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Vickers Wellington DWI (Directional Wireless Installation) Conversion - 1:72 Aerocraft Models


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Vickers Wellington DWI (Directional Wireless Installation) - Conversion

1:72 Aerocraft Models - For Airfix Kit

 

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The Wellington DWI Directional Wireless Installation was an unusual looking aircraft to say the least. This was developed to deal with the increasing problem of magnetic mines dropped in UK waters early in WWII. After an intact mine was recovered and examined various ways to deal with them were looked at. The idea of detonating the mines from ships was quickly dispensed with due to damage to the ships. It was then thought an aerial means was possible. A large aluminium ring cased in balsa wood was fitted to a Wellington bomber. Power to generate a magnetic field was generated from a Ford V8 petrol engine generator fitted in the airframe.  While the system did work it was not as simple as it seemed and while the aircraft had to fly low and slow they also had to fly fast enough to leave the area of the explosion, doing this over water and at night was not easy. It is thought 15 aircraft were produced. The DWI designation was actually nothing to do with the mine-sweeping role but a cover as to the purpose of the large loop. 

 

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The new set has been made by Ali of Aerocraft models and first seen at Telford this year. The main ring is in quarters and is assembled with over lapping joints. the yoke at the front is one piece brass casting and brass rod is supplied to be cut to length to make the underwing and rear fuselage supports. A small plastic strip is supplied to make the sliding rails for the original hatch on the top fuselage, the hatch being supplied in resin. As the aircraft was unarmed turret blanks for the nose and tail are provided. The nose one having pre-drilled holes for the front support. Vokes filters are also included as most if not all of these aircraft operated in the middle east at some point. All of the parts are well cast and the inclusion of the smaller details and the filters is a nice touch. 

 

 

Conclusion

It is great to see Ali back in the game and this is certainly an interesting project in 1/72 with the new Airfix wellington out there.  Highly recommended.

 

 

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Review sample courtesy of

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