Westland Wessex. Bits, Various, for the use of. Transmission Deck & Cockpit set now added for 2024

[PeteH1969]

@hendie

 

How many more parts are there to go and will they all be available in 32nd for the Fly Models Wessex?

 

Pete

[hendie]

Pete, I don't plan on adding any more parts for the Wessex. However, I said that then ended up doing the cockpit set, but I think I've done all that can be reasonably done with the kits at this point.

Parts are available in 1/32 for the Fly kit but there are a few caveats.  Since I no longer have a Fly kit available for test fitting I cannot guarantee as good a fit as on the Italeri parts and it's likely there will be some tweaking involved.

The engine bay set may require some filler strips on the lower engine bay firewall to get it to sit nicely in the fuselage without gaps, and there will be the usual file/test fit scenario.

The fuselage set should be fine though I'm not sure about the cabin bulkhead and it may require tweaking.

The MRGB set should all be fine though folks should be aware that Fly have the cabin ceiling (trans deck floor) about 7mm too low and you will have to compensate for that somehow.

The cockpit as far as I can remember was halfway decent in the Fly kit so I don't plan on offering Set D especially as I have no way now to test everything would fit in the available space.

 

All said and done, yes, parts are available for the Fly kit but you should be aware that some rework will be required and being honest, I really have no way of knowing how onerous that would be.  I have sent a few 1/32 kits out and haven't had any complaints, so...?

It's also a real pig to print some of the 1/32 parts for some reason. I just finished a set and had to print 4 main rotor gearboxes before I got one I was happy with, so it's very time consuming and wasteful in some respects. That's the reason I haven't openly offered those for sale. PM me if you're interested and we can discuss.

 

Alan

 

 

 

 

 

[coneheadff]

Wonderful job Alan!!! Thanks for taking the time to provide us with those sets.

[hendie]

2 hours ago, coneheadff said:

Wonderful job Alan!!! Thanks for taking the time to provide us with those sets.

Thanks Alex. If I'd known they were going to be so popular I would have doubled my prices at the beginning. 😁

 

 

just a heads up to everyone I am working on all the orders, but was taken by surprise at the volume of orders so it is going to take me a little while to catch up.  I'm trying to keep everyone up to date whenever possible. This next week should see a bunch of orders going out.

Thanks for your patience while this old croney slaves away in the basement.

 

 

[hendie]

WSX72 Set D (cockpit) now ready for general consumption

 

I've shown the set here along with a 1/48 center console as a comparison.

 

 

WSX72 Set D will comprise of:

• 2 x pilots seats
• Rear bulkhead console
• Center floor console
• Roof console with rotor brake
• 3 x Servo valve (forgot to take photo again)

 

There are a couple of print striations on the forward edge of the seat. I will try and eliminate them, but at worst, a swipe with a sanding stick will take care of that.

 

Here's another couple of shots to highlight the detail

 

 

 

There is no brake lever included with the WSX72 Set D - it is just too small and fragile at this scale, however, it is easy enough to scratch one using a small length.of fuse wire, or similar. 

 

 

 

[perdu]

Perfectomundo!

[stalal]

If these sets were available few years ago, Italeri Wessex build wouldn't have been so frustrating. 

 

Beautiful cockpit details indeed @hendie. 

 

[hendie]

For those folks ordering the cockpit set, I've mentioned the servo valve a couple of times - I'm guessing a few of you may not know where it is located, and photos of it aren't that common, so...

 

 

It's that valve looking thing on the left of the photo, sitting midway between the pedals.

Here endeth this week's public service announcement. 😁

 

 

 

 

 

[hendie]

I just got some feedback from a customer who's working with the Fly kit. 

I must admit I had my reservations about sending out 1/32 parts when I didn't have a kit available for testing with but Kevin has done a great job, and given me permission to share his work.

 

I think Kevin has done a fantastic job withe nose door bulkhead - I'd never have thought the printed parts would have been such a good fit (hence my previous caveats).  I'm happy to be proved wrong. 

 

 

The upper bay turned out just as good

 

 

It's great to see folks getting such fantastic results with these printed parts. It makes all those hours spent wrestling SolidWorks worthwhile.

 

 

 

[PeteH1969]

Oh great

 

Those will be great.

 

Pete

[NAVY870]

The "Servo valve" is the motor for the windsceen wiper.

[Tiger331]

Hi Folks,

 

My order from arrived earlier this week but I have only just managed to open it up..............

 

 

Given my nomadic lifestyle, I have been doing Mail Order for almost 50 years now and I can safely say that I have never received a package such as this one. The inner packing is absolutely superb and has guaranteed that each and every one of these fragile parts arrives in 100% tip top condition. It must have taken you almost as long to pack the parts as to manufacture them !. I am sure the parts will match the packing in their quality but I just wanted to share this in order to let everyone know that they can order from you in total confidence. Thanks very much Alan,

 

Mark   

[hendie]

Thanks very much for the comments Mark. I really appreciate them.

You're right though... packing those parts takes up a decent amount of time. I've seen some taking up to an hour, but much better than having to print, package, and send a replacement package.

[CJP]

11 hours ago, Tiger331 said:

Hi Folks,

 

My order from arrived earlier this week but I have only just managed to open it up..............

 

 

Given my nomadic lifestyle, I have been doing Mail Order for almost 50 years now and I can safely say that I have never received a package such as this one. The inner packing is absolutely superb and has guaranteed that each and every one of these fragile parts arrives in 100% tip top condition. It must have taken you almost as long to pack the parts as to manufacture them !. I am sure the parts will match the packing in their quality but I just wanted to share this in order to let everyone know that they can order from you in total confidence. Thanks very much Alan,

 

Mark   

My thoughts exactly!

Chris

[2lefthands]

Spectacular work, absolutely spectacular!

[mustang]

Hi hendie, 

 

just to update received the parts yesterday and managed to have a look at them this morning. All I can say is 😍 them the detail is fantastic and packaging to the UK first rate and beyond. 
 

I opened a couple of the boxes and was blown away with how small the parts are and the level of detail with in them. 
 

For anyone that’s thinking about getting a set or two or three, all I can say is you’ll kick yourself if you don’t.

[Space Ranger]

I have to endorse the comments of others who have received their Wessex parts. Mine arrived today. They are beautifully printed and securely packed and should make any Wessex model truly a standout. Thanks, Alan.

Edited May 6, 2024 by Space Ranger

[TheBaron]

I hope that your exquisite work here is generating plenty of orders Alan.

On 12/04/2024 at 18:20, hendie said:

packing those parts takes up a decent amount of time. I've seen some taking up to an hour, but much better than having to print, package, and send a replacement package.

I sympathize/agree/applaud: it takes me a similar amount of time preparing the Sea Vixen kit for despatch.

 

In the mid 80s I worked briefly for Gresham Lion near Heathrow who produced computer gear for the MOD and got put in a tiny room producing the foam mouldings for monitors to be packed in for shipping (pull thin plastic 'skin' down off a roll to line the moulding box, squirt in a load of liquid foam, slam and lock lid whilst it expands to fill volume).* Looking at all the parts on the Wasp I'm seriously wondering if it might be worthwhile considering a scale version of this process.

 

*Can confirm that most small objects not bolted down can be successfully embedded in foam for the surprise and confusion of recipients, including on one occasion a much-loathed supervisor's packed lunch. Never 'dare' the temporary agency hire...

[perdu]

An  interesting idea, however...

 

Would the foam make retrieving thin resin pieces from its deadly grip a cause to damage things?

 

I am glad such problems are 'of you guys', not I.

 

I would hate the job of packaging resin bits.

 

Alan's methods rock!

[Terry1954]

Having just agreed with that comment Bill (using the new emoji of course), I can also say that Tony's @TheBaron packaging similarly is up there with the best as experienced with his wonderful Sea Vixen!

 

T.

[hendie]

On 7/28/2024 at 4:59 AM, TheBaron said:

Looking at all the parts on the Wasp I'm seriously wondering if it might be worthwhile considering a scale version of this 

 

Tony, I find these invaluable for packaging and they are available in a range of sizes.

I line the box with thin foam sheet (very tedious) but they great for holding lots of small parts and keeping them from damage during shipping.

It is another adder on the cost of packaging materials, but I'd rather have that than to ship out replacement items.

 

SATINIOR 48 Packs Clear Small Plastic Containers Transparent Storage Box with Hinged Lid for Small Items Crafts Jewelry (2.52 x 1.73 x 0.79 Inches) https://a.co/d/9aeX7fd

 

 

 

 

 

[TheBaron]

12 hours ago, hendie said:

Tony, I find these invaluable for packaging and they are available in a range of sizes.

Alan: you're a diamond. Thank you for that,  they look just the ticket for reliable shipping.

[Fisgard Tiff]

Your topic is the reason I have joined the Forum. The "Blue electronic boxes" are the digital versions of the Fuel Control System (Fuel Computers), they originally used magnetic amplifiers and where painted black,

 the change over was about 1978. For authenticity any model before 78, Wessex or Sea King, the boxes should be painted black along with the throttle actuator on the side of the Gnome. The digital system reused the boxes and looming (sort of) and so the boxes were painted blue to prevent inadvertent mixing, for interest the Sea King had 1 inch green tape around the base of its computers for similar reasons post modification.

I will most definitely be heading your way to purchase the detail parts (they look amazing). I believe you started on Shapeways before branching out on your own, I use another post Shapeways (Micro Mart) for my 1/700 ship detail.

 

p.s Any chance of a Gazelle engine and Avpin system.

Edited November 6, 2024 by Fisgard Tiff
Added p.s.

[hendie]

On 11/6/2024 at 12:33 PM, Fisgard Tiff said:

I will most definitely be heading your way to purchase the detail parts

 

Just PM me when you're ready to order. 

That's great info on the fuel control systems - I'm an ex-rigger so "blue" and "green" is about as technical as I get when it comes to that sort of stuff. 

 

Gazelle & Avpin?   Well, come next year I may be looking for things to keep me busy so you never know

 

 

[amt model]

Il 26/11/2023 alle 21:16, hendie ha detto:

On 27/12/2023 at 20:40, hendie said:

'Tis the festive season so what's a poor boy to do but sit in front of a computer all day and draw bits of Wessex, eh?

 

I'm sure I could have found more pleasurable activities but I feel I am getting close with this now and the digital mojo was rising above the simmer. It seemed in the best interests of all that I shut myself away in a room for a few hours and stare at a screen and some reference photos.

Tilt now added.

 

Gearbox tilt that is, forward by 3 degrees.  I had to redraw the support frame from scratch as the two front sts are now shorter to accommodate the forward angle.  I also widened the track of the supports as they reach the outer edge of the trans deck floor on the 1:1 and Italeri had them (no surprise) too narrow.  There's a certain degree of fudging going on here as the Italeri kit is so far off in places, so I've bought another artists licence and played a bit loose with the truth, but no-one other than a Wessex xpert will ever know the difference. And you lot, of course.

 

A front'ish view

 

Followed by a back'ish view from the other side.

 

 

A few things have been updated since these screenshots were taken.  The torque link has been taken out and is now it's own separate part (to allow the PE mesh to fit over the head). The cooling fan has been updated to add pipework to the starboard side, and I've also made the cooling fan pulley a separate part. The latter was to allow me to put a hole in the fan front, which in turn allowed me to print the cooling fan vertically and allow the resin captured inside to drain out.

 

My first test print did not go according to plan, mainly due to my own ineptitude.  I failed to notice I had not placed the parts correctly on the print bed and the oil filter housing ended up being printed as part of the main gearbox assembly. D'oh!  

 

 

That aside, it did allow me to test the newly added tilt and see if the gearbox was going to work in the confines of the kit.  I had made up this fixture earlier with a hole lining up with Italeri's offering which allowed me to test the latest design.

I'm going to call that a win.

 

 

In case anyone is wondering, this is what the MRGB looks like after a quick wash and ready to trim.  This will give you an idea of why I put my prices up slightly for the New Year.  It is quite time consuming to remove all those supports while trying not to damage any parts of the gearbox itself.  Multiply this by the number of orders and it quickly eats up many, many hours of effort

 

 

The end effect however will be worth it.  Trying to photograph the grey resin is an impossible task, but when painted up and a few bits of plumbing added, I think this will look  great in anyone's build.

 

 

So che la posizione della ventola di raffreddamento e del telaio del cerchio è sbagliata in questo scatto, ma a parte questo, penso di aver quasi finito con queste parti.

 

 

Ho ancora la testa del rotore da rifinire e creare un nuovo piatto oscillante, ma spero di finirlo e di essere pronto per l'ordine entro la metà o la fine di gennaio, almeno per le parti in scala 1:48. (e sto ancora lavorando su alcune parti in scala 1/32).

Dovrò eseguire alcune stampe di prova per vedere se questo può essere ridimensionato con successo a 1:72. Le speranze sono alte, ma penso che potrei aver bisogno di fare qualche ritocco per far funzionare tutto. Vedremo.

 

Dato che ho un set A (vano motore) e un set B (fusoliera), ho pensato di mantenere la tradizione e realizzare questo ponte di trasmissione del set C.

 

Il set C Transmission Deck sarà (in questo momento) composto da:

• Riduttore del rotore principale
• Collegamento di coppia MRGB
• Freno rotore
• Ventola di raffreddamento
• Puleggia della ventola di raffreddamento
• Telaio a cerchio
• Fermaporta portello verricello (lato stbd)
• Serbatoio (lato stbd)
• Alloggiamento del filtro (lato stbd)
• Serbatoio della paratia del pozzetto (lato sinistro)
• Traversa a pavimento

 

e forse un altro po' o due a seconda di quanto tempo avrò a disposizione nelle prossime settimane. Dovrò dare un'occhiata ai prezzi, ma penso che sarà nella stessa fascia degli altri set, con uno sconto se vengono ordinati/combinati più set.

Penso che questo aggiungerà davvero un po' di bling a qualsiasi build in cui qualcuno è abbastanza coraggioso da aprire l'area di trasmissione. Pensa solo alle ore di divertimento che puoi avere aggiungendo tutto l'impianto idraulico  

 

Cercherò di ottenere alcune parti dell'ultimo test innescate e fotografate poiché è difficile vedere tutti i dettagli in resina grigia nuda nuda.