A test build using old kit ... being unable at the time to locate a Castle Class loco, I built a Dapol Prairie Tank 6100 for this test run.
I acquired a broken carriage from "Buffers Models" for a £1 and repainted it in wartime GWR colours.
I was able to remove the carriage roof to install passengers and add broken glass. This enabled also access to the bogie wheel rivet into which I was able to glue a clear plastic rod. Into the end of this, when heated and bent, I drilled and secured a piece of thick fuse wire which I did likewise into the end of the Spitfire's wing to hold it in place between window and roof. I then replaced the roof and added a bit of "bang" (cotton wool) to cover the join.
The first bits and pieces for the full build ... Bridge and farmhouse will hopefully play a supporting role.
Three Spitfires were involved in the incident, not yet sure if all three will fit within the space available, and if not, will be nice to have one of these new Airfix kits in my static collection anyway.
The Signal Box will be an important feature for the level crossing
Not one of my usual kits to build, I'm so far really enjoying this one.
That's the stairs and railings fitted, painting done and windows installed. The windows were so fiddly!
I'm thinking it looks Ok. I'll probably add a bit more weathering once it is installed in the diorama
I found the name of the crossing from an information board on today's automated crossing ... however I'm now wondering if whether in 1943 this would in fact have been painted out ??!!
Next up, the Metcalfe railway bridge.
What an excellent kit … but, the Bradford on Tone bridge should be red brick, not stone!
Couldn’t resist picturing the bridge with my test loco and Spitfire … can I now live with the stone or should I now build a brick bridge?
The next Metcalfe build to be started was the farm house and cottage
As with the bridge, Metcalfe have created a great kit here.
Going to be interesting now where I place these in the diorama.
I want a few vehicles driving through my Somerset scene and thought a tank transporter may be a good idea
Being a 1962 moulding it’s a challenging kit to build but will a good paint job I hope it will look ok.
That’s the tank transporter ready for the diorama … I even added a bit of glazing that the 1960s kit omitted.
Finally starting to map out the base. I've halved the size of my original but its still going to be full on.
That's the bridge modified and installed over a gently undulating ground work. I'm still not 100% set on the final location of buildings but I at least would like the level crossing and signal box included and if possible the little farm house.
I have other vehicles to build for this scene. These are a few on loan from my Spitfire Squadron diorama. I’m pleased with the way the level crossing turned out.
This is an old engine I built for my first test. I may include it in this scene as an extra
I have some GWR decals for this train for when I’ve repainted it. The BR logo is so not right for 1943!
That train will need to be repainted black as it would have been seen in 1943
A mock up with the old Spitfires … I’m wondering whether I really need to build new ones now
We’ve now reached that time when more vehicles and personnel are required.
This 2010 kit is a bit chunky but seems to have some nice detail.
My base diorama inspired by the GWR railway line near Bradford on Tone in 1943 is about there. All that’s missing to complete the scene are a couple of low flying Spitfire Mk.Vc - which will be next on the bench.
The Castle Class GWR engine and carriage have been repainted in the darkened wartime colours.
The diorama as it is shows a REME convoy not only split across a level crossing but also across roads as the officers, obviously lost, stop on the railway bridge to check their map!
The local Home Guard are manning one of the many pillboxes along the SW Stopline Way
Tea is served to the waiting troops by the friendly farmer.
Only just visible, the Castle Class GWR engine crew from Modelu3D have been added.
Bruce Huxtable A very interesting event, with tragic outcome. Good to keep the memory alive.
25 September 2023, 18:39
Jonathan Read-Bone Yes, Bruce … I'm even wrestling with this subject myself. There's so little published on this incident of which even the facts are sketchy if not disputed amongst those who have tried to research it. However, the whole scene has now captured my imagination and my course is set, whatever.
26 September 2023, 07:25
Neuling Very interesting story and good build which deserves more pictures!
Gary Kitchen Great topic defo following. That moment of impact will be interesting is the Spit supported from the train carriage?
26 September 2023, 15:25
Jonathan Read-Bone Hi Gary, thank you.
I was able to remove the carriage roof to install passengers and add broken glass. This enabled also access to the bogie wheel rivet into which I was able to glue a clear plastic rod. Into the end of this, when heated and bent, I drilled and secured a piece of thick fuse wire which I did likewise into the end of the Spitfire's wing to hold it in place between window and roof. I then replaced the roof and added a bit of "bang" (cotton wool) to cover the join.
Jonathan Read-Bone Zhivko Dzhakov, the location was the railway (between bridge and level crossing) and a farmer's field just north of the village of Bradford-on-Tone, and south of Taunton in Somerset. There is nothing there now ... just a field. The passing of 80 years has removed any evidence of the crash site. But it must have been quite a scene in 1943.
29 September 2023, 21:45
Jan Tichý Following this one as well - interesting, I was not aware of this incident, involving my fellow countrymen!
This, my second scale model build of an aircraft and train, is inspired by a local story I recently came upon of which there is much supposition - thus any inaccuracies in my understanding or retelling are solely my own!
The Story as I understand it …
Between June 1942 - June 1943 No.313 Squadron, the third Czechoslovakian fighter squadron to be formed within the RAF, was stationed at Church Stanton, near Wellington in Somerset. During this time the squadron, flying the Spitfire Mk Vb and Vc, took part in 'Operation Rhubarb', the offensive low-level sweeps over northern France to destroy ground targets.
Having escaped the advancing German army a 26 year old Czech pilot, Jaroslav Čermák, joined the RAF on 26th February 1941. Over a year later he earned his RAF wings, was promoted to Flying Officer and on 12th April 1943 assigned to No. 313 (Czech) Squadron RAF.
On 4th June 1943, at 10:05 hours, Čermák and three other pilots took-off on a training flight. While their original intent is not documented it is believed they may have decided on practicing a low-level attack on a train. When they came across a GWR locomotive and carriages en route from Plymouth to Liverpool near Bradford-on-Tone, Somerset, it is suggested they made a successful pass. On a second approach, however , Čermák flying his Spitfire Mk.Vc serial AR512 this time applied insufficient power, got too close and when his Spitfire lost stability, clipped the roof of one of the carriages with a tip of port wing. The aircraft rolled over and crashed approximately 100 metres from the line, in a field at Langs Farm, Bradford on Tone, just to the east of what is known today as Three Chimneys. Čermák was instantly killed in the crash and at least one Wren aboard the train was reportedly injured by flying glass.
This is my attempt to recreate this historical local event in 1:72/OO Scale.
Bruce Huxtable
Jonathan Read-Bone
Gary Kitchen
Живко Джаков
Jan Tichý
