A painstakingly hand-built 1/10th scale model of the rare Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 ‘jet-powered flying boat fighter’ has gone on display at the Wight Aviation Museum after being unveiled on Monday (3rd August).
The model was created and donated by Seaview model maker Geoffrey Hall, who built it from scratch to celebrate one of the Isle of Wight’s most unusual aviation achievements.
The Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 was developed during the closing stages of the Second World War as a jet-powered flying boat fighter. Although 3 prototypes were built and the concept proved successful, the aircraft never entered active service as military requirements changed before production could continue.
Of the 3 prototypes, 2 were lost in the Solent, while the sole surviving aircraft, TG263, is preserved at Solent Sky. It remains one of the rarest surviving British jet aircraft and a reminder of the Isle of Wight’s once world-leading aircraft industry.
Mr Hall said the model was constructed using an old aluminium lithoplate from the printing industry.
Geoffrey Hall, model maker, has said:
“The hardest bit was panel beating the multiple curves on the fuselage. Where the fuselage shapes go into where the jet exhausts come out. And the rivets, all done one by one, by hand.”
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The model is displayed in a purpose-built cabinet constructed by Wight Aviation Museum volunteers Grahame Smith, John Lloyd and Pete Lowe.
Helen Blake, Museum Manager at the Wight Aviation Museum, has said:
“Geoffrey has created a wonderful model, and we are very proud to display it in the purpose-built display cabinet. We hope our many visitors will enjoy viewing it throughout the season.”
The Wight Aviation Museum is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays between 10:00 and 15:00 throughout the season. Further information about the museum and upcoming events can be found on its website.
