wellsprop

I love this! The blurred base really makes the Hunter look like it's shifting

Hi All, As some of you may know, I used to be a regular and prolific builder of Spitfires here on BM, particularly Mk XIV's, but in 1/72 scale. Well, you can imagine how I felt when I stopped building models as much (due to university and other hobbies) and then Sword announced a new tool Spitfire XIV in 1/72 and Airfix, a new tool XIV in 1/48 scale. At last! A decent Spitfire XIV in 1/48 scale! So I have begun the switch to modelling (mostly) in 1/48 scale now (for piston fighters at least) as I'm not building as many models, so those I do build might as well be a bit bigger... Aside from the 1/48 Lynx I built myself, which proudly sits on my desk in the Westlands design office, this is the first 1/48 kit I've built in about 10 years! As much as I like the overall silver of the BAFO scheme, I couldnt help but model the 414 RCAF example of Squadron Leader James Bernard Prendergast, if only for the nose art, spinner and silver canopy! I had also made his previous mount NH648 Lazy Lady "IV" in 1/72 scale, five years ago when I'd just started university! No WiP for this one, I've just been enjoying building models recently, without the added hassle of WiP's. The kit was simple and straightforward to build, aside from the tank cover, forward of the canopy, and the wing roots (which has a step in them) - anyway, I'm happy with the final result, weathered subtly. Spitfire FR.XIV ‘P’/NH902 flown by Squadron Leader James Prendergast, 414 Squadron RCAF, May 1945. Lazy Lady "V" Thanks for looking Cheers, Ben

All done! See the RFI for the Wessex Haven't got pics of all three together yet due to the rain....

Hi all, so it’s only taken me just over a year to complete all three models in my Westland Trio, however here’s the final one – Italeri’s Westland Wessex HAS3. Straight out the box, no fancy extras, just a simple build and paint! I really fancied modelling Humphrey, as seen at Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, however I much preferred the yellow and blue/grey colours. Painted with Humbrol 79 blue grey and Halfords Rover Inca Yellow rattle can (which is actually a really good match to the RAF yellow as used on C1 decals to my eye – more on that in another RFI). I was also lucky enough to see the Wessex, flanked by two Wasps, open the display to this year’s Yeovilton airshow – the first time, in fact, that I have seen a Wessex flying, being young enough that by the time I went to air shows, no Wessex’s were left flying. I really fancy making a 1/48 Hu5 now to sit on my desk at work with my 1/48 scale Lynx I had hoped to get photos of all three models in the Trio together, however, the British summer has had other plans... Cheers! Ben

Ah, the awkward moment when you post in the wrong forum....

Oops, wrong forum section...

Done! RFI to follow once my camera is charged.

Rover Inca Yellow, I was happily surprised that it seems the perfect match for the outside yellow band around RAF WWII roundels, as well as the yellow leading edges and prop tips - I've always found that Humbrol 24 Trainer Yellow is just too yellow. I thought something didn't look right on the paint scheme with those decals! Oops!

Decals on! Matt spray and weathered Really disappointed with how the weathering looks like through my phone camera, in reality its subtle and I think it looks rather good Just the main rotors and wheels to go now. Ben

Getting close! I realised the yellow/grey transition was in the wrong place according to the italeri paint schemes, so I repainted it a bit. I've added all the bits and pieces now and painted the lot, still need to add the radome and wheels. Ben

So here's how my Wessex is coming along - I painted the blue grey around the top half of the fuselage before masking and spraying some halfords rattle can yellow that looks about right! I think it looks ok! Ben

Cheers I think it turned out ok for a 60 year old kit. That WOULD be excellent! Hopefully they'll be a SAR Sea King flying with the Whirlwind and Wessex, not far from me in Crewkerne!

I've got an Airfix Spitfire XIV on the go now whilst I'm waiting for paint Unfortunately not, there are plenty online which seem ok. I've got access to 1:1 CAD models and engineering drawings of the AW159, not sure my employer would be happy if I shared them though! I'd love an AW159 too, particularly in 1/48 scale! Someone on here did a fantastic conversion though (was it ex-wafuu or maybe Lynx?). Ben

Wow, it's been over 6 months since I've posted here. Life got in the way (as it does!) And I've been very busy at work designing a new aircraft The good news is, I've been too busy to be modelling because I bought myself my first house - complete with a garage plus one room dedicated to my flight simulator (and my bikes!) And another room with an arts and crafts desk for me and the other half. I've been doing bits and pieces of work on the Wessex but haven't posted here. Anyway, you join the build with the fuselage together getting ready to mask and spray the yellow top side of the Wessex - only problem is I realised I used extra dark sea grey not RAF Blue Grey, so I'm waiting for some new paint to arrive.

Absolutely superb work!