This is my first posting of a model and I've mastered Photobucket. (Thanks to Ron Petrosky)

This is my conversion of the Airfix Stirling to Mk IV configuration.

This aircraft, LK545, was flown by Flt. Lt. Reg Turner DFC in which he was shot down on his fifth resupply over Arnhem. He and his crew survived the crash landing and eanede up leading a ragtag group of 30 soldiers and airmen against a company of SS Panzergrenadiers holding them at bay for 12 hours, for which he won the Military Medal. He also took part in the Rhine and Elbe crossings for which he was mentioned in despatches.

The model now resides at his daughter's home in France.

Very nicely done Sterling! "A first of many" postings I hope!
Best Regards, Ron

That's a great build and conversion!!

It's good to have a friend here at my shoulder, with a little time to spend, til I find love again -F. C. Collins W. C. Bickhardt

for your very kind comments. Glad you enjoyed it.

Just FYI, the modifications are:

Aeroclub engines and propellers
Scratchbuilt glider yoke, guard strop and parachute hatch
Very rare Canovak nose glazing
interior improvements-throttle levers, bomb release levers, instument panel all from scratch.
Rear turret interior inc. ammunition from scratch
Generic Modeldecal codes and serial
About 60 hours worth of sanding, filling and cursing.

Nicely done , good paint work too.

Love your stuff too.

An excellent historical perspective on this important operation. I think they call that "a feat of arms" if ever there was one. Thanks for bringing this important story forward. It is also nice to see the old Airfix Sterling kit brought forward into discussion today.

Good job.

Marty Sanford

If you are interested in the full story behind the man and his flying career just contact me off post. The story is typical of many yet also remarkable in that how a peacetime commercial artist becomes a flyer of four engined aircraft in some of the most hazardous situations.

That is a very nice looking model you have there.

I have wanted to have a go at this conversion myself for some time, but have been unable to find good references for the glider towing yoke.

Would you by any chance have any reference materiel that you would be prepared to forward?

TIA & All the best

Email inbound which should give you what you want.

That is just what I needed.....Brillant!

Thanks again and all the best