Houston Westland PV-3 G-ACAZ Everest Expedition,1/72 kit modification/scratch

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

A build from two years ago:

 

(The WiP is here:

 

Here is one of the two Westland planes that flew over Mount Everest* for the Houston Everest Expedition, G-ACAZ (The other was G-ACBR).

The model is based on the very old and a bit clunky kit by Air Lines / Frog of the Westland Wallace.

Some of the editions of these kits had the (poorly researched) "Everest" decals, but the fact is that that the kit needs some modifications to accurately represent one of the machines, and very involving modifications to represent the other.

I built both, here is one, the other will be posted today later on.

 

*Mount Everest, by the way, it's a name coined by the then British colonists.

The mountain is locally known by two names: Sagarmāthā (forehead or head in the sky) and Chomolungma (mother of the world).
My thanks to Mika Jernfors, of Arctic Decals, who designed and provided the high-quality decals I am so spoiled with.

 

Here are some of the necessary mods for G-ACAZ:

-Different landing gear

-No elevator or rudder trim tabs

-Fin/rudder with paint outline

-No wingtip skids

-Different wing tip and inset ailerons arrangement

-Different dihedral

-Different strut locations

-An additional diagonal strut between the inner wing struts

-Absence of little cutout inside the large wing cutout above the pilot's head

-The lower wing cutout meets diagonally the fuselage, instead of meeting a straight short section as in G-ACBR

-There were no visible "zippers" on the fuselage sides of G-ACAZ.

-A small rectangular opening or window is seen low on the fuselage side aft of the lower wing

-G-ACAZ has only one aileron control horn (two on the other plane)

-The exit holes for the tail control surfaces are slightly different

-The oil radiator is in a different position, aft and a bit lower than the one in G-ACBR

-There were three diagonal louvers on the nose on each side

there are other details. Look at photos of the original. Find out, don't be lazy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 26, 2019 by Moa

[wellsprop]

Beautiful models! Love the final picture in sepia.

[keefr22]

Really fabulous photography of another beautiful model (Bravo Romeo isn't bad either!)

 

Fantastic work again Moa!

 

Keith

[JWM]

You made Everest too with your builds! 

J-W

 

 

[Courageous]

Great work as usual and a well detailed build log.

I didn't see your rigging in your build, what do you use? Your rigging attachment points seem to have little 'boots' or is this just careful paintwork?

 

Stuart

[Baldy]

Outstanding again Moa. Absolutely exquisite pair.

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

6 hours ago, Courageous said:

I didn't see your rigging in your build, what do you use? Your rigging attachment points seem to have little 'boots' or is this just careful paintwork?

I use fine wire. The "cuffs" are the white glue I use to attach them, that later I paint a neutral grey.

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

6 hours ago, Courageous said:

I didn't see your rigging in your build, what do you use?

I also use in the models monofilament and ceramic "wire"

[pheonix]

I find it hard to believe that this was made from the old Frog moulds - just outstanding improvements. Beautifully photographed too - I though the aerial shots were of a real aeroplane.

 

P

[mahavelona]

An outstanding job of an important aeroplane. I love the Wallace and it is rare to see one built, yet alone this unique example.

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

13 minutes ago, mahavelona said:

An outstanding job of an important aeroplane. I love the Wallace and it is rare to see one built, yet alone this unique example.

Thanks very much for your kindness.

Cheers