458 Squadron (RAAF) Wellington.

[Mick Clarke]

This is my first post for Ready for Inspection. I've finally getting getting back into it.

My subject is a Red Roo Conversion used for the 458 Squadron Wellington as depicted in the DK Decal sheet (72066). The kit being the Mk1c Airfix. This version was of the Mk1c with canvass and metal fairing with a single .303 gun which replaced the normal turret. I will do the MkVIII next. A little bit of history, 458 Squadron was formed at Williamtown, New South Wales, as part of the Article XV of the Empire Air Training Scheme agreement on the 8th July,1941. The squadron went to England on the 25th August, 1941 at Holme-on-Spalding Moor where it was introduced to Wellingtons.  At the end of January, 1942 it was sent to the Middle East engaged in mine laying, maritime patrols and convoy escorts.  

Hope it passes.

 

 

 

 

[Dunny]

Love it - great first RFI! 

[adey m]

Lovely build Mick and great to see an unusual version and different colour scheme too. Was the gun in the front aimed by the pilot? Or was it a dummy gun to frighten the natives ................

 

regards, adey

[Mick Clarke]

Hi Adey, Thanks for that. With regards to gun it was at .303 but there were some that used 20ml cannon. I'd say it was used by the Pilot. As to how effective, I don't know.

[stevej60]

Cracking build and finish Mick and a bit different scheme wise too!

[Aces High]

Nice one! Keep them coming!

[Edger]

Different in the desert scheme, looks great make a nice change.

[kiwitrogg]

I think that's what you call an attention getter.

An interesting subject, nicely built, that's just a bit different to the norm.  I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Cheers and welcome

Gaz

[Mark Joyce]

Well done, Mick, and a nice change from the usual Wellington.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark

[exdraken]

Very nice!

One of the first bomber aircraft I knew!

[kapam]

A nice tribute to an RAAF unit that I doubt is particularly well-known.

The Mediterranean colour scheme is also an interesting aspect.

Well done!

[Ed Russell]

That's very nice, you have done an excellent job - no doubt helped by a well engineered kit. It looks great in that scheme. I had hoped to do mine in parallel but it's still a pile of bits in the box - you are too darned quick! I am pleased the nose fitted okay,  you are the first  builder to use one and they are not even commercial yet. It was inspired by @tonyot ' s build. I am sure he will be along to have a look!

[woody37]

Lovely build, think I might have to copy your build as I love the desert schemes...and there’s one less turret to build!

[Mick Clarke]

3 hours ago, Ed Russell said:

That's very nice, you have done an excellent job - no doubt helped by a well engineered kit. It looks great in that scheme. I had hoped to do mine in parallel but it's still a pile of bits in the box - you are too darned quick! I am pleased the nose fitted okay,  you are the first  builder to use one and they are not even commercial yet. It was inspired by @tonyot ' s build. I am sure he will be along to have a look!

Thanks Ed. Thanks for your help.

[tonyot]

Very nice indeed Mick,...... however I don`t agree with the cannon in the nose,........ as you know I fitted a .303in Browning in my model,...... a cannon was fitted to a later aircraft flown by the CO  which had a shield containing a Fleaur de Lis inside. The camo demarcation also runs below the line of the canopy,..... I did post reference pics on my WIP;

 

Here is Little Joe;

 

 

And here is the aircraft with the 20mm cannon from a Hurricane with the recoil springs visible,  bearing the Fleaur de Lis shield;

 

Cheers

           Tony

Edited May 22, 2020 by tonyot

[Mick Clarke]

Cheers everyone. Thanks for kind words and encouragement. Yes Tony, definitely not a cannon coming out of the front by those photos. I'll have to shorten the one on mine.

[Phone Phixer]

Lovely work on your return. Nice to see a different Wimpy built.