Wyvern's over Sarawak

[NARSES2]

After WWII most of the RNZAF squadrons were wound down with only a few remaining into the late 40's/early 50's. After Korea and with the growth of brush fire wars throughout the Commonwealth/Empire a decision was taken in Wellington to re-equip the RNZAF with aircraft felt more suitable for this task. Just after Suez the FAA decided that it would replace it's Westland Wyvrens with more modern aircraft. Hearing of this the RNZAF made some enquiries and after a little horse trading was able to gain enough Wyvrens for one operational squadron. The aircraft would remain owned by the FAA and would be technically under lease by the New Zealanders. The reasons for this are lost in the mists of time or more accurately they were lost by the hapless courier taking the documents to Wellington. He'll never forget that bar in Boogie St that's for sure.

No 17 Sqd was chosen to receive the aircraft and they did so in late 1959/1960. After working up on them they were extremely disappointed when the Malaysian Emergency wound down before they could see action. They needn't of been worried however as very soon afterwards the Indonesian Confrontation started. They were swiftly posted to Sarawak and Brunei and after a brief period of settling in were soon in action providing close air support to the UK, Aussie and NZ troops on the ground. The sight of the Flying Kiwi's soon became a regular and welcome site on the borders of the Federation and the combination of small patrols in the jungle calling down strikes on Indonesian troops in the process of forming up was credited with bringing the Indonesian's to the negotiating table far sooner then ground troops alone could have. By 1966 the aircraft were permitted to strike up to 15 miles into Indonesian territory (the official history comments on the RNZAF's poor map reading skills as some strikes were at least 30 miles inside  ). This change of tactic pushed the already negotiating Indonesians into signing the agreements which brought the conflict to an end.

The aircraft stayed in NZ service until 1973 when they were replaced by Sky Hawks. They left a long lasting legacy however as they had a deep impact on the Air Forces of all 3 nations when it came to supporting troops in a small brush fire war.

The model is the Trumpeter 1/72 scale one, and went together well over about 2 years ! No real problems with it although the instructions are "interesting" and in a peculiar order, or at least they are to me. Paints used were Humbrol spray for the sky and Lifecolor for the EDSG. The rest were the usual mix. Markings are from the box inc. the FAA serial (whence the leased story) and the national markings are from the Airfix Canberra provided by our own Thorvic - thank you Geoff  

The only problem is that the wings are just a little shaky so she won't be going on her travels to shows unfortunately. Never mind I've another 3 in the stash  

[kitnut617]

Oh yeah!  very nice Chris --- 

[kitbasher]

Very nice, subtle whif there Chris, shame you think it won't travel well as I think it could get the punters going!

[NARSES2]

Yup a lot would miss the Fern Leaf

[crudebuteffective]

very nice and a subtle whif the wyvern is an all time favourite

I have had one of these trumpeter 1/72 wyverns in my stash for ten years and keep getting it out with a view to starting it

you may have just give me the inspiration/push I needed

although I am having my first foray into 1/35 armour for 35 years at the moment so not just yet

[PR19_Kit]

Excellent Wyvern Chris, it looks very crisp and new looking. And I like the backstory too, just obscure enough to fool people. 

[Librarian]

As well, an all time favourite of mine. Superb build . I have some ides for a whiff for this one but as yet never got round to it....got as far as de-turbopropping her but the carcass is hibernating in the loft.

[Weaver]

That looks cracking - nice one! 

[buzzbomb]

Very nice and as already mentioned.. quite subtle.

Well done

[rickshaw]

Nicely done, Chris.  Like the Fern and the Kiwi. 

[Thorvic]

Nice build Chris and interesting backstory, so next question is will you do a later edition with the kiwi roundels and camo possibly with rocket pods and more modern bombs ?

[NARSES2]

Thank you gents 

Geoff - I'm going to do a latter one, possibly Aussie in Vietnam with US style weapons. Although I do have loads of Kiwi roundels, so maybe one in a different scheme after the Kiwi's bought them from the RN ?

I have some ides for a whiff for this one but as yet never got round to it....got as far as de-turbopropping her but the carcass is hibernating in the loft.

I've got the Eagle engine CMR kit in the stash. She will be extended WWII SEAC

[PR19_Kit]

Chris, are those exhaust ducts on your Wyvern the stock Trumpie bits, or are they metal add-ons please? If they are the Trumpie bits how did you get that amazingly shiny metal finish? I have a need to do just that with my Northrop N.63 and have no idea how to do it.

[Leading Observer]

I know its probably a stupid question, but would the wings be folded with the armament still attatched?

[comrade harps]