1/32 Sopwith 1½ Strutter WWI Comic Fighter, 1917/18

Roden - 1/32 Sopwith 1½ Strutter WWI Comic Fighter, 1917/18
Night fighter-interceptor converted from the standard two-seat 1½ Strutter in late 1917.

Modifications involved moving the pilot's seat to the rear of the aircraft and replacing the synchronized Vickers machine guns with Lewis guns on Foster mountings. This gave the pilot a better view but also made the aircraft more difficult to control.

The Sopwith 1½ Strutter was called 'Comic Fighter' by the pilots of 78 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, because of its unusual appearance and handling characteristics.

A very limited number of this version served in the British Home Defence units, fighting against German raiders Gotha bombers and R-planes from late 1917 to early 1918. The aircraft was difficult to control and had a limited range, leading to the type's early withdrawal.
Markings for 2 aircraft: 1 Hooper-built with n A6906, No 78 HD Sqn RFC, based at Suttons Farm, flown by Lt J.S. Castle, December 1917, 2 with n B762, No 78 HD Sqn RFC, based at Martlesham Heath during summer/autumn 1917 and reallocated to Home Defence in August 1917. This aircraft was not assigned to any one pilot in particular.