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1/48 Westland Wapiti


RAL

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I'm keen to do a 1/48 model of the RAAF's A5-16 which was used to tow the DHA-G Glider in trials. A5-16 was one of three Wapitis that survived into the 1940s in RAAF service:

http://img.wp.scn.ru...4/pics/81_1.jpg

Please note that the profile is substantially correct except that the rudder stripes should be reversed with the blue leading as per the earlier application of these stripes in the 1930s. The colours should also be the 'light, bright' hues used at that time.

Unusual about the airframe is the application of the individual airframe number "16" and the absence of the RAAF stores prefix of "A5-". However, the presentation of the large numerals 16 is consistent with those applied to some RAAF aircraft in the 1930s.

However, it seems that the Rest Models 1/48 Wapiti has had the same gestation period of the 1/48 Special Hobby Bristol/DAP Beaufort:

http://www.restmodels.com/?p=model&id=44&s=&l=en

Well the wait may well be over. Ozmods, the Australian company that produced the fuselage correction set for the 1/48 AZ Vultee Vengeance, is seeking expressions of interest in the production of a 1/48 Westland Wapiti:

http://www.aussiemodeller.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=10752&sid=1e9ac30ec987732664d1da725f9cecd1

So, if youre interested in a 1/48 scale Wapiti, this is the opportunity to make it happen. BTW, I have no connection with the company. I just want a couple of 1/48 Wapitis to build, a silver bird and a TT striped one.

RAL

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  • 2 weeks later...

In Singapore were Vildebeest, I think - which were basicly not very different from Vincent as I learnt recently in this forum. Wapiti were on line of 27th Sqn till October 1940, so few month before WWII started at Far East. http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/27_wwII.html

In the first line Wapiti served in India Air Forces (wearing still RAF roundels) until spring 1942, taking part in Coastal patrols

http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=98

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_historical_aircraft_of_the_Indian_Air_Force

Some yesr ago I tried to do this model in 1/72 converting from Frog/Novo Wallace

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234965832-westland-wallace-frog/

No 4th Squadron consist of 4 Wapiti and 2 Audaxes and took part in early stage of Burma campaign operating from Karachi

https://books.google.pl/books?isbn=1935501798

Cheers

Jerzy-Wojtek

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  • 2 weeks later...

Me too - would look very nice indeed in 607 Sqn markings...

Simon

Me too - would look very nice indeed in 607 Sqn markings...

Simon

Hi Simon,

nice to see a reference to 607, I am currently in the process of gathering info, kits, decals etc. together with a view to representing all the types to have served with 607 in1/72 scale. I think I have enough to do each type but i'm struggling with the Gladiator and Mk.11 Hurricanes, can you help with these?

thanks,

spad

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i'd also be intested in those schemes as i have a few kits to do 607 but in 1/48

Hi Simon,

nice to see a reference to 607, I am currently in the process of gathering info, kits, decals etc. together with a view to representing all the types to have served with 607 in1/72 scale. I think I have enough to do each type but i'm struggling with the Gladiator and Mk.11 Hurricanes, can you help with these?

thanks,

spad

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We're veering off topic here, so apologies to the Wapiti fans...

For the Gladiator, Roden's 1/48 one (kit number 408) has 607 Sqn markings for K7995 AF-O, as flown by John Sample from Acklington when a Dornier Do-18 was intercepted and shot down on October 17th 1940.

As for photos of 607 Sqn Hurricane IIs, there's a photo of Mk. IIb BE505 AF-L here, see post #22:

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?87820-Hurricane-First-Flight-at-North-Weald

This is a 607 Sqn Hurribomber IIb, AF-S (don't know the serial, sorry):

hurricaneIIB_hurri_bomber1.jpg

There are also photos of Hurricane IIb's BE421 AF-G, BE422 AF-C and BE498 AF-K. For the Burma campaign, there are photos of tropical filter equipped Hurricane II BD312 AF-Y taken in Burma, as well as AF-Z (IIa - serial unknown) but I'm not sure of the copyright of these so won't post them.

As far as I'm aware, there are no photos of any 607 Sqn Hurricane IIc's...(he says hoping to be proved wrong!). Graham Boak on here is also a good source of info on 607 Sqn, so maybe he'll be along soon too.

Back on topic - when's the Wapiti available...?! :)

Regards

Simon

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