Matchbox 1/72 Westland Wessex HAR2 **FINSIHED**

[JamesPerrin]

Started when I was a teenager, restarted last year and still going!

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/gregers ... tml#p12275;

Broken all deadline rules I'm sure but this is a labour of love so I'm not going to be rushed

So after 4 coats of Xtracrylic yellow:

[Dirkpitt289]

This should look great when it gets some contrasting decals.

[JamesPerrin]

Thanks Dirk, I hope to re-re-return to this again shortly. First job will be added the black patches to the step area and other painted details.

[AndrewR]

The yellow has come out really well.
Only 4 coats...

[bromo]

About due for the yearly update on this aren't we James

[JamesPerrin]

Yes it's been mewing at me wanting attention the last couple of weeks. I had got as far as applying a coat of Klear about 6months ago Next is to mask for the black patches and the starboard leg.... I should really do this when I put black in the airbrush for the Gnat's antiglare shouldn't I

[JamesPerrin]

So this is happening in 2021!

To quote a fellow forumer: "Holy thread resurrection, Batman!"

I can't remember when but sometime after the last post (maybe 1 or 2 years) the project suffered a set back when my wife accidently (allegedly) knocked the Wessex off the workbench. The tail broke off clean and the undercarriage legs snapped as the lower parts had been pinned. With counselling we got through it.

So for those of you who though the TSR2 build was a long runner this one goes back to the old forum, where it was also a thread in the "I've Started, So I'll Ruddy Well Finish!" section because I actually started this back around 1991(ish). I'd just started 6th form college, still had short hair, very bad acne and a serious case of AMS.

Basically I remove all surface detail, re-scribed the panel lines (still my best ever work - I think the plastic is just right for it) and then added every scoop and hinge I could discern. I used PE for the first time using the Airwaves (their first release) set that I ordered by post direct from ED Models. This has mostly been used to replace the grills.

So state of play as of now:



A few year ago I requested a replacement rotor blade (thanks MarkyM607) as I had cracked one in a failed attempt to "add a bit of droop" though I fixed it well there was a slight step and sanding would have put a have exaggerated the kink. So first thing was to replace the old blade with the new one.



Next job it to replace the lost tail hinge detail, and fill the paint chips - four coats of yellow is quite thick! I've also given the less than stellar paint job a rub down with some 3600 grit micro mesh as there are lot of rough patches due to overspray.

[MarkyM607]

I'm impressed you still have after this long!!

[JamesPerrin]

I managed to squeeze in multiple short sessions between kids and work and have got the spiny stuff done. There is a lot of painting in both of these. The main blades are Dark Green upper with Black lower and leading edge. Usual yellow tips, Medium Sea Grey hub. Bits of detail painting and a quick wash bring it too life. The tail rotor is Dark Green overall with red ( I should have use a light undercoat ) tips and silver trim that was a pain to mask for. Again adding those blade matching bands adds a nice bit of detail to helos.



Very little daylight so sorry for the poor pics.

[iggie]

Good Lord! There are glaciers that are younger than this build (and, to be fair, that move faster )

[JamesPerrin]

Good Lord! There are glaciers that are younger than this build (and, to be fair, that move faster )

Well the climate is getting warmer and this build is thawing fast!

[Stuart]

Wow James - this is certainly dedication to a build!

[ShaunW]

It's good to see this inching along, James, with a bit of luck you might finish it in time for its 30th anniversary! Just starting 6th form college in 1991?!?!? ye gods, man, you're making me feel old, I finished my A-Levels in 1980 and by 1991 was 30, self-employed and had long hair

[JamesPerrin]

It's good to see this inching along, James, with a bit of luck you might finish it in time for its 30th anniversary! Just starting 6th form college in 1991?!?!? ye gods, man, you're making me feel old, I was 30 in 1991, self-employed and had long hair

Conversely that was the last time I had short hair.

[DavidWomby]

Hey. We need a new rule. No discussion of politics, religion or HAIR.

David (severely hair-lacking since almost forever)