Hawker Hunter: A restoration update

Ready to be stripped for paint, Hornby Hobbies’ recent pride, the newly acquired Hawker Hunter XF509 now sits protected in its hangar close to Airfix headquarters.

Purchased by Hornby’s CEO Lyndon Davies, this iconic aircraft is a special tribute honouring the lives of employees who sadly passed, and their families.

“I bought it personally, privately and will donate it to the company”, Davies told the Yorkshire Post after logging the winning bid.

"Over the last year we have lost quite a few people, not just because of Covid, but through various reasons, and it is going to be in memory of them.”

Now sheltered by a heavy-duty sheet (pictured), the Hunter is in its first phase of an exciting restoration process.

The powerful chemical used to shred years of grime can do a lot more damage than just that, so before it can be sanded, the original paint will be stripped onto a layer of sawdust designed to protect the renovators and environment from any harmful toxins.

Once stripped, the aircraft will be sanded and smoothed, when it will be ready to be painted and restored to its former glory – and what a beauty she will be.

Comparable to the scheme she would have worn in her prime serving at RAF Valley (shown below), we give you a first look at the scheme the team are planning for the Hunter, featuring RAF camouflage and 73 identification markings.

Hawker Hunter F.6 XF509 enjoyed a long and varied flying career with the Royal Air Force, initially serving with No.54 Squadron, before going on to serve with the Air Fighting Development Squadron and the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford. She would also spend time as a chase aircraft with the British Aircraft Corporation at Filton, before being assigned to No.4 FTS at RAF Valley and a lengthy period in a flight training role. She would end her RAF service as a plinth mounted gate guardian at the entrance to RAF Chivenor. 

Dive deeper into the history of XF509 in flight specialist Michael Clegg’s latest read here.