Figure for RE8

[Gordon234]

Hello!
I have just been looking at the wonderful 1/32 figures made by Wings Cockpit Figures, and thought that one of them would be just perfect posed in front of a Wingnut Wings RE8 that I am going to get around to constructing very soon. Here is my question; the figure I would like to use is a RNAS pilot. Would it be realistic that they flew RE8s? If not, could I carefully trim some of the naval detail off his uniform ( eg; the rings on his sleeves ) prior to painting, and come out with an authentic RFC pilot? Thanks in advance for any advice you can supply me with. Cheers!

[oldtrousers]

Hi Gordon,
I'll leave the question of whether the RNAS used the RE8 to someone more informed than me on the subject. As far as modifying that figure, after looking through a few reference books, it appears that the double breasted jacket that he is wearing was unique to the RN / RNAS. It sure is a very nice figure and I'm working on it now for a small vignette. Take a look at another nice Wings Cockpit figure that may fit the RE8 a bit better:
 http://www.militarymodelling.com/news/article/rfc-pilot-putting-on-gloves-in-1-32/19667
Hope this helps - Scott

[Doug Mace]

Gordon, you got me curious inre the RE8 and the RNAS so I nosed about a bit and came up with this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_aircraft_of_the_Royal_Naval_Air_Service and it seems they didn't use the old bus...quite a variety of aircraft but no H. Tates...came close, though, with the RE7. ;-)    -M