I'm not a big helicopter fan. I like fixed wings and a single propellor. But then, I love the Scottish highlands but spend almost all my time in central London, I always support the underdog watching sport, and feel more drawn toward the antagonist in movies and books.

So on a recent trip to the RAF museum I fell for this oddity. Head over heels.

The Bristol Type 192 Belvedere. I know, she's not pretty, or sleek, or a design classic. She's not well known, has no real record of outstanding service, and even flopped as a commercial vehicle.

But I fell in love and this is my contribution to the '100 years of the RAF' Group Build. Specifically the 1/72 kit by Airfix. Made when you had to dodge the dinosaurs on the way to the hobby store.

In the way of review, well - there's TWO sprues...

A two piece fuselage...

...and that's it.

Looking forward to a short but intense relationship; just don't tell the wife...

3 additional images. Click to enlarge.

David, you already had my undying admiration for this choice - seeing the kit it just doubled. 'Best of British' with that lot!

George at this point I am trying hard not to post a picture of Sid James and Bernard Breslaw.

There's a lot of work involved making this one interesting - as you can see there's no detail at all and it really is quite tiny compared to my usual tastes. But we'll see what happens.
Thanks again for starting this GB, Paul, I'm loving following the posts.

YES! TWO pilots AND a STAND!

You feeling the excitement, David?

Ungainly looking critter, but a nice additional! I sense a tad of scratchbuilding involved to match the images...?

Yep, she's ungainly, Greg; but a little plastic surgery and she'll go to the ball!

Thanks Louis, but I'm not sure what the wife would say about me sitting at the bench with lipstick and makeup on...

David, I hear that in the Far East, the indigenous used to call it "The Flying Longhouse". Reputedly this is a prototype, but I wouldn't be able to tell, being math challenged, among other shortcomings. Just a unique aircraft, and a worthwhile addition to the RAF theme. I don't see any kit manufacturer doing a new one, either. Pity.