Mysterious Metal Brass Biplane

One of the aerial photo mysteries of the desert airstrip raided by  my commandos was this curious heavy ‘brass’ biplane. A surprise gift from the family at Christmas …

Airfix first version Afrika Korps defend their airfield against a commando raid

First version Airfix Commandos in their Raid on the Airstrip, Wadi Yu Min 1941

A penny and first version Airfix OOHO figure for comparison size

Construction details such as the tail flaps and screw in section – for desk mounting?

Obviously this has the possible desk mount missing, just the screwhole fixing, and the propellor section missing. With the flux weld or solder marks and screws showing, this has a charming amateur,  slightly stout DIY feel to it.  Proper  vintage …

Apparently the vintage shop had a desk mounted similar plane, and I have an old larger moulded ‘brass’ Spitfire  in this desk style.

This is a more ornate, polished ‘trench art’ style of desk ornament (currently eBay Jan 2020)

Such shiny desk ornament mounted planes are still produced and similar antique versions can be found online, in a naive faux trench art style.

Another useful Christmas gift – an old liveried delivery van, roughly the Airfix OO/HO size of these Waggon Train figures.

Both van and biplane are very useful for games scenarios. I am reminded a little of Corporal Jones’ van in Dad’s Army …

Blog posted by Mark, Man of TIN on 22 January 2020

B.P.S – Blog Post Script

Dexey mentioned in his comments kits found on eBay to convert Lledo type vans into generic Armoured Cars. The pic-link I found below was a dead URL but gives an idea of what could be done with cardboard, plasticard etc. Most armoured cars in civil wars or irregular warfare were improvised lashups anyway.

Online kit for conversion – no URL link