60s Fairey Battle Bomber (Camouflaged) (1938-41)

The Fairey battle was a single-engined light bomber with a crew of three, manufactured by the Fairey Aviation Company. It was developed during the mid 1930's for the RAF. However it was relatively slow and limited in range. With only two .303 machine guns as defensive armament it was found to be highly vulnerable to enemy fighters. It was used on early operations in the Second World War but suffered many losses and by the end of 1940 was withdrawn from front-line service and relegated to training units. The Dinky Fairey Battle is an accurate rendition of the aircraft, initially produced with landing gear, which was eliminated after April 3rd, 1940. Various RAF roundels were used during its production. Initially issued as Fairey Battle Bomber 60n (1937-1941) it was painted silver and had cockpit blueing. On the 14th of April 1939 the name 'FAIREY BATTLE BOMBER' was to be cast under the wing. In 1940 it was renamed Medium Bomber 60s and was painted in two colour camouflage with black underside, usually with only one decal on one wing. There were both light and dark camouflage finishes. There were also mirror image camouflage finishes made for boxed sets. Some of these had black & white undersides. All versions have a three-blade propeller, painted red. A rare version is one painted in 'service grey'. While it did not have a gliding hole I have one which has a wire hanger which fits over and under the front of the wings and the loop at the top was designed for the string to pass under it. I also have managed to find one of the rare 'service grey' versions. Chris.

Delightful introduction, models and pictures, Chris. I like it! It is a great pity that John Beugels isn't with us anymore. He would certainly have joined in. Kind regards, Jan

One of the features of this Dinky is that on some of them one of the 'N' of ENGLAND is inverted or up side down. According to John, the 60s are correct but the 60n have inverted Ns.A Fairey bomber can be seen at the Duxford Imperial War Museum.