Daedalus72

Thanks chaps, that is just the ticket.I wasn't sure if the Whirlwind had a mesh grille around the opening for the rotor shaft. BTW, is anybody aware of a decal for the penguin motif applied to the aircraft operated by HMS Protector and HMS Endurance?

Hi Does anybody know of any photos of the area of the Whirlwind where the main rotor shaft exits? I am building a Srs1 aircraft from the old Revell 1/48 kit and would like to know the shape of the hole around the top of the main gearbox, in order to add aome detailing. Thanks

Saw a copy of Flypast yesterday from September 2017.There are three articles on Sea Furies in Korea.One if the photos shows Sea Furies on the deck of Theseus IIRC and the lead a/c has the camera pod fitted,also bombs.

How about a Sturgeon,or a Firebrand or Spearfish?

The overall interior colour of Wessex Mk5s was a mid grey similar to Ocean Grey.Soundproofing as you say was 'apple green' but especially in the cabin it was discoloured by hydraulic/oil leaks. Troop seats were blue with frames in medium green. If a seatray was fitted this could vary between light or dark green. Cockpit seats were grey with dark green seat backs, PSPs yellow base with sheepskin tops. Instrument panel was med grey with black coaming

When I built mine,the major problem was the mismatch between the top and bottom halves of the fuselage. This was about 10mm at the front. I managed to assemble the fuselage by starting glue at one side at the wing trailing edge, clamping and waiting for the glue to set then moving on on smal steps. This was successful but it took a long time to eradicate the seam,particularly at the front.It is possible that because I used several aftermarket parts including the Neomega cockpit,that this made it more difficult. Thereis a lot of scope for more detailing eg in the undercarriage bays if you are that way inclined. If you are prepared to put in the effort, the kit builds into an impressive model. And it is the only option if you want a 1/48 Buccaneer.

The photo of the Ark Royal cab referred to is the colour scheme which I want to model, I seem to remember that during basic training in 1979, the recently retired HAS1s all had black outlines to the titles and serials

That kit is a brute,took me 15 years to finish mine!

This is almost too good to be true! Whirlwind next please!

Thats great, I was'nt aware of these sheets but I will try to track them down. Its really annoying that Italeri have got the decals wrong in their Wessex kits as it tarnishes what are otherwise decent kits

Does anybody know of a decal sheet which includes the white 'Royal Navy' titles with a black outline as used on SAR Wessex? The decals in the Italeri kit are plain white. I have searched with no luck so far Thanks Mike

I have been building he Tamiya Swordfish as I had seen it touted as an 'ideal first biplane'. Other members at my local club warned me not to attempt to build it with the wings spread, but I knew better and went ahead anyway.Everything went spendidly until the time came to attach the wings which I had assembled and rigged with the Tamiya photo etch.Despite test fitting previously, when push came to shove I could not make them fit properly. Increasing levels of force only resulted in ruining the rigging and the use of words which I would not use in polite company. I did'nt like the etch rigging and would not bother with it again.Apparently the wings are easier to fit folded. The kit is also expensive. Airfix Seafire Mk47 is straightforward and includes wing fold, although post war.

Fingers crossed for the Sea Fury

Thanks Dennis,all help gratefully received. Mike

Hi, Joined a while ago but this is my first post! I am an ex FAA Artificer and model mainly RN aircraft in 1/48. I spent my time in the navy on Wessex Mk5 and Lynx mk3 and still have a soft spot for the Wessex even now.I am currently building a HAS3 from the Italeri kit,having previously completed two Mk5s. Despite its faults, I like this kit as it is 100% better than the old Revell offering and it was a long,long wait for anything half decent in 1/48. I am also thinking about starting the old Fujimi Wasp kit and have been comparing it with the drawings in the recent warpaint book. The fuselage seems to be too short according to these drawings, the discrepancy being in the section between the point wher the fuselage taper starts and the rear undercarriage mounting is located. Does anyone know if these drawings are accurate.I am tempted to take them with a pinch of salt as they were drawn by Richard Caruana who has been known to get things wron on the past. Sorry I seem to have gone on a bit. Cheers Mike Smith