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Royal Navy Merlin HMA1 771 Sqdn SAR unit

Started by Thorvic, March 06, 2018, 10:52:46 AM

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Thorvic

March 06, 2018, 10:52:46 AM
Instead of contracting out all of the UK's Search and Rescue Helicopter service to Civilian Sub Contractors, it was felt wise to retain the capability and skill set within the Military. As a result those Merlin HMA1's not earmarked for HM2 conversion were converted to Search and Rescue duty to replace the Sea Kings in the role that they had done sterling service since the 70's









The model is the 2nd edition Italeri Naval Merlin kit with the ASW gear removed and replaced by a stand alone radar crew station, a revised seat layout was used with some combat seats and a rescue litter from the Airfix RAF Sea King the Torpedo pylons were replaced by the brackets from the Skyfall Merlin for the spot light and a FLIR system added on the other side. The rotor head was adjusted so that the fwd blades sweep downwards as well as back.

Should go well with the little Merlin collection Martin H and myself have been doing  :thumbsup:
Project Cancelled SIG Secretary, specialising in post war British RN warships, RN and RAF aircraft projects. Also USN and Russian warships

Mossie

#1
March 06, 2018, 11:34:50 AM
I do like the RN SAR red on grey, nice mix of smart and bright.  Great build too. :thumbsup:
I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. You see, my mule don't like people laughin'. He gets the crazy idea you're laughin' at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it.

Spey_Phantom

#2
March 06, 2018, 12:09:45 PM
Amazing looking merlin  :thumbsup:
on the bench:

-all kinds of things.

Thorvic

#3
March 06, 2018, 12:42:10 PM
Quote from: Nils on March 06, 2018, 12:09:45 PM
Amazing looking merlin  :thumbsup:

Do we sense Nils is wondering what a Merlin will be like in the Belgium SAR scheme  :thumbsup:
Project Cancelled SIG Secretary, specialising in post war British RN warships, RN and RAF aircraft projects. Also USN and Russian warships

Chris Payne

#4
March 06, 2018, 12:47:13 PM
Looks absolutely spot on. :thumbsup:
Chris.

2014 EKFP Total = 8
2015 EKFP Total = 6
2016 EKFP Total = 2
2017 EKFP Total = 7
2018 EKFP Total = 3

KiwiZac

#5
March 06, 2018, 12:57:42 PM
That scheme is such a perfect fit for the Merlin, lovely work. I love the markings.
Zac in NZ
#avgeek, modelbuilder, photographer, writer. Callsign: "HANDBAG"
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loupgarou

#6
March 06, 2018, 02:16:07 PM
Quote from: Mossie on March 06, 2018, 11:34:50 AM
I do like the RN SAR red on grey, nice mix of smart and bright.  Great build too. :thumbsup:

Yeees! Striking colour mix. And a very good build.  :thumbsup:
Owing to the current financial difficulties, the light at the end of the tunnel will be turned off until further notice.

Thorvic

#7
March 06, 2018, 02:58:55 PM
The decals are  from the recent Model Art Decals set for the SAR Sea King and are really nice, the stenciling coming form the Kit decals ad the serial fro the Xtradecal Merlin set. When i saw the decals i knew i had to do a Merlin in them  :thumbsup:
Project Cancelled SIG Secretary, specialising in post war British RN warships, RN and RAF aircraft projects. Also USN and Russian warships

PR19_Kit

#8
March 06, 2018, 03:55:47 PM
The only thing wrong with that is that it should have happened for real.

It looks a treat.  :thumbsup:
Kit's Rule 1 ) Any aircraft can be improved by fitting longer wings, and/or a longer fuselage
Kit's Rule 2) The backstory can always be changed to suit the model

...and I'm not a closeted 'Take That' fan, I'm a REAL fan! :)

Regards
Kit

Weaver

#9
March 06, 2018, 05:39:50 PM
Yep, definitely a should-have-been. Nice one! :thumbsup:
"Things need not have happened to be true. Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot."
 - Sandman: A Midsummer Night's Dream, by Neil Gaiman

"I dunno, I'm making this up as I go."
 - Indiana Jones

Thorvic

#10
March 06, 2018, 11:52:30 PM
Cheers Guys !

It just sort of fits doesn't it I'll probably do a real sea king using the Airfix kit and those Model Art Decals at they have the some interesting markings that are really only applicable to the Sea Kings.

I think folding it helps the look (and the storage space  ;D ) I had wondered about adding the PJ SAR Helicopter crew with the door open, but its a rather big helicopter so I may save that idea for something more practical.
Project Cancelled SIG Secretary, specialising in post war British RN warships, RN and RAF aircraft projects. Also USN and Russian warships

zenrat

#11
March 07, 2018, 12:23:24 AM
I do like that.  Very good.
:thumbsup:
Fred

- Can't be bothered to do the proper research and get it right.

Another ill conceived, lazily thought out, crudely executed and badly painted piece of half arsed what-if modelling muppetry from zenrat industries.

zenrat industries:  We're everywhere...for your convenience..

NARSES2

#12
March 07, 2018, 12:47:36 AM
Great model Geoff and I have to admit I think helicopters can look better when the blades are folded.
Do not condemn the judgement of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong.

Old Wombat

#13
March 07, 2018, 01:42:02 AM
Quote from: zenrat on March 07, 2018, 12:23:24 AM
I do like that.  Very good.
:thumbsup:

Yep! :thumbsup:
Has a life outside of What-If & wishes it would stop interfering!

"The purpose of all War is Peace" - St. Augustine

veritas ad mortus veritas est

Caveman

#14
March 07, 2018, 02:20:16 AM
Quote from: Weaver on March 06, 2018, 05:39:50 PM
Yep, definitely a should-have-been. Nice one! :thumbsup:

Unfortunately Merlin is a much larger lady than Sea King but with a similar rotor area is endowed with considerably more downwash. I'm not saying Merlin can't act as SAR but she is not best suited to the R bit of the title.

Not that any of the above should detract from a really good looking model.
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