Wessex Queen’s Flight
This is the Revell's 1/48 Wessex Queen's Flight.
To be honest, not much to say.
Having seen the original one Colindale RAF Museum, I decided to build one.
Phase one was being patient and searching on Ebay.
Took a while but managed to procure one from ebay.de.
Contrary to my expectations, the kit is of poor quality. Too many lacking details and parts is the main problem. This is pretty much a red Wessex,the Queen would not fly with this;)
However,the biggest problem was the engine intake grill which has never been produced for this kit. So, I had steal my wife's tea colander and improvise it!
I faced some additional problems of quality but to be honest this is an old kit. Even the decal sheet says that "made in West Germany, 1989"!
Conclusion:
Despite all the cons, a shiny colorful piece of art and history!
Despite all the "cons", as you say, the build turned out extremely well I think. Good work, my friend.
Thank you Craig,for your lightning fast comment!
Me, already blush, just like my Wessex;)
Cheers..
One of my favorite aspects of modeling is taking old kits that have few details and even errors of shape and detail, and creating a "representation" of an original subject. I have more fun with those kinds of builds than I do with hi-tech (= "expensive") kits that are supposed to be extremely accurate and detailed! Despite the issues, the model ended up as a very respectable representation of the real McCoy (as they say on this side of the pond).
Thank you Greg..
Indeed a very nice model. Very crisp.
I have my doubts on the main struts. These are to my best knowledge the US struts. The Wessex had these suspension struts connected to the side.
https://defenceoftherealm.wordpress.com/2015/02/28/royal-flight-whirlwind-and-wessex-at-the-helicopter-museum/#jp-carousel-2504
But I agree with Greg, that turning the old and well prized Revell Wessex into such a beauty deserves a big compliment.
Regards, Dirk / The Netherlands.
Thanks a lot Dirk..
Looks great! Did you replace the tea colander?
Thanks Robert. Yes, she has a new colander now..
I think you did a great job on this older kit. Like Greg mentioned it is also the fun bit to make something nice out of an older model. I recall only seen this version build once on a modelshow and it sure is a special subject. Job very well done. Oh, just like Dirk says the main struts for the landing gear are the American ones. The origins of this kit where the US H-34 version which explains this little mishap. As a Wessex fan I just like your build! Great stuff!
Thank you very much Ferry.
Cheers...
Great job and thanks for the heads up on the kit
Thanks George...
Beautiful build and finish, and a unique subject. Has your wife discovered the big hole in the tea colander yet..?
Thanks for the comment Mike. Now she has a new colander;)