PWJ Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 This is another of those long term builds that I have dragged back onto the bench. It is a combination of the Italeri Mk 1 and 3 kits. I have been following Steve Longs build as he obviously has an affinity and wealth of knowledge of Australian naval aviation. Essentially I have modified the kits as per Steve’s build and subsequently with my own research been adding details as I go. Various small details such as hand holds, feature panels etc., were prepared with holes drilled for later fitting with copper wire. Also scratch built the port side external fuel tank using parts of an old 1/48 500lb bomb and also 1/72 F18 drop tank suitably modified. Numerous tie down rings were made from copper wire and plastic rod. I scratch built the cargo bay seats from plastic rod and some lead sheet (ex-Champagne bottles – stolen from the wife). Don't know why I did this because I subsequently closed the door! There has been comment about the fit of this kit and to be honest I found it to be one of the best fitting kits I have built. Something that may have contributed to this was that during the construction (and considerable dry fitting) I did not cement any of the internal floor or ceiling pieces as they slotted into their various location points nicely. This allowed for adjustment when cementing both fuselage sides and the joins required very little filler. Interestingly I have experienced the same situation with an Italeri Seahawk that I am a long way through now (although the roof section did require some fettling to get a good fit). I did photo document the build however have been too busy with work to post a WIP. If there is enough interest I may do a brief write up. Decals were from Southern Sky Models (Ronin Graphics) and are excellent Canopy Mask from Eduard as well as their pre painted cockpit set. Special mention to Graham Molinex –Grubby Fingers website for his invaluable reference section – most appreciated sir although the more I saw the more I continued adding bits. Got to the point where I decided enough was enough. So here is another addition to me ever growing Australian Military rotary wing collection. Cheers PWJ 66 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TME3 Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Wow.... Just WOW... Absolutely stunning...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spruecutter Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Wow, that's a great looking build and a very attractive scheme. Well worth dragging it to the bench and finishing it off. We need bigger pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aeroplanedriver Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Absolutely gorgeous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJP Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Very smart Wessex in an attractive colour scheme CJP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry1954 Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 A stunning build indeed. You really have made a first class job of this. Have just been looking at another Wessex thread on here, and also contemplating starting my own in smaller scale. Thanks for sharing Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andwil Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Magnificent! Superb finish. AW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveyGair Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Outstanding! Helicopters have never really interested me, but I have an Airfix new-tool Seaking in the stash which is tempting me to build one. Davey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bell209 Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Absolutely fabulous! I love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Outstanding finish! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev The Modeller Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Great build mate you don't see that many of these 😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhizhou Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Superb finish. A great miniature replication of the real thing. Zhiz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IGKent Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Great job, but very small pics..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Hello PWJ, Master Modeler. This replica can go straight into the RAN Museum. My highest compliments. Regards, Orion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matti64 Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Superb, really something! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Incredible Wessex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolphin38 Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Stunning looking Wessex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corsaircorp Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Wow ! That's a great Wessex ! congratulations ! sincerely. Corsaircorp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devo Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Great job PWJ. Looks ready to embark on the mighty Battle'Wart, aka Building 215. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacificmustang Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 beautiful work peter, would love to see your WIP photos, as I have this one in the stash to do as well Cheers Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PWJ Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 Thank you gentlemen for the kind words, appreciated. Re the images, sorry for that however they were taken with my Blackberry phone so the quality is not great. My Digital SLR Nikon is broken, I will borrow one of my sons cameras and take some better photos. I am currently on a run and the bench holds an almost completed Sea King, Westland Scout, Squirrel and Seahawk. Bruce I will do a short write up and post some construction pics in WIP section. Cheers and kind regards, PJ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 Brilliant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unfinished project Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 That’s a cracking build and an immaculate finish. What a beauty thanks for sharing this with us 👍👍👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaza Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 Beautifully done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calum Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 Very nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now