Popular Post RidgeRunner Posted March 22, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted March 22, 2021 Finally, I got to the finish flag with my LeO! 😊 The slow progress has been predominantly something that I’ve allowed while my over enthusiastic brain has concentrated on other projects. Note to self: limit my number of concurrent builds! A GB build thread here: As you can see, and you will all know by now, she is a LeO 453S (“S” for sauvetage, safety/rescue in English), modelled as one of the machines of the SASM99 unit based in Maison Blanche, Algeria, in the 1950s. This air unit emerged from the air sea rescue sections created after WW2 when France, signatory to the O.A.C.I. (International Civil Aviation Organization) acquired the necessary means to meet its international commitments. Consequently, the Superior Council of French Aviation Safety requested the attachment of the SAR to the Civil and Commercial Aviation Secretariat (SGACC). The military maintained operational control. It had the necessary materials and crews to immediately undertake any research within the areas for which it is responsible, including those located in French Africa. At the end of WW2, the Armee de l’air (the air force) therefore set up an air-sea rescue service (SAMAR) subsequently reinforced by an air-land search and rescue organization (SATER). This service was initially based in Provence (Salon de Provence) then in Algeria in Blida under the name of SASM in February 1946. It was placed under the dependence of the Air Defense Zone 903 having three Vickers Wellington as its fleet. A HP Halifax, detached from Bordeaux, then took over the interim while waiting for the provision of aircraft of the LeO 453. Three aircraft were first used and in 1953 the unit grew to six aircraft, enabling it to operate and fulfill its mission. The SASM. was then transferred to Algiers-Maison Blanche and, in March 1954, to Boufarik where it merged with the GLA 45 liaison group which included two squadrons; one for transport and another for sea rescue made up of eight LeO 453s. A re-organisation gave birth to GLA 45 and a new SASM99. In February 1955, SASM saw the replacement of the LeO 453, by four-engine Bloch SE 161 Languedoc which belonged to Air France. Ten aircraft were specially fitted out at Toulouse-Montaudran. Still in Boufarik, this formation again changed its name, to the EARS99 (Air Search and Rescue Squadron). In February 1956, it moved again to Algiers. Many problems were encountered with the Blochs. The squadron was reinforced by a Noratlas N 2501, loaned by the GMMTA (Groupement des Means Militaires du Transport Air). On a weekly basis, an aircraft (generally N 2501) was dispatched. By 1960 the Lockheed L-749 Constellation gradually replaced the Languedoc. Ultimately the unit went through more changes and new types. The unit eventually dissolved in 1969. The subject of this build, using the Heller kit (the only kit!), is No.21, coded 99-JC. Ten LeO 453Ss (Nos. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35 and 38) were operated by SASM99, some coming from the disbanded SASM98 and GLA45. No. 38 was lost in an accident near Mallorca in 1954. Specifically, No.21 was converted from LeO 451 No.457. She hadn’t been without incident as she had an engine issue over France in 1952. Finally she was retired with the remainder of the fleet in 1956. The only photo I have found of her is this tail-on shot. Therefore I post below a shot of the scrap yard at Blida where they all sadly passed on. Note that some of the fleet had de-icing boots, others didn't. No.21 was in the latter group. The LeO 453S was a heavily modified version of the versatile LeO 45 design, having a passenger compartment and observer positions. The upper gun “turret” was deleted. A number of aerials and antennas were added too. The biggest change was the change to R1830-43 (or 67) engines, driving Hamilton props. What did I use?: 1. Kit – Heller LeO 45 1/72 (80389) 2. Decals – Kit rudder stripes, Berna Decals roundels, and the remainder drawn by Giorgio @Giorgio N and printed by Arctic Decals. 3. Aftermarket & other bits – Renaissance Models main undercarriage assemblies and wheels (RF72064), DF loop bullet from a Heller T-6, Engines (with cowlings and props) from an Airfix C-47 (thanks @1903flight), EZ Line for the aerials. Various bits of Plastruct rod. I used a drop tank from a Special Hobby Super Mystere as the basis for the dorsal turret mods. I made the engine intakes from Mk82 bombs. The exhausts were made from sprue, bent over a flame and drilled out. The tail cone was extended with card. 4. Paints – overall Humbrol Polished Aluminium (27002), 33 Matt Black, 60 Scarlet, and others here and there. She was finished with Humbrol Satincote. 5. Weathering – Flory Wash (Dirt), Tamiya Weathering Powders, Prismacolor Silver pencil I must also acknowledge the help I got from Scott @Jinxman, James @1903flight, Wez @Wez, Mike @Michou, Tony @TonyOD, Martin @Lightningboy2000 and others. Thanks everyone. So here she is: There are a few glitches. I'm just glad to get her to RFI! Martin 86 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcel Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Now this is great! Good job mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyOD Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 What a result. It's been a pleasure to watch this one come together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinxman Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 That's a beauty for sure. 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWM Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Martin, you did it in a great style! Looks really interesting. If I may ask for one more photo with better view on u/c - in build thread I have found just one, before painting.. I am just interesting how the aftermarket pieces improved the realism of the look... Regards and Congrats! J-W 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted March 22, 2021 Author Share Posted March 22, 2021 Will do. The Aftermarket undercarriage legs are different too. It seems that later on these were fitted to modified variants. For WW2 standard machines the kit parts are correct. Martin Edit: Here you are, Jerzy @JWM 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28ZComeback Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Beautiful conversion! We could use one of these in 1/48. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28ZComeback Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 (edited) I love it when takes an older kit and makes it something special. Edited March 22, 2021 by 28ZComeback Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VG 33 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Congratulations she is wonderful. Patrick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zigomar Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 You took the Venerable Heller Leo to another level, proving that Paradise exists! Exquisite, cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
occa Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 That's truly looking fantastic !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightningboy2000 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 That is a really attractive aircraft. Fantastic what with all the work you've done to this. Really impressed with that undercarriage as well. Looks really nice in that silver paint as well. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin-42 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Not a kit I have seen built in a long time. Very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinnie Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Outstanding work, Martin. Most impressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire31 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 A worthy project with a most impressive result! A small note: 'Difference' in French is a lady, so the expression is 'Vive la difference!' 😉 Kind regards, Joachim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 That may well be the best build of a Heller kit I've ever seen Martin! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Masters Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Lovingly built and oh, so Gallic-ally stylish! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 What a beauty, who'd of guessed the vintage of the kit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit Leader Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 That is simply just stunning Martin. This final result from that old Heller kit is what elevates one to eternal Modelling greatness. Beautifully built, photographed and (WIP) progressed, very well done mate. Cheers.. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natter Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 From the Heller kit as a base? Seriously? Wow, what a bobby dazzler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted March 23, 2021 Author Share Posted March 23, 2021 20 hours ago, Marcel said: Now this is great! Good job mate. Thanks a lot, Marcel. I'm glad she's done :). I had lost my enthusiasm at one point! 20 hours ago, TonyOD said: What a result. It's been a pleasure to watch this one come together. Kind comments and thanks for them, Tony 20 hours ago, Jinxman said: That's a beauty for sure. 👍 I appreciate that, Scott 19 hours ago, JWM said: Martin, you did it in a great style! Looks really interesting. Thank you, Jerzy 18 hours ago, 28ZComeback said: I love it when takes an older kit and makes it something special. You are very kind. It has its faults but I've done with fiddling with her now 17 hours ago, VG 33 said: Congratulations she is wonderful. Patrick Thank you, Patrick. From a French countryman I value your thoughts. 17 hours ago, Zigomar said: You took the Venerable Heller Leo to another level, proving that Paradise exists! Exquisite, cheers! Wow! Thank you :). I'm not sure I deserve it, though.... 16 hours ago, occa said: That's truly looking fantastic !!!! Thanks mate 13 hours ago, Lightningboy2000 said: That is a really attractive aircraft. Fantastic what with all the work you've done to this. Really impressed with that undercarriage as well. Looks really nice in that silver paint as well. Martin Very much appreciated, Martin 13 hours ago, Robin-42 said: Not a kit I have seen built in a long time. Very nice. Thank you, Robin 12 hours ago, Vinnie said: Outstanding work, Martin. Most impressive. Thanks a lot, Vinnie 12 hours ago, Spitfire31 said: A worthy project with a most impressive result! A small note: 'Difference' in French is a lady, so the expression is 'Vive la difference!' 😉 Kind regards, Joachim Thank you, mate. Correction to the signature done! 12 hours ago, stevej60 said: That may well be the best build of a Heller kit I've ever seen Martin! Oh, you flatterer!!! Very much appreciated, Steve! 11 hours ago, John Masters said: Lovingly built and oh, so Gallic-ally stylish! Thank you, John. 11 hours ago, woody37 said: What a beauty, who'd of guessed the vintage of the kit? Thanks mate. Quite so but she builds up okay despite the challenges 11 hours ago, Rabbit Leader said: That is simply just stunning Martin. This final result from that old Heller kit is what elevates one to eternal Modelling greatness. Beautifully built, photographed and (WIP) progressed, very well done mate. Cheers.. Dave You are too kind, Dave. While I'm happy to take the compliments I'm not sure they are all deserved ;). There are certainly some rough edges, particularly the glazing. 10 hours ago, Natter said: From the Heller kit as a base? Seriously? Wow, what a bobby dazzler. Thanks, Dave. All my best to all, Martin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Schilhart Posted March 23, 2021 Share Posted March 23, 2021 That's a great build. Very impressive result from such a dated kit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyOD Posted March 23, 2021 Share Posted March 23, 2021 1 hour ago, RidgeRunner said: Thank you, mate. Correction to the signature done! ...and if you don't mind a bit of weapons-grade linguistic pedantry, you're missing an acute accent... "différence". Je vais chercher mon manteau... 🤪 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted March 23, 2021 Share Posted March 23, 2021 Martin, Cracking result and I'm glad to have helped you along in some small way to the end result. It really is an attractive aircraft, especially in that scheme, you've done it and the venerable old Heller kit proud there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryanm Posted March 23, 2021 Share Posted March 23, 2021 Beautiful model of a beautiful aeroplane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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