I have always believed that helicopter kits look deceptively simple and always end up being more complicated build than anticipated.

This build started on a whim as I had a FAA thing going on. I had built the Italeri H-34 kit basically OOB about ten years ago and recalled it as being fairly straight forward. So the Wessex looked like being a breeze too. The Wessex kit had more flash than the Choctaw, but generally went together well. I added Pavla cockpit set I had been given.

All seemed to be going well, although I decided to make my own engine exhausts from aluminum tube and wire. Then, having got to the point that almost everything was assembled, including undercarriage legs and antenna wire struts, I looked at some images of HAS.3's and began to realise just how much detail Italeri had left out, and how many thing s they had got wrong. I have now spent the last couple of weeks adding various bits as and pieces and pulling some off as well. But I am enjoying it on the whole, so I can't really complain.The model in the photo has bits and pieces loosely clipped on using blue-tac, and I have yet to detail the rotor hub.

8 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Thanks, I'm about to do some more to it today and prepare for painting.

It just goes to show that all the extra work was worth it. Paint troubles aside, I think it looks great, I like the paint scheme you chose. I like military aircraft that have color on them that draws your attention to it and breaks up the usual monochromatic schemes. Good job.

Mark! I'll save your photos as a manual for doing a Wessex in the future, I have that kit in my stash!

Regarding the finished chopper: please post it as a feature so that it ends up in the Headlines section, I think it ought to be shown to the world!

I don't want to rub it in but never try anything unproven on your latest masterpiece. How do I know? I have learnt it the hard way...

Best regards

Magnus

Excellent work - and very useful 🙂