McKnight's Mark: 1/48th Italeri Hurricane Mk.I

The new tool 1/48th Italeri Hurricane Mk.I release in 2011 garnered some attention as the model included detail not found in other 1/48th kits of the time (such as; removable engine panels and separate control surfaces). The overall look and surface detail was also quite nice which made it a viable option for your Hurricane build.

Notable Kit Features:

• 35-page colour detail reference booklet included

• Nice cockpit with photo-eched instrument panel and pilot harness

• Positionable canopy and pilot entry door

• Decently detailed Rolls Royce Merlin engine

• Removable cowling panels

• Good raised and engraved surface detail

• Separate ailerons, elevators and rudder

• Optional landing gear parts for up or down display

• Weighted main wheels with two different hub styles

• Clear, thin canopy parts, which can be positioned open or closed

• Canopy handles supplied in photo-etch

Build Inspiration:

Since my collection features many notable RCAF aircraft, the unique art on William McKnight's Hurricane had made it a "must have". It took me longer that I thought to get around to building this aircraft, however I am pleased to finally add it to The Hangar.

August 26, 1940

Dear Mike,

This game is damn good fun when you are fighting bombers as they’re just like picking apples off a tree but fighters are a hell of a different proposition and keep you moving like greased lightening. It’s a funny thing this fighting in the air. Before you actually start or see any of the Hun you’re as nervous and scared as hell but as soon as everything starts you’re too busy to be afraid or worried.

We’ve been up against raids of 300 to 60 or 150-200 to 12 but either we’ve killed all their real good pilots and they’re using new young ones or else they are losing their nerve. They ain’t got the same guts they used to have and except in a few cases try to avoid a real scrap. We’ve only got five of the original twenty-two pilots in the squadron left now and those of us who are left ain’t quite the same blokes as before. It’s peculiar but war seems to make you older and quieter and changes your views a lot in life.

I got over the 700 hour mark just a few days ago and I am still being offered a chance to return home as an instructor but the old reasons still keep me here and I suppose I shall remain here until the end or until the other end. I’ve got so used to the thrill and the, I don’t know how to express it, final feeling of victory that I’d feel lost and bored by a quiet life again.

Well, I really must go before I get sentimental or homesick. Write me soon and until then

Your friend,

Bill

McKnight is pictured here, just below the cockpit, beside Bader and fellow pilots of 242 Sqn.

William McKnight (from Alberta Canada) served during the final phase of the Battle of France, covering the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk and then the Allied retreat from Brittany, during which he claimed his first aerial victories. He flew in the Battle of Britain, often as wing man to S/L Douglas Bader, claiming several more victories. Twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, he was shot down and killed on 12 January 1941 during a sortie to Gravelines. At the time of his death, McKnight was the highest scoring Canadian pilot.

Heads-Up Report:

• The instrument panel PE sandwich is a PITA (but then aren't they always?)

• The control stick shape is off (warped?)

• Fitting the instrument panel into the fuselage was problematic (minor trim required)

• A bit of filler is required in several of the joins

• Fit of the main parts is OK at best - a shim, filler & sanding required

• Separate panels fit is OK

S/L Douglas Bader (centre), F/L Eric Ball (L) and P/O Willie McKnight (R) at Duxford October 1940

On the Italeri McKnight Hurricane I noted the following did not match my references:

• Dark Green & Dark Earth camo pattern appears to have colours reversed

• LE Sqn. code position on left side stated incorrect (Sqn. code should lead aircraft letter)

• Kicking Ass nose emblem correct in instructions but not in decal (colour of pant and boot style)

Kit Additions / Modifications:

• Pretty much built Out-of-Box with the exception of using third-party decals from Sky Models (48-051)

Finishing:

I used Vallejo paints on my Hurricane, Sky and Black for the undersides and Dark Earth and Dark Green for the upper camouflage. Light weathering was done to the paint tones during the spray process. I also add a few drops of Pledge floor finish to the mix as it tends to harden the Vallejo paint, which I have found to be a bit fragile. I missed the step of painting on the tail band as my first colour, so in this case I used the decal, which worked pretty well. Gloss coat of Pledge was used to prepare for decal application and the top matte coat was Model Master. Paint chipping was added post-paint along the wing-root and leading edges.

The After-Build Report:

This 1/48th Italeri Hurricane Mk.I kit is much better than most of the other Italeri offerings I have built in the past (I typically avoid their kits now). The option of having the open panels tipped the scales in favour of this kit for my McKnight build. I am putting this one on my recommended list if you want a Hurricane that you can display the engine open at a reasonable cost. I got my kit on a half-price sale for only $20, so I can't complain. The Arma Hobby series 1/48th Hurricane kits are now considered the best available.

Completed build #276 - April 2025 using the 1/48th scale Italeri #2705 kit.

Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers