RN 846 Sqdn Commando Whirlwind HAS7 *Finished*

[splash]

As we still have some time left and all three of my Wessex are looking good for finishing on time, I thought I would start the Italeri H-19 Chickasaw, but convert it to a Royal Naval Whirlwind Mk7.

I initially thought I would do a Mk22 but on looking at the parts I realised it had the later drooped tail with the straight stabiliser, so It will make a basis for a Mk7.

As this will need some surgery & scratch building to make the weapons bay under the fuselage I might not have time to finish this one by the 15 October but I will have a go.

Markings will either be Dayglo Orange and Dark Blue or the all over light sand as used by the first Commando Squadrons in Borneo, or possible the Suez markings with the yellow stripped tail, there is no rush to make up my mind until I cut some plastic.

Regards
Splash

[splash]

I have had a good start to the build, the kit parts are crisp with fine detail and no sign of flash.

As I’m converting the a/c to a Royal Naval Mk 7 I have had to remove the raised section on the base of the a/c so that I can cut out the weapons bay.

To strengthen the body I assembled the interior and masking taped the two halves together, then with the p-cutter removed the bump, it was then a simple case of marking out the new weapons bay and cutting it out.

I have painted the interior green and will have to wait for that to dry before I can carry on.

I had a quick search for images of Mk 7’s and found a great shot of one of my old 846 squadrons a/c in the all sand colours, so that is what it will become.

[splash]

This is a loverly kit all the parts so far have fitted like a glove, Italeri really know how to make Helicopter kits.

The paint has dried so I have joined the two halves and added the tail & made a weapons bay out of plastic card.

[jssel]

I know I should wait for it but why did the Whirlwind have that depression on the belly?

[splash]

I kmow I should wait for it but why did the Whirlwind have that depression on the belly?

The Royal Naval Whirlwind HAS Mk 7 was the first ASW helicopter the navy had, but due to it’s low performance it could not carry both the light weight dipping sonar and a torpedo, so the built them in two different flavours and operated in pairs, one with a dipping sonar and one with a weapons bay to hold a single torpedo.

With the introduction of the Wessex Mk3 and its capability to carry both Radar Sonar & Weapons the Whirlwinds were transferred to the SAR & Commando role.

One of the main differences between the Mk22 & Mk7 was the engines & the tail on the later Mk7 had a 3 degree slope to the tail to increase blade clearance and a different type of tail stabiliser.

[jssel]

Cheers, splash.

[splash]

You obviously know what you're doing.

Brews that’s just a myth.

I’m just making it by eyeball from photos and a very vague memory . As it’s all hidden when built, I can get away with most things .

This GB has really got my MOJO flowing, I think it’s because helicopters are easier to assemble than fix wing and are a lot smaller.

I started off the year attempting to build 12 kits in twelve months, but I think I was being a bit pessimistic having nearly completed 6 in September alone.

[splash]

<snip>it’s because helicopters are easier to assemble than fix wing and are a lot smaller.<snip>

That statement is somewhat Napoleonic (a little general):

Point taken

I think I should have said thinner (without their blades)

It’s interesting to see the size of the Helicopters since the early 50’s have not grown as much as their capability, the difference in the length of Bell to the Chinook is not as great as the difference between what they both can carry.

[splash]

Noting that the Chinook is a '60s helicopter, your mission, should you choose to accept it ...

Brews that Mil Mi12 is one hell of a beast, I think I will turn down that mission.

They say Helicopters by design have the right to look ugly I think the Mil Mi12 abuses the privilege.

[splash]

This one is progressing well, decals and weathering to be added.

[splash]

An enjoyable quick build of an 846 Royal Naval Air Squadron Westland Whirlwind HAS 7 This aircraft operated from HMS Albion in 1962 and was based at RNAS Cauldrose in Cornwall.

[jssel]

Now that was a blink and you'll miss it build. Well done. Great finish.

[TimJ]

Great build and a great finish.

[PaulBradley]

Very nice, indeed.

[JamesPerrin]

Very interesting and nicely done, but what colour is it? Looks like a desert scheme