Westland Wasp HAS.1 from HMS Herald – Falkands 1982 ; LF Models ; 1/72
About type:
Quoting Wiki: Westland Wasp - British light anti-submarine warfare helicopter, produced by Westland Helicopters between 1963 and 1968, with a total of 98 machines produced.
The helicopter was based on the Westland Scout, and was adapted for basing on ships by, among other things, folding rotor blades and a tail.
About the copy:
As is usually the case, the whole story began with a single photo found on the Internet (below left). Here we have a ZOP helicopter evidently performing MedEvac tasks. I looked for a little more data and found out that 3 Hecla-class ships (including HMS Herald) were used as hospital ships during the Falklands War. Presumably, such a use of Wasps was envisioned "from time immemorial". - They had "bulbous" doors inherited from the Scouts, which as far as I know were shaped to accommodate stretchers behind the pilots' backs on a bench.
About the model:
The model is based on the LF Models kit is a joint development for Westalnd Scout / Wasp. While the tail section was developed for Wasp not badly the fuselage is treated in a negligible way. Virtually "from underneath" there is nothing characteristic of Wasp, the same in the cabin is suggested by the equipment of the two-pilot configuration, there are no flat bottom windows, there is no winch. The engine is developed slightly better than in the Hiller 12, BUT this time LF Models went as far as "Eduardian" practices, i.e. gave a very simplified engine in the kit and at the same time offered a 3D printed slightly better engine (we are talking about a detail some 2.5 cm long) for an outrageous 13 €. I condemn such treatments of manufacturers so I immediately rejected the purchase of this addition.
Initially the model was to be built "in a week". The more I got into construction the more the model became "time expensive". I was adding more details, etc. Well in the end, almost at the finish something bad attacked me and I decided to build a base in the form of a part of the ship's airstrip. I don't think I've ever made such a mess over a stand. I don't even know how to use it in the display case, but... I like the effect 🙂
No more writing - time for pics 🙂
This is very cool, I love different builds that show a theme I was not aware of!
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Nicely done, Konrad. Very eye catching.
Nice work on what appears to be a difficult little kit. I’m not a big helo fan, but the Wasp is one that’s always gets my attention. Well done.
My 1/72 Airfix Scout also was a difficult one... yours looks so much better! Congratulations!
Great looking model, and an interesting subject in an eye-catching scheme! I like all that engine just "hanging out there." Well done.
A very fine build, Konrad @Konrad
Good idea to present it with a match next to it because it would look much bigger otherwise.
Amazing work in that scale to get such detail and a superb result.
Superb job, Konrad!
That is an excellent model!
I converted mine from the old Airfix Scout some 20-odd years ago.
There wasn't a mainstream kit back then as there still isn't today.
That's a little beauty,well worth the effort.
Nicely done Konrad.