¹⁄48

Avro Canada CF-100

History

The Avro CF-100 was Canada's only indigenously designed jet fighter aircraft to enter service. First flown in 1947, the CF-100 gradually evolved into a potent interceptor fully capable of knocking down any contemporary bomber which threatened North America. Broadly comparable to the American Northrop F-89 or Lockheed F-94, the CF-100 enjoyed somewhat better reliability and longer range than either American design. The CF-100 was integrated into NORAD's SAGE system and helped form the first line of defence against Soviet attack during the Cold War. Perhaps the highest tribute which can be paid to a defensive system is the fact that it never was called upon to fire its weapons in anger. The CF-100 served in 28 RCAF squadrons and 3 squadrons of the Belgian Air Force. The CF-100 was affectionately called the "Clunk" by its crews. This nickname arose from the loud noise the nose gear leg made as it retracted beneath the cockpit.

More information about the CF-100 may be found at Avroland.

The Model

This model is another recent commissioned build for a retired RCAF pilot. It depicts the AVRO CF 100 Mk 5 Canuck of 410 Squadron (Noctivaga) Cougars, as seen when the squadron was reactived and based in Uplands, Ottawa circa November 1956. The model has been built with gear up to represent an aircraft in flight, at the request of the client.

The model is a Hobbycraft kit in 1:48 scale. Not the very best model as far as detail but to my knowledge, the only model available of this aircraft along with its 1:72 counterpart. The red panthers, nacelle and rudder markings were created on home computer and printed using my inkjet printer. All other markings are from a commercial source.

The model was airbrushed with TAMIYA acrylics; leading edges are hand painted using Vallejo Model color paints. All decals were sealed with 3 coats of FUTURE floor finish.