-493, Plain Grass (Worn).

A base of worn grass that can serve a number of functions. Applications could include military and civilian airfields and aerodromes from the dawn of flight to the present day and even bases for vehicle displays. The base can also be used for 1/72nd displays, is large enough to be cut into smaller sections to create a number of separate bases.

Suggested subjects: aircraft, cars, military vehicles, motorcycles and figures.

Stock code: 48-493

Kitsworldbase shown with a model - Westland Whirlwind I and Austin Tilly

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Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - Plain Grass Solid
£19.99

KWB 48-494 Plain Grass Solid
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-494, Plain Grass (Solid).

A base of solid grass that can serve a number of functions. Applications could include military and civilian airfields and aerodromes from the dawn of flight to the present day and even bases for vehicle displays. The base can also be used for 1/72nd displays, is large enough to be cut into smaller sections to create a number of separate bases and as it's seamless can also be joined for larger displays.

Suggested subjects: aircraft, cars, military vehicles, motorcycles and figures.

Stock code: 48-494

Kitsworldbase shown with a model - Armstrong Whitworth Whitley I and Bedford MSC

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Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - Korat RTAFB- 1972
£19.99

KWB 48-495 Korat RTAFB, 1972 GPS- 14º55’47.83” N 102º04’45.01” E (General location)
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-495, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, 1972.

Korat can trace its ancestry back to the days of the Japanese Occupation of Thailand when a small airfield was built for use by the Japanese Imperial Army.

After the end of the war, the airfield was passed to the Thai government who continued its use as a base for the Royal Thai Air Force. During the early 1960's, the United States began enlarging the airfield. New facilities were built including barracks, stores, a hospital and numerous security improvements were undertaken. The Laotian Civil War had begun in 1959 and the then Kennedy administration was concerned about spillage of this conflict over into Thailand, notably an invasion by communist forces. Improvements and enlargement of the base continued until 1964, when the USAF began stationing Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibians of the 33rd Air Rescue Squadron at Korat to support US Navy operations over Laos. These were replaced in 1965 by Douglas HC-54D Rescuemasters.

Following the Gulf of Tonkin incident in July 1964, Republic F-105D Thunderchiefs of the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron from the 6441st Tactical Fighter Wing stationed in Japan began to be deployed. This unit continued at Korat until October of the same year when they were replaced by F-105D's of 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. The same month also saw the additional deployment of F-105's from the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron from the 41st Air Division.

Deployments continued including Kaman HH-43 Huskies which formed the 38th Air Rescue Squadron and the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron operating F-105's moving from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on a rotational basis throughout 1964 and 1965.

Operations were ramped up in 1965. This year saw the establishment of the 6234th Tactical Fighter Wing encompassing the 12th, 67th, 357th, 421st and 469th Tactical Fighter Squadrons all flying F-105D's, the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron operating Mcdonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II's and a Wild Weasel Detachment formed from the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron flying North American F-100F Super Sabres.

In April 1966, the 6234th TFW was deactivated and replaced by the reactivated 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, initially encompassing the 421st and 469th Tactical Fighter Squadrons flying F-105D's, followed in May by the 44th TFS flying F-105F's. In the same month, the 388th also took under its charge the 34th TFS flying F-4C's and the 13th TFS flying F-105F's. By this time, No. 41 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force was also stationed at the base flying Bristol Freighters.

By 1967 the F-105's were beginning to suffer heavy losses and many European-based F-105's started being transferred to South East Asia to make up numbers. The 421st TFS was re-established as the 44th TFS in April 1967. The unit absorbed the missions undertaken by the 13th TFS which moved to Udorn RTAFB flying McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II's.

By 1966, Wild Weasel missions were well underway. 388th TFW units undertook a number of these missions, notably the 13th TFS from May 1966 until it was redeployed to Udorn as previously mentioned. Also bought under the 388th was the 12th Tactical Fighter Squadron which was formed from the 333rd, 354th and 357th TFS's and was equipped with the F-105F. At the same time, the 44th TFS began flying escort cover during the Wild Weasel missions. Later, during the early 1970's the 561st TFS flying F-105G's was formed and bought under the command of the 388th. The 12th TFS was re-equipped with the F-105G in June 1967 and despited being temporarily stationed at Takhli, returned to Korat when the 388th and 355th Tactical Fighter Wings were absorbed to form the 6010th Wild Weasel Squadron in 1970. The unit was redesigned the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron in December 1971.

From February 1972, Wild Weasel missions were beginning to be undertaken by the EF-4C's of the re-established 67th TFS. The EF-4C was never really a very effective variant in this role and was only ever seen as a stopgap until the arrival of the more capable F-4E which was introduced in the late 1960's. F-4 and F-105 Wild Weasel missions continued from Korat through the late 1960's and early 1970's.

In 1972 Korat saw the deployment of LTV A-7D Corsair II's of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing encompassing the 353rd, 355th and 356th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. This period forms the inspiration for this diorama section when hard standings were painted in varying sized blocks of disruptive camouflage as a trial measure. Photographic reference including aerial shots have been used in the production of this base.

Following the Vietnam War, Korat was passed back to total Thai control.

Main aircraft operated for the period (1972) given:

LTV A-7D Corsair II

Stock code: 48-495

Kitsworld base shown with a model - Vought A-7E Corsair and Coleman MB-4

Click to enlarge

Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - RAF Honington
£19.99

KWB 48-496 RAF Honington GPS- 52º20’20.45” N 0º46’37.48” E
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-496, 1st Strategic Air Depot, USAAF, (RAF Honington) Suffolk, England, 1942-46.

Honington was established in 1937 as a Royal Air Force base operating under RAF Bomber Command. It was passed over to the USAAF in June 1942 as Station 375. Stationed at the base were the 383rd, 384th and 385th Fighter Squadrons of the 364th Fighter Group, which arrived in early 1944 operating P-51 Mustangs. A number of other units were also stationed there including the 18th Weather Squadron, the 314th Service Group (467th Service Squadron) and the 9th Depot Repair Squadron.

Also at Honington was the 1st Strategic Air Depot based at Troston (Station 595) which joined the main base. The purpose of this facility was to mainly overhaul and repair B-17's of the 3rd Bomb Division which operated from the area. Often, damaged B-17's returning from missions were instructed to divert to Honington where they could be repaired without the need to transport the entire aircraft there from its home airfield. Based on photographs from the period, a small section of the facility at this time is depicted by this diorama base.

Honington was transferred back to the RAF in February 1946, when it was used as a repair and overhaul centre for RAF Transport Command, notably during the Berlin Airlift. It was transferred to RAF Bomber Command operating English Electric Canberra's of Nos. 10, 15, 44 and 57 Squadrons. It then became home to Vickers Valiants (and later Handley Page Victors) of the RAF's 'V' Force; No.7, 90 and 199 Squadron's (Valiant) and 55 and 57 Squadrons (Victor).

In 1969-70, the RAF moved Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneers of the newly formed Nos. 12, 15 and 16 Squadrons to the base. 15 and 16 Squadrons were relocated to RAF Laarbruch in West Germany in 1971, these were replaced by No. 237 OCU operating alongside 12 Squadron, with 208 Squadron arriving in the mid-1970's and 216 (which merged into 12 Squadron) in the latter part of the decade.

In the early 1980's, Nos 12 and 208 Squadrons, and 237 OCU were relocated to RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. At the same time, the base was earmarked to base Panavia Tornados as part of the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit (TWCU). In August 1982 the recently disbanded No. 9 Squadron was reformed at Honington as No. 9(B) Squadron flying Tornados and became the worlds first operational unit to fly the type. No.9(B) Squadron relocated to RAF Brüggen, West Germany in 1986, with the TWCU, (by this time known as No. 45 (Reserve) Squadron)) remaining there. In 1990, No.13 Squadron was formed at Honington also flying Tornados, moving to RAF Marham in 1994 after service in the Gulf War.

Operational flying from Honington ended in 1994 following the TWCU's relocation Lossiemouth, with No.2 RAF Regiment being stationed there until they were relocated to RAF Brize Norton. Today, the base is home to No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and the RAF Force Protection Headquarters.

The aircraft shown undergoing port outer wing and starboard elevator replacement is a B-17G operated by the 349th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group based at Thorpe Abbotts (Station 139), Norfolk.

Main aircraft operated for the period (1942-45) given:

Mainly Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
North American P-51 Mustang
Other USAAF types relevant to the time period and location.

Stock code: 48-496

Kitsworld base shown with a model - Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress and Willy Jeeps

Click to enlarge

Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - Aalborg- Royal Danish Air Force
£19.99

KWB 48-497 Aalborg, Royal Danish Air Force GPS- 57º05’47.74” N 9º50’07.74” E
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-497, Aalborg Air Base (Flyvestation Aalborg), Royal Danish Air Force, 1983-2001.

Aalborg Airport was opened in 1938. In April 1940, the base was captured by Fallschirmjäger during Operation Weserübung, the German invasion of Denmark and Norway. Once captured, the Germans used the airport as a main location for troops and equipment for the invasion of Norway and also as a refuelling base for Junkers Ju 52/3m transport aircraft. Over the course of the war, German forces expanded the area, renaming it Fliegerhorst Aalborg West. This was taken over by the Royal Air Force after World War Two and became a camp for German refugees. Commercial flights restarted in 1945.

Aalborg Air Base was established in the northern section of the airport in 1952 under the newly formed Royal Danish Air Force (Flyvevåbnet).

Eskadrille 723 began as the 3rd Air Flotilla of the Naval Air Service in 1949 flying Gloster Meteor F. Mk 4's. In 1951 it was renamed and in 1952, Eskadrille 723 began operations at Aalborg, re-equipping with the Gloster Meteor NF. Mk 11. In 1958 these were replaced with North American F-86D Sabres, until 1968 when the unit was re-equipped with the Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, and CF-104D Starfighter making up extra numbers from 1971. The F-16A/B Fighting Falcons started to arrive in 1983. 723 began full F-16A/B operations at Aalborg in 1984.

Eskadrille 726 was formed at Karup in 1952 when it began operations with the Republic F-84G Thunderjet. In 1958, the unit moved to Aalborg where it re-equipped with the F-85D Sabre and in 1964, these were replaced with the F-104G and as with Eskadrille 723, the CF-104D came on stream in 1971. 726 was the last of the RoDAF units to receive the F-16A/B, the first aircraft arriving in 1986. In 1999, the unit received its first F-16AM's (MLU- Mid-Life Update).

With the introduction of the F-16AM, Eskadrille 723 was disbanded in 2001, so it never received the improved variant. This left Eskadrille 726 as the sole F-16 unit at Aalborg. In 2005, 726 was also disbanded.

Main aircraft operated for the period (1983-2005) given:

Lockheed Martin (General Dynamics) F-16A/B Fighting Falcon (Eskadrille 723 or 726)
Lockheed Martin (General Dynamics) F-16AM Fighting Falcon (Eskadrille 726)

Stock code: 48-497

Kitsworld bases shown with a model - General Dynamics F-16A and Volvo C30

Click to enlarge

Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - 8th AF England 1944
£19.99

KWB 48-498 8th AF England 1944 GPS- 52º14’40.01 N 0º45’49.00 E (General location)
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-498, Eighth Air Force, England 1942-45.

The Eighth Air Force started offensive operations against German targets in July 1942 when crews of the 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light) flying RAF Douglas A-20 Bostons attacked targets in the Netherlands. The 'Mighty Eighth' commenced operations with the Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress in August of the same year, flying from RAF Grafton Underwood against the marshalling yards at Rouen-Sotteville in France. The mission was led by Paul Tibbets who in 1945 commanded the first B-29 atomic bomb mission against Hiroshima.

The main mission of the Eighth Air Force was to pave the way for the Allied invasion of Europe, and as such was heavily involved in daylight raids as part of the Combined Bomber Offensive beginning in June 1943. The USAAF, operating by day, and the RAF by night, attacked high priority targets in Germany and across Northern Europe, including Luftwaffe installations, aircraft manufacturing, submarine bases, and the industry vital to the German war effort.

By 1944, USAAF daylight raids were in full operation, with B-17's and B-24 Liberators flying from bases across eastern England, mainly East Anglia. Losses on these missions were extremely high, and the toll taken against bombers and crews from Luftwaffe air and ground defences was terrible. With the introduction of the Packard-Merlin-powered P-51 Mustang in late 1943, the bombers at last had a fighter that had sufficient range to escort them all the way to the target and back.

By 1945, Germany had suffered irreparable damage to its war industry. On January 1st, the Luftwaffe launched Operation Bodenplatte in a final attempt to knock out Allied airfields in Northern Europe. The huge aerial assault initially achieved some of its aims, but in the event failed. Many Allied aircraft were knocked out, but were quickly replaced, a feat that by this time Germany was unable to replicate.

The last Eighth Air Force mission in Europe was flown on April 25th 1945 when B-17's attacked the Skoda factory in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, and B-24's attacked rail targets at Bad Reichenhall and Frielassing near Berchtesgaden.

Following the German surrender, elements of the Eighth were transferred to the Far East where they were re-equipped with the B-29 Superfortess.

Main aircraft operated for the period (1942-45) given:

Boeing B-17E, F & G Flying Fortress. Shown is a B-17G of the 94th Bomb Group based at RAF Bury St Edmunds in 1943.
Consolidated B-24D, E, H & J Liberator

Stock code: 48-498

Kitsworld bases shown with a model - Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress and Willys Jeeps

Click to enlarge

Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - RAF Wildenrath
£19.99

KWB 48-499 RAF Wildenrath, West Germany, 1967 GPS- 51º06’53.27” N 6º13’22.29” E (General location)
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-499, RAF Wildenrath, West Germany, 1967.

Construction of RAF Wildenrath began in 1950, with the station coming onto 'active' status in 1952. It was the first of four 'clutch' bases operated by the RAF in West Germany; the others being Geilenkirchen, Brüggen and Laarbruch.

From 1953, the first units to operate from Wildenrath were Nos. 67 and 71 Squadrons flying North American F-86E Sabres and also the Sabre Conversion Flight. These were supplemented by Hunting Percival Pembrokes, and de Havilland Devons and Herons of No. 60 (RAFG Communications) Squadron, with the Pembrokes also flying clandestine photographic missions against Soviet and East German Forces.

In 1956, No. 88 Squadron was reformed at Wildenrath operating English Electric Canberra B(I).8's, and in 1957, No. 17 Squadron flying Canberra PR.7's was moved to Wildenrath from RAF Wahn. In December 1962, No 88 Squadron was renumbered as No. 14 Squadron. No. 14 Squadron stayed at Wildenrath until 1970, when it was re-stationed to RAF Brüggen. No. 17 Squadron stood down at Wildenrath in 1969 and was reformed in 1970 also at Brüggen.

During the early 1970's, Wildenrath saw the arrival of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier equipping Nos. 3, 4 and 20 Squadrons, alongside 21(AS) Signal Regiment which combined to form the RAF 'Harrier Force'. In 1976, No. 19 moved to Wildenrath from Gutersloh after converting to the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 from English Electric Lightnings, with No.92 arriving in 1977. Nos. 3 and 4 Squadrons in turn went to Gutersloh with No. 20 Squadron moving to Brüggen to be re-equipped with Sepecat Jaguar GR.1's. Both 19 and 92 Squadrons stayed with Phantoms at Wildenrath until 1991.

Also present at Wildenrath was 12 Independent Liaison Flight operating Westland Scouts and de Havilland Beavers. During its time there, the unit underwent a number of name changes from 31 Flight, through 131 Flight Royal Corps of Transport, 669 Squadron AAC and back to 12 Flight.

Wildenrath closed in April 1992 and at that time, the only operational unit still present was No. 60 Squadron.

Main aircraft operated for the period (1967) given:

English Electric Canberra B(I).8. Shown is a B(I).8 of No. 14 Squadron during 1967.
English Electric Canberra PR.7

Stock code: 48-499

Kitsworld base shown with a Model - English Electric Canberra B(I).8 and Land Rover Series 2

Click to enlarge

Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale -RAF Marham
£19.99

KWB 48-500 RAF Marham GPS- 52º38’47.26” N 0º33’19.02” E
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WON'T FIND BETTER FOR THE PRICE
Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-500, RAF Marham, Norfolk, United Kingdom, 2018-.

RAF Marham can trace its history back to 1916 when it started service as a night landing ground near RNAS Narborough, and also as an airfield to launch defensive operations against German Zeppelin attacks against Norfolk. The first unit stationed here was No. 51 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps flying Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 and B.E.12's with Avro 504K's used in the night training role.

After the Great War, the base became redundant, but was re-activated in 1937 after expansion work which started in 1935. The first unit to be based there was No. 38 Squadron, arriving in May 1937 and flying the Fairey Hendon. The following month, 38 Squadron was joined by the newly reformed No.115 Squadron flying the Handley Page Harrow.

In December 1938, No. 38 Squadron replaced its Hendons with Vickers Wellington Mk. I's, and in April the following year, No. 115 Squadron was also re-equipped with the Wellington. November 1940, saw the arrival of No. 218 Squadron, initially flying Wellingtons, but re-equipping with the Short Stirling in December 1941. No. 105 Squadron arrived in 1941 equipped with the de Havilland Mosquito. By this time, Marham was one of the major RAF Bomber Command bases in eastern England, launching Pathfinder missions against German and other targets in Europe. Marham was closed in 1944 for major refurbishment and construction of new concrete runways and support areas.

The base remained closed for the duration of the war, but by 1946 had reopened and was used as a test facility during Project Ruby. This was a joint Anglo-American test to ascertain the feasibility of penetration weapons against heavily fortified and protected targets. Notable weapons used in this test were the British 22,000b free fall Grand Slam and US 4,500b rocket assisted Disney bomb. No. 15 Squadron RAF flying modified Avro Lancaster's were used jointly with USAAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress'. Initial trials were against the (by then) defunct German Nordsee III U-Boat pens at Heligoland, with the Valentin submarine pens at Bremen and the U-Boat assembly facilities at Farge also being targets.

During the late 1940's and early 1950's, Marham was home to the USAAF's 2nd, 22nd, 43rd, 307th and 509th Bombardment Groups flying Boeing B-29's and B-50's. In 1950, the first of seventy Boeing Washington B.I's arrived to equip No. 90 Squadron. During the 1950's, Marham began to operated Handley Page Victors and Vickers Valiants as part of the V-Force and early air-to-air refuelling operations. That base was also instrumental in the Falkland Islands campaign of 1982. Now. 55 and 57 Squadrons were stationed at Marham flying Victor K1 and K2's.

In the early 1980's, it was decided that Marham was to become home to the Panavia Tornado GR.1's of the (then to be reformed) No. 617 Dambusters Squadron. Twenty four hardened aircraft shelters were constructed each able to house a single Tornado and four WE.177 nuclear bombs. This was to be the last free fall nuclear weapon deployed by the RAF, being introduced in the mid-1960's and phased out of service in 1998. No. 617 became operational at Marham in January 1983, with No. 27 Squadron, also flying Tornados, arriving in August of the same year.

No. 57 Squadron disbanded in June 1986 leaving No. 55 Squadron to carry on as the only Victor K.2 unit at Marham. During the spring of 1987, the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit (TWCU) was deployed to Marham for a six month period whilst refurbishment of its home base at RAF Honington was carried out, and the following year, No. 42 Squadron relocated it's Nimrod MR2's to Marham whilst repair work was being carried out on its home base at RAF St. Mawgan.

In December 1991, No. 2 Squadron was relocated to Marham from RAF Laarbruch with its Tornado GR.1A's. No. 27 Squadron was disbanded in September 1993, followed by No. 55 Squadron standing down the following month. These unit disbandments saw the arrival of Canberra PR.7 and PR.9's of No. 39 Squadron from RAF Wyton.

By the end of the 1990's and into the early 2000's, the RAF began to leave Germany. No. IX (B) Squadron was relocated from RAF Brüggen in July 2001, with No. 31 Squadron arriving in August of the same year. The Tornado was finally phased out of RAF service in 2019.

In 2013, it was decided that Marham would be the base for the new Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II and would re-equip No. 617 and 207 Squadrons, the latter which would be the Lightning II Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). Marham underwent extensive upgrade and rebuild as part of Project Anvil in 2016 to 2018 to prepare for arrival of the new aircraft. The construction of new facilities, taxiways, vertical landing pads and upgrades of runways were carried out as part of the £82.5 million project.

The first four Lightning II's crewed by 617 Squadron pilots, along with three Airbus A330 Voyager and a single Airbus A400M Atlas, arrived from MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina in June 2018. 617 Squadron became fully operational on the Lightning II in January 2019. In July 2019, a further six F-35B's arrived from Beaufort crewed by No. 207 Squadron pilots. This unit became operational in August 2019.

F-35B's of No. 207 Squadron departed Marham in January 2020 for local operations aboard the new HMS Queen Elizabeth (RO8) carrier and for inspection by HM Queen Elizabeth II. This carrier is actually named in honour of HMS Queen Elizabeth, a Royal Navy dreadnought that saw service during the Great War, and which itself was named after Queen Elizabeth I. Not as some mistakenly believe after the current serving British monarch.

In September 2020, No. 617 Squadron embarked on a joint exercise with F-35B's from VMFA-211 aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth for Exercise Joint Warrior.

Main aircraft operated for the period (2018-) given:

Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II. Shown is a Lightning II operated by No. 617 Dambusters Squadron.

Stock code: 48-500

Kitsworld base shown with a model - Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II and Schopf F59

Click to enlarge

Diorama Adhesive Base 1:48th scale - Da Nang 1971
£19.99

KWB 48-501 Da Nang 1971 GPS- 16º02’39.10” N 108º11’57.80” E (General location)
Kitsworld Diorama Self-Adhesive Matt Vinyl - Model Airfield Base.

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Kitsworld digital printing self-adhesive vinyl that gives excellent printing results with high resolution and rich colours.

Sizes:
48th Scale 670mm x 670mm, Approx
72nd Scale 450mm x 450mm Approx
144th Scale 225mm x 225mm Approx

KWB 48-501, Da Nang Air Base, 1970-71.

Armée de l'Air:

The history of the air base at Da Nang goes back to the days of French Indochina. Tourane Airfield as it was then called, was constructed during the 1930's. In 1940, the French Vichy Government agreed to let Imperial Japan use the base as a stationing post for Japanese troops along with several other bases in the area including Cam Ranh Bay and Bien Hoa. During 1944-45, the base was extensively attacked by aircraft of the USAAF Fourteenth Air Force and US Navy Third Fleet.

After the Second World War, it was passed to French control and became instrumental as a main Armée de l'Air base during the 1946-54 French Indochina War, operating types such as the Grumman F8F Bearcat and Douglas B-26 Invader, the latter forming Groupe de Bombardement I/19 Gascogne.

During 1953, the United States sent Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars to Tourane in support of French military operations in Indochina and these were used in the pivotal Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, albeit crewed by civilians. In 1954, the United States sent further B-26 and RB-26's to Tourane, along with Douglas C-47 Skytrain and F4U Corsairs. The French also expanded the runways at Tourane to handle heavier aircraft.

Dien Bien Phu resulted in a major defeat for France and following the battle, France began to sue for a peace. United States forces that had remained at Tourane in support of the French finally left in July 1954, with the last of the French operational units moving out in September.

During the last months of the French withdrawal, a small nucleus air force had been set up consisting of Morane-Saulnier MS.315 and MS.500's. This was expanded with Grumman F8F Bearcats, Cessna L-19 Bird Dogs and Douglas C-47 Skytrains from the United States as part of the Mutual Defence Assistance Program. Tourane was formally handed over to the new Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) in September 1955, and by 1957, all RVNAF training was fully conducted by the United States. Throughout the remainder of the 1950's and into the early 1960's, RVNAF units at the base increased in number with the base not only stationing fixed wing, but also rotary wing operations. In 1965, the United States transferred a small number of Martin B-57B Canberra's to the RVNAF.

United States Air Force:

The first US units began to arrive at Da Nang in 1962 with the United States Army stationing the 93rd Transportation Company flying Piasecki CH-21 Shawnee's at the base from January with support from the 339th Transportation Company. In June, the US Army's 18th Fixed Wing Aviation Company arrived flying de Havilland Canada UH-1 Otters. The 93rd left in September of the same year and were replaced by Sikorsky UH-34 Choctaw's of HMM-362 with support from the 611th Transportation Company.

January 1962 also saw the arrival of the first USAF units in the shape of the 5th Tactical Control Group and by March, Fairchild C-123 Providers forming the 6222nd Air Base Squadron were stationed there as part of Project Mule Train. More C-123's of the 777th Troop Carrier Squadron were relocated to Da Nang in April 1963 to support aircraft of the 6222nd ABS. The runway was also resurfaced with other areas being covered with pierced steel plank

In 1964, Da Nang received its first USAF jets. The 509th Fighter Squadron equipped with Convair F-102 Delta Daggers and the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron operating F-100 Super Sabres arrived in August.

Da Nang was one of the main bases used in the support of Operation Barrel Roll, the name given to covert operations by the USAF 2nd Air Division and US Navy Task Force 77 over Laos. This operation lasted began in December 1964 finally ceasing in March 1973, with a number of units either stationed at the base or transitioning through, including the 80th and 44th Tactical Fighter Squadrons (Republic F-105 Thunderchiefs); the latter forming Detachment 2 of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, and the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron (North American F-100 Super Sabres).

In February 1965, Da Nang saw the arrival of F-100 Super Sabres of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing in support of Operation Flaming Dart, and in March of the same year Operation Rolling Thunder began with strikes being carried out by F-100's, F-105's and Vietnamese Air Force Douglas A-1 Skyraiders against North Vietnamese targets. Also in March 1965, a second runway was constructed due to the growing number of units stationed at or operating through the base.

March also saw the arrival of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. The 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron and 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron (both with the F-100 Super Sabre) and 476th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Lockheed F-104 Starfighter) arriving in April. However, the 416th departed for Bien Hoa in June. In may the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (20th TASS) flying Cessna O-1 Bird Dogs arrived. The 615th left in June, returning to the United States. The same month saw the redeployment of Martin B-57B's of the 8th Bombardment Squadron from Bien Hoa and would be operated alongside other B-57B's of the 13th Bombardment Squadron until they were redeployed to Phan Rang.

The 476th TFS was replaced in July 1965 by the 436th TFS (F-104 Starfighter), and this unit would be replaced in turn during October by the 435th TFS, also flying the F-104. The following month saw the deployment of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron flying McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms.

January 1966 saw the deployment of the Northrop F-5 Skoshi Tiger program where the aircraft would be evaluated in combat operations by the 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron. These aircraft would then be redeployed between Da Nang and Bien Hoa over the course of February and March 1966. They would eventually be stationed at Bien Hoa as the 10th Fighter Squadron.

The 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (37th ARRS) was also formed at Da Nang in January 1966 operating the Grumman HU-16 Albatross. in 1967, this unit absorbed the first detachment of the 38th ARRS also stationed at Da Nang and which operated the Sikorsky HH-3.

More deployments followed over the course of 1966 including the 480th Fighter Squadron in February (F-4 Phantom), 405th Fighter Wing in May (F-102 Delta Dagger), and the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing in October (F-4 Phantom). The 20th TASS also re-equipped with the Cessna O-2 Skymaster in September. In 1967, more O-2's were assigned to the base under the 9th Air Commando Squadron.

United States Marine Corps:

The early days of US Marine Corps deployment at Da Nang are complicated, with many unit replacements and redeployments in the space of a very short period of time. The USMC stationed its first units at Da Nang in 1962 when HMM-163 flying Sikorsky UH-34's was redeployed there from Sóc Tr?ng. This unit was replaced in January 1963 by HMM-162 and this was itself replaced in June by HMM-261, followed by a further replacement by HMM-361. HMM-361 continued at Da Nang until February 1964 when the unit was replaced by HMM-364. All operated the UH-34 over this period. HMM-364 transferred its rotary aircraft to the Vietnamese Air Force's 217 Squadron in June 1964 and it was at this time when HMM-162 was re-deployed back to Da Nang. In October of the same year, HMM-162 was replaced by HMM-365. February 1965 saw the deployment of Raytheon Hawk missile batteries to Da Nang. These were operated by the 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion. HMM-162 returned to Da Nang in March 1965 replacing HMM-365.

April 1965 saw the arrival of VMFA-531 flying McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantoms, and this unit was followed later in the month by Douglas EF-10B Skyknights of VMCJ-1. In July, VMFA-531 was replaced by VMFA-513 flying F-4 Phantoms and this unit was joined by VMFA-542 also flying Phantoms. VMFA-513 was replaced in October by VMFA-115 (F-4 Phantom) and 542 was replaced in December by VMFA-323 also operating the F-4 Phantom. The same month also saw the arrival of VMF(AW)-312 at that time operating Vought F-8 Crusaders, although they re-equipped with Phantoms the following year. In support were Lockheed C-130 Hercules of VMGR-152. Grumman A-6 Intruders of VMF(AW)-242 arrived in the latter part of 1966.

Between 1967-1970 the USMC fielded a growing number of units at Da Nang; VMF(AW)-225, VMFA-122, VMF(AW)-242 and VMCJ-1, VMO-2 and VMFA-542, although there was some relocation, redeployment and movement of these units throughout this period. 1970 also saw the arrival of VMA-311 flying McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks.

In 1971, VMFA-115 was redeployed to MCAS Iwakuni in Japan. his left VMF(AW)-225 and VMA-311 as the only USMC fixed wing units at the base. However, in April 1972 VMFA-115 and VMFA-232 returned to Da Nang to help counter the PAVN Easter Offensive. These units were followed by VMFA-212. Towards the close of American involvement in Vietnam, US operations were gradually wound down.

Da Nang was finally captured by North Vietnamese forces in late March-early April 1975.

Main aircraft operated for the period (1970-71) given:

McDonnell Douglas A-4E Skyhawk. Shown is an A-4E operated by VMA-311 'Tomcats'.

Stock code: 48-501

Kitsworld base shown with a model - McDonnell Douglas A-4E Skyhawk and REO M35 6x6 truck