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It was a very sad day at AugustaWiffliand when the prototype AW191 destroyed itself in a blur of blades but the engineers decided to use some of the wreckage for the prototype AW161 Peregrine AEW. The only problem was that very little survived the accident, but with the Navy chasing them for an update on the conversion programme any changes needed to use as many standard parts as possible.

Collecting various SAR helicopters in 1/72 and have gone from building 1 CH-149 to 2 NAWSARH's! In getting the right parts I've bought 3 kits plus some spare parts to build 2 helo's and I was thinking "what do I do with the leftovers???" Then I had a happy accident. I found a spare radome in my Sea King! Then I thought of this...

Finished long ago, but only now posting images. Go to:

Over the holidays, I was tidying my stash, and discovered a Merlin 1/72 Fulmar purchased in 1991, for £6.95. A product of the early garage-industry limited run injection process, it is molded in a waxy white plastic, with semi-opaque parts that represent the canopies. All surrounded by so much flash that carving the parts to shape is the first thing required, after sawing the parts from the huge sprues. There are decals, but the less said, the better. A good three-view is provided, and it is absolutely necessary if one is to believe this could represent a Fulmar. Easy to understand why it was never started, once the Pegasus version, and then the Vista/Airfix/Smer/Revell appeared. Obviously, this should be one for the bin, but I am possessed occasionally by excited delerium, and in this state of mind I decided to see if anything resembling a model aircraft could be produced. The two fuselage halves do not exactly line up, and the solid wings have a slight bend. The canopies would be useless, except that they are so thick, that inside their form can be discerned something of the original shape. The wings, after hot water treatment and much sanding, were straightened. The fuselage halves were roughly aligned, mating surfaces sanded flat, then glued together. The canopies were sanded extensively to fit their apertures, and lightly glued in place. They were then sanded to match the airframe contours, removed from the model and polished to give a semblance of clarity. Turning to the wings, having decided to try to represent a folded wing Fulmar, each wing was cut into three pieces. The stub wings were pinned with brass rod, and glued in place, as were the horizontal tail and vertical pieces. And that is where we are today. Next up, some scratch built cockpit invention/detail and paint, then re-attachment of the canopies. More to come.........

I decied to build this kit as a what if because the kit is for a prototype and to bring it up to latest standard would involve a lot of work. I did however cut out the window by the front door and even though you cannot see it the seats and consoles are in there. Painted using modelair paints and Kleer with decals cobbled togeather from kit decals, modeldecal and spares box decals. The actual painting was done with a cheap £6 chineese badger 150 copy it hasen't come out too bad. I am pleased with result and reckon that it could actually be done on the full size aircraft. There is presidence as there was a MK5 done in a simaliar scheme a few years ago. Normal 5ft viewing distance please. And with a proper HAS2 Thank you for looking Rodders

Morning all, Thought I'd share a selection of images from last week's Royal Navy support of the Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor. AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ136/U Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ136/U Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr. AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ136/U Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ136/U Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ136/U Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ136/U Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ136/U Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr AgustaWestland Merlin HC3i ZJ118/B Royal Navy Okehampton Camp 07/05/16 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr Thanks for looking, comments welcomed Shaun

Hi folks,I,ve got free time now the last of my other GB entries is almost complete and thought it time I joined in with this superb collection of projects.Being pay week which means buying time I was in the LMS yesterday and looked for a kit and chose this re-box of Italeri's naval Merlin over the RAF version also on the shelf by the original maker,feeling sorry for the loosing contenders offering I also bought their Sea Horse for a second entry if all goes well with this one.Here's the box top for now hope to get a start tomorrow.

The following images have been taken at various locations around Cornwall since Jan 2016. Unfortunately the few remaining 771 Squadron Sea Kings have been rather elusive. Locations here include Bodmin Moor, Davidstow airfield, Godrevy etc:

Hi After what seems like ages, here's my attempt at an RAF Merlin, as used in Afghanistan....Plus a bonus pic of the Merlin with some of it's flying cousins. The Merlin is slightly untidy around the edges of the windows - always a part I struggle to get looking right. Hope you like! Cheers Rob.

Hi All, New member so please bear with me until I get the hang of things. I've garnered a load of hints and tips from this forum and have been inspired by many of the builds so I thought it appropriate to share progress of my current project. I finally took the plunge and got the HC3 and Eduard Big Ed pack, seeing as the interior is fully detailed and mostly hidden when built I've decided to create a cutaway version with a removeable side to show a pair of Airfix quads on board. Apologies for it not being absolutely accurate as I do get a bit carried away so I'll be building it with folded rotors and hinged tail. Photos to follow on progress so far. Kind Regards John

With the decision to phase out the Sea King HAR.3 during 2017, a replacement was needed. Rather than following a privatised model, the MoD opted instead to look at other potential helicopter resources. There were two obvious candidates to replace the HAR.3 - the Super Puma and the Merlin. Following trials with both aircraft, the Merlin was selected. Following the release of the RAF's Merlin HC3s to the Royal Navy's Commando Helicopter Force, and the upgrade of most Merlin HM1s to HM2 standard, the Navy was left with 10 surplus HM1 airframes. These ten aircraft were made available for refit to Search and Rescue specifications. The newly-designated HAR.5 would retain the HM1's Searchwater radar, as well as being fitted with a slimmed down version of the HM2's advanced avionics suite. Several changes were made to the internal layout. Seating was rearranged to accommodate the extensive SAR equipment. Additional bulbous observation ports similar to those found on the Sea King were added close to the centre of the fuselage to aid in visual searches. Obligatory box shot: ​ The sprues, showing the painting work completed last night: A test fit to check how observable the interior is and decide on a construction order. Posts elsewhere on the forum have suggested completing one side at a time and then joining the two. However, the fit seems clean enough so I'll probably just follow the order in the instructions:

Finally I managed to finish a model - also finished it in under a month!!! Revell kit, out of the box. No added bits, just a straight forward build. I stumbled across a framed photo/painting - call it what you prefer, and though that would go well in my room. One day, I stumbled over this kit, and lobbed it in my room, along with the picture. And it was here, that I noticed that the painting I had bought, was in fact the boxart of the kit I had just bought! So it was a pretty easy decision, to choose what plane it should be built as. So, here goes: Revell 1/48 Spitfire Mk IXc, No. 43 Squadron RAF, Klagenfurt, Austria June 1945 Robin

Photos from Nick Cronin

Hello All! Does anyone know if the green used on RAF Merlin helicopters is the same as the green used on Spitfires, or is a different green altogether? thanks, -Ramon

I haven't built a kit for ages,and had always intended to do "something" with a pack of Airfix 1/350 aircraft,as sold for the 1/350 Illustrious. I managed to miss the release of these,at a SMW Telford several years ago,and only discovered they were available,afterwards-probably thanks the BM. As I was leaving the UK imminently, I phoned Airfix,hoping to order them directly.They took my order but very kindly sent my order FOC and they were at my home when I got back-how good is that? I think they made a pretty decent job of the planes and helos,but I could see some room for improvement,and set about chopping around a couple of them. As some of you know,I work in a smaller scale,so it would be a diversion to see what could be done,and a sort of "homage" to the likes of the people that got me started on plastic modelling-those of a certain age will remember Chris Ellis,Gerald Scarborough,Terry Gander,Alan Hall,and especially Peter Hodges,and his detailed conversions of Airfix 1/600 ships. Tiny,grainy black and white photos and all.... I thought I'd have a go at the Merlin,it is about right shape wise,and I have a liking for these impressive birds. Merlin 1 by plastichacker, on Flickr First job was to remove the cabin area and back fill,so that some cabin windows could be built in-unfortunately,I didn't start taking pictures until some time after (because once the enthusiasm for the project wore off it just sat in a box for about 3 years),here the cabin area has been modded,and some of the many lumps and bumps have been started. Merlin 2 by plastichacker, on Flickr Merlin 3 by plastichacker, on Flickr The nose has been tidied and some work on the underside-I haven't got a clue what half these things are,just bits to be made and fitted,sorry to any current/ex FAA that know far more about these things than me! Merlin 4 by plastichacker, on Flickr mtd

Hi, Completed model ready for inspection ... first time doing a work in progress, certainly spurs you on to complete !! Built out of box but with a few extras donated by Merlin101 and loads of advice given by other members. Big thanks to all. Work in progress thread as below http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234966198-italeri-172-eh-101-merlin-has1/ Finished in a heavily weathered/well used look.

Hi, Fist time trying to do a work in progress post. Finally managed to work out how to post photos ... don't use IE, for some reason it didn't work and after reading the help forums I tried Chrome ... worked straight away. Anyway .. this build may take some time as I want to spend time working on my weathering and detailing skills. I am happy with dry brushing using enamel and acrylic paints and currently use a weathering wash using some soft pastels dissolved in water. I would like to try clay based weathering washes and am thinking about buying some "Flory" weathering wash ... however anybody got any other suggestions. Also looking for some advice or indeed links to photos for the Merlin interior/exterior as I have never been up close to these aircraft. If anyone has built this model, any hints tips and advice would be appreciated. The rest of the kit is in the box ... it's just that I couldn't fit it all in the photo Thanks again

I have just finished the ICM Merlin, for my Mk IX (don't tell me its a poor example - seen that in other posts) - I can live with it). Now I have looked at a tone of pics and I read somewhere that Edgar mentioned something about grey ext, However I have the 1/32 book by Brett Green and Co on the Tamiya Spitfire and there the Engine seem to be solid black except for exhausts and top covers. I have been told that in service, an engine is just a big black block. Its primed and ready for a dash of colour or not. Thoughts please.

Hi, Here's our most recently finished model. This was made as a commission for a good friend who worked as a technician on Merlins. He wanted Hotel in particular as he remembers working on it. This model is also a team effort between my husband David and myself. David did most of the construction and all of the exterior. I did the interior. The model has a few additions to the kit. On the exterior several aerials were replaced with wire (using some very handy banjo strings that we always have spares of!). The bar HF aerial on the rear left hand side is deleted on operational aircraft. The gun set up an operational one, the left hand side door is always removed when the side door gun is fitted as it wouldn't close anyway. The kit instructions also show you fitting a right hand side gun, however this is not fitted as it is apparently inconvenient to use and affects seating capacity. In the cockpit I added the sun shades which I made out of folded paper, to the roof, these are noticeably absent on the kit and very evident in photographs. I also added some seat belts to the pilot seats made out of tamiya tape. Moving aft, I made a curtain out of toilet paper for the door between the cockpit and the cabin. This was just folded, tied with tamiya tape and painted black. Inside the cabin and cockpit there are a lot of curly headset wires that are usually left hanging out instead of being stowed. For these we got the banjo wire out again and used a G string and curled it around a D string. I had to do a considerable amount of work on the cabin seats. Our friend wanted the seats stowed up apart from the very back aircrew seats which he wanted down. This is because the back seats are stowed up using velcro, which rather inconveniently leads the seats opening up during flight anyway! Of course Airfix have you model the seats down with the back seats up, which means I had lots of work to do! I took all of the seat backs bar two and cut them down and flattened them so they'd fit, I then built two more to replace the ones I wasn't attacking. Then I had to make seat belts out of tamiya tape for all of them, on the real thing these seat belts are stowed very untidily so I tried my best to replicate that. Back to the exterior, I made up a mix of Tamiya XF58 and XF59 for the base colour. David then weathered the panels in several stages with varying amounts of thinned XF20 and XF51 depending on the panel shade on the real thing. The shades are made to match 'Hotel' specifically. David was not happy with the decals supplied for the walkways so he painted them in Nato Black. All the metals are sprayed using varying shades of alclad. David shaded the rotor blades to simulate wear. Overall this kit was a pretty touch build, it wasn't the easiest fitting model, the top assembly is awkward and the nose area requires considerable work to fit. All the little fiddly bits need trimming before fitting. The decals took a fair amount of persuasion to fit without silvering. We also managed to add an extra month to the build by dropping it, this destroyed the undercarriage and knocked both pilot seats out. This meant removal of the side windows (after the model had been painted!) and the purchase of metal undercarriage parts. After that David also contrived to knock off one of the wire cutters so we had to take another one off to make a resin cast to replace it. It was a 6 month long build for both of us and we're both relieved that it's finally done, well not quite! We have yet to build an airfield base and a tempered glass case for it. For anyone that would like to see even more photos at full size, here's the link to the album. I'll be adding some photos of the build in progress to this album soon as well. http://s240.photobucket.com/user/amandaphotomeow/library/Andys%20Merlin?sort=3&page=1

Bomber Command Museum of Canada. On September 20th they did a four engine night run on their Lancaster. Guaranteed goosebumps! Quite surreal as it is next to a main road with cars & trucks going past. If this doesn't stir you, you have no soul. And if you've never been to East Kirkby to see 'Jane', I can thoroughly recommend it as modelling therapy. Pete

Went on a tour of RNAS Culdrose today (guess where I'm on holiday!) - it was great to be able to see behind the scenes at a live Naval Air Station, even if we were mostly confined to the coach. Although August is their quiet time, there was a fair amount of flying going on: Merlin Mk1 Sea King Mk7 Sea King SAR Mk5 King Air Avenger We saw into most hangers including one full of shiny black Hawk T1s! All lined up with engineers fiddling with stuff. Saw plenty of Sea Kings being serviced as well. Was nice to see a handful of retired Sea Harriers that they use for aircraft deck handling practice - they fire them up & taxi around as well as having the guys push & pull them with tractors. Tour guide was very knowledgable and we also had a more detailed tour of the base fire station including the kids having a go with the hoses on the tenders - one's remote controlled via a joystick in the cab and the other's a bl**dy great jet on the roof! Am staying between Truro & Falmouth and we see the grey & red SAR Sea Kings overhead a lot - one buzzed by overhead at breakfast time (my camera was inside unfortunately!) and I've just heard one now overhead (pitch black though). Haven't downloaded my photos from today yet but if I get any decent ones I'll post them. £30 for a family ticket - worth it IMO. For more info see http://www.fleetairarm.com/culdrose-air-station.aspx Cheers, Andrew p.s. can't believe they're privatising SAR soon :-(

Hey, I'm looking for a large-ish scale model of either a Merlin or a Griffon engine, preferably between approximately 1/10 scale and 1/20 scale. Basically, something large enough to get some detail on and display on its own, but small enough to actually display in the house. I've found some details on a paper 1/33 scale Merlin on the 'net, but would prefer something plastic or metal. Cheers.

Some Merlin Pics; Hurricane IID Mosquito Merlins Spitfire Mk.XI Spitfire MK. XIV