dad's lad

That is brilliant, that you John. Clive

Thank you, I can use the Duxford airframe for the torpedo bay detail but I'm really looking for what there is forward of there, is there for example, a box of gubbins similar to that which you have added to this build. Clive.

Thanks but I think that the Duxford version has the original front end not the extended Whirlwind nose. Clive

Those plans look excellent, I don't suppose that they show what happens underneath a Royal Navy HAS.9 that is fitted with a torpedo bay by any chance? I'm converting an Italeri S-55 using a resin nose. Clive

I've decided to take a break from WW2 subjects and make a start on my collection of Italeri S-55, H-18 helicopters. All except the float version will be built to represent Westland Whirlwinds of the RAF or Royal Navy using resin conversions where available. I know that I need to change the windscreen to remove the middle pillars and that the undersides will need to be fettled with but I have a few questions about internal colours. Having taken pictures of the museum exhibits at Newark and Caernarfon, I think I'm right in saying that the cockpits were black with a grey instrument panel and the cabin (notwithstanding any soundproofing) was Dark Admiralty Grey, the "padding" alongside the transmission appears to be a blueish green. If anyone could confirm that would be great. The one area that I've no idea about though due to access restrictions is what I'm calling the "engine deck" behind the cockpit. Any ideas please? Thanks in advance, Clive.

Top job, what colour blue did you use? Clive

Heather, I believe that the engine nacelle had a circular intake which you could represent south a circle of black decal (I wouldn't suggest drilling if you want the wings to stay on)...

Excellent news, far too few options for RFC aftermarket decals at the moment. Hopefully my own local hero Albert Ball will feature. Clive

Excellent, thanks so much. Clive

Thank you, any other external differences from the Mk.X that I need to be aware of? The number of machine guns I believe. Clive.

Well you live and learn...

I'm well acquainted with the rather prominent bulge for the Sperry autopilot on RAAF Beaufighters but being the curious type, I've always wondered what was the specific reason that RAAF aircraft needed these and Beaufighters operated by different air arms didn't. I could assume it was due to large distances having to be flown over the Pacific but beyond that, I'm stumped. Any experts care to enlighten me please? Thanks, Clive.

Actually Bob it's quite the reverse at the moment, I can get the Aeroclub one from Ebay, or King Kit. The Roden one I've only seen on King Kit and whilst I was waiting for my monthly "allowance" for kits, somebody nabbed it. Even Hannants doesn't have it listed to be able to backorder and I'm not aware that I can order directly from Roden. Clive.

Well that looks like a landing accident!! Thanks everyone for your replies, I now have a choice of kitbashing or buying the more readily available Aeroclub model which I could detail with parts from a cheap(er) Revell Dr.1 Clive

I'd love to but it seems they've been pooped on by a rocking horse...