Splash's Falklands chariot

[splash]

Having seen what David is doing with his brace of Seakings, has give n me the urge to build a Seaking.

In 1982 I was a young Petty Officer Aircrewman flying in a Jungly Seaking HC4 from 846 Squadron, operating down South in the Falkland Islands.

For the whole of the conflict I was teamed up with my pilot Lt John Miller (unfortunately John is no longer with us) our chariot was a the brand new ZA313 call sign "VZ Victor Zulu" that was rushed out of Westlands to allow it to go South with the task forces, VZ was so fresh out of the factory she had no Squadron or Call Sign markings, just the black ROYAL NAVY and ZA313 and normal danger/warning markings.

I plan to use the Revell Mk41, the Airwaves pe set and the C Scale conversion.

[bluesteel]

Oh this should be interesting. I look forward to seeing this one come together.

[Dazzled]

Nice to see a bit of personal history in model form Splash.

Looking forward to the result .

[Sissel]

Looks like a nice kit. Love the box art.
Will be nice with a personal twist.

[splash]

This is a sweet kit lots of extra parts, two types of radar (three if you count the one on the nose) two types of air intake guards( three if you count the original no guard ) two types of sponsons and a five and six bladed tail rotor. The kit also includes a set of Sea Skua missiles, handy if you want to arm up a Naval Lynx.

For anyone trying to build a Seaking this would make a great basis as nearly all of the British Seakings could be built with just the addition of decals.

[Sissel]

Very nice, Alan!
Do I spot a near perfect canopy fit?

[jssel]

Nice, Alan. It took me a long long time to do "my" Huey. I have used bits off that C Scale conversion set over time.

Looking forward to this and maybe a little more war stories also.

[splash]

Very nice, Alan!
Do I spot a near perfect canopy fit?

It looks that way on the test fit.

[splash]

Nice, Alan. It took me a long long time to do "my" Huey. I have used bits off that C Scale conversion set over time.

Looking forward to this and maybe a little more war stories also.

Cheers Jeff, with this build I think it would be rude not to tell a story or two

[splash]

I'm not planning to open the doors on this build, but as the canopy is so clear some detail will be required at the front of the rear cabin, to start with I'm adding what is commonly known as the broom cupboard this contains hydrolic actuators and is situated directly behind the 1st pilots seat ,directly in front of you as you board the a/c using the front door/steps.

The only bit of detail I'm adding to the broom cupboard will be the relief tube (used often on long flights to vent all those in flight cups of coffee )

[splash]

I only had an hour at the bench tonight working on the pilots seats, but I'm happy with my progress.

The seats supplied are ok but with a pit of extra detail should look better, I have added depth to the seat and removed the front legs as the real seats are only attached at the rear to allow the pilots to raise and lower the seats. I have removed the moulded in seat belts as I have set of pe straps that will look better and added side support bars and the tubes at the rear that are part of the height adjustment system.

I have also added the crew relief tube to the front of the broom cupboard

[Molly-new]

That seems to be a very nice looking kit. I can tell that this is going to be one of those builds that needs to be stored away for future reference.

[splash]

The seats are coming on and just need a second coat and the seat belts fitted, the cockpit and cabin have been sprayed dark grey so I will be able to join the body up soon.

[bobblelink]

Looks great, I like the relief tube, a nice touch.

[Dazzled]

It's coming on a treat Splash.

I think I can guess what the tube is for. No lady crew member then?