Alan Goes Commando - Splash's Sea King HC.4

[PaulBradley]

So I was doing some research into 846 in the Falklands and the trusty Falklands; The Air War book came up trumps with this description of an event during the conflict:




That's our Splash. For this action, he was awarded a Mention in Dispatches, as was his pilot, Lt. Miller.

[DavidWomby]

[iggie]

Thoroughly deserved as well....

[Gregers]

Simply astounding. Alan was a true hero.

All the best

Greg

[PaulBradley]

Indeed.

My build of his a/c, ZA313, will be the recent Airfix kit. For which I acquired an Eduard PE set (though this is for the AEW.3) and CMK's resin cockpit and engine sets.







I also picked up a set of ModelArt decals which have a section devoted to the HC.4. Serials include ZA313!

[PaulBradley]

I opened up the resin sets and was very pleased to see that both of them are basically drop-in sets - there's no cutting and very little plastic removal involved in either set.






The detail on the engines and instrument panel, for example, is excellent and will repay careful painting.

The PE set, as I mentioned, is meant for the CyberHobby AEW.3 kit, but it does have parts for the tail fold and rotor fold that I'll incorporate; the forward cabin door, which should neatly replace a kit part; and a few external bits and grills that will be applicable.



I had been concerned that adding all that resin and PE would prolong the build, but as most of the parts simply drop-in replace kit bits, that won't be the case!

[Old_Tonto]

That lot looks rather nice. Should make a fitting tribute to Splash.

[AndrewR]

The BBC has footage of the helicopter rescue efforts at Bluff Cove here:

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-17474296

You can see what a brilliant bit of flying it was.

[PaulBradley]

Very sobering footage.

[ShaunW]

Indeed, heroic stuff. I'm sure you'll turn out a great looking Sea King in tribute to Alan here, Paul.

[Dazzled]

What a wonderful tribute Paul and I'm sure Splash would have had a titter at going commando

[rob_van_riel]

That's our Splash. For this action, he was awarded a Mention in Dispatches, as was his pilot, Lt. Miller.

Thanks for digging that out. Things like this need to be remembered.

[MDT]

Wow, I remember the footage from this incident before. A very fitting tribute here.

[PaulBradley]

So a start, but not much to show for the weekend - been busy with other projects....

But here's a start on the interior:



I added the resin partition, known as the broom cupboard, which neatly replaced the rather flat kit construction.

I also added some sound insulation to the bare sidewalls - the alternative was to recreate the ribbing on the walls, which would have been a right pain. The real cladding wasn't quilted, but it adds a bit of character even if not quite 100% accurate.



All the parts have also been treated to a coat of Medium Sea Grey.

[iggie]

The quilting looks good, what did you use?