Westland Whirlwind FB.2 of RAF No. 157 Fighter Squadron; Predannack, early 1944

Dizzyfugu · December 31, 2014, 04:09:17 AM

Err, well, the lil' Caribbean Provost was not the last kit for this year, I guess it will be this one.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
The Westland Whirlwind was a British twin-engined heavy fighter developed by Westland Aircraft. It was the Royal Air Force's first single-seat, twin-engined, cannon-armed fighter, and a contemporary of the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.

A problem for designers in the 1930s was that most agile combat aircraft were generally small. These aircraft had limited fuel storage and only enough flying range for defensive operations. A multi-engined fighter appeared to be the best solution to the problem of range, but a fighter large enough to carry an increased fuel load might be too unwieldy to successfully engage in combat. Germany and the United States pressed ahead with their design programs, resulting in the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and the Lockheed P-38 Lightning.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The first Whirlwind prototype (L6844) flew on 11 October 1938. Construction had been delayed chiefly due some new features and also the late delivery of the original Peregrine engines. Further Service Trials were carried out at Martlesham Heath, where the new type exhibited excellent handling and was very easy to fly at all speeds. It was one of the fastest aircraft in service when it flew in the late 1930s, and was much more heavily armed than any other.

However, protracted development problems with its Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines delayed the entire project. The combat radius also turned out to be rather short (only 300 miles), and the landing speed high, which hampered the type's utility. The major role for the Whirlwinds, however, became low-level attack, flying cross-channel "Rhubarb" sweeps against ground targets and "Roadstead" attacks against shipping.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Time went by and worked against the Whirlwind: By 1940, the Supermarine Spitfire was mounting 20 mm cannons, so the "cannon-armed" requirement was also being met, and by this time the role of escort fighter was becoming less important as RAF Bomber Command turned to night bomber missions. The main qualities the RAF were looking for in a twin-engine fighter were range and carrying capacity (to allow the large radar apparatus of the time to be carried), in which requirements the Bristol Beaufighter could perform just as well as or even better than the Whirlwind.

In order to catch up in performance, Westland 's team around Teddy Petter attempted in summer 1942 to mate the Whirlwind's compact fuselage with the much more potent Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Most apparent external change were the longer engine nacelles and an added fin fillet in order to improve directional stability. In order to counter the CG shift associated with the longer engines, the rear fuselage was stretched by 2'with a plug, similar to the Focke Wulf Fw190 D-9.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

More changes had to be done under the Whirlwind's skin: the wings' main spar had to be reinforced, as well as the outer wings' hull (now all-metal, including the rudders, and now able to carry unguided RP-3 rockets) and the landing gear. The extended fuselage was used to add a fuel tank behind the cockpit, which would compensate range losses due to the higher overall weight and power output. Furthermore, the original Hispano cannons with drum magazines were replaced by belt-fed Mk. II cannons, which more than doubled the four guns' magazine capacity (from 240 shells to 560).

The net power improvement by +34% resulted in a significant higher top speed and better acceleration and rate of climb at medium altitude. But the overall performance benefit of the Merlin engines was less convincing than expected. More modern/potent Merlin versions were considered, but their shortage (being reserved for Spitfires and Mosquitos) eventually led to a stop of that idea. Furthermore, the Whirlwind simply offered not much further development potential, e. g. as a night fighter.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In the end, only 22 Whirlwinds were converted from FB.1 airframes to the updated FB.2 status in the course of March to June 1943. These machines also received exhaust flame dampers, a special night-flying cockpit and other modifications for night intruder missions, including an appropriate black underside and red codes.

During the Second World War only two RAF squadrons were equipped with the Whirlwind FB.1, and only one with the FB.2. By July 1943, after moving to RAF Hunsdon, the 157th Squadron began intruder attacks on German fighter bases with its revamped Whirlwind FB.2s and new Mosquito Mk VIs.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In November 1943 it moved to RAF Predannack in Cornwall, closer to the German bases. However, in March 1944 it moved to RAF Valley and flew defensive patrols over the Irish Sea, while the Whirlwinds kept up "Rhubard" attacks on the continent, including various ground attack missions on V-1 and V-2 launch sites located in Holland. In May 1944 the 157th Squadron moved again, to East Anglia, and received Mosquito Mk XIXs.
The Squadron's new task was to support bomber streams as part of No. 100 Group RAF, and in the wake of these long range duties the Whirlwind FB.2s were finally retired. The last flight took place on 6th of September 1944.

General characteristics:
Crew: One pilot
Length: 35 ft 4 1/2 in (10.80 m)
Wingspan: 45 ft 0 in (13.72 m)
Height: 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)
Wing area: 250 ft² (23.2 m²)
Airfoil: NACA 23017-08
Empty weight: 8.800 lb (3.,995 kg)
Loaded weight: 11.467 lb (5.206 kg)
Max. take-off weight: 12.665 lb (5,750 kg)

Powerplant:
2× Rolls-Royce Merlin XX liquid-cooled V-12, 1,185 hp (883 kW) at 21,000 ft (6,400 m),
driving de Havilland constant speed propellers with a diameter of 9 ft 10 in (3.00 m)

Performance:
Maximum speed: 435 mph (701 km/h) at 15.000 ft (4.570 m)
Stall speed: 95 mph (83 knots, 153 km/h) (flaps down)
Range: 800 mi (696 nmi, 1.288 km)
Service ceiling: 35.200 ft (10.729 m)

Armament:
4x belt-fed 20 mm (.79 in) Hispano Mk II cannons, 140 RPG each
2x 250 lbs (115 kg) or 500 lbs (230 kg) bombs, or two racks with 8× RP-3 unguided air-to-ground rockets.

The kit and its assembly:
Despite building model kits since 35 years now, I never managed to build a Westland Whirlwind. One reason might be that only the Airfix kit had been on the market for years, as well as the fact that only rather boring RAF planes could be built. But with more confidence in whifery - no more! So, here comes a more or less creative interpretation of what could have become of the elegant and compact Whirlwind Mk. I, if only it had had a proper engine and better timing...

Things started when I got hands on a Mosquito NF.XIX kit from Airfix. I found the model... bleak, and donating parts would be a suitable use for it, and the Mossie eventually ended up with radials in Egypt service - with the whole original engine nacelles ready for transplantation! The kit also offered missile racks, and when I thought about what to do with it, well, the Whirlwind FB.2 was quickly born.

The basis for this mod is the Whirlwind kit from Bilek (a re-issue of the vintage Airfix kit). Kit conversion was straightforward: I replaced the complete engine nacelles, and the bigger engines create a weird look. The exhaust pipes with flame dampers come from the Mosquito kit, too, as well as the propellers, even though the blades has to be clipped by 3mm each - otherwise the space for the cannons' arc of fire would have been too narrow.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The whole landing gear was nevertheless taken from the Whrilwind. The fin fillet was added with a simple piece of polystyrene sheet and the missile racks with the RPGs also come from the Mosquito kit. The single piece cockpit canopy was opened and a dashboard added, the pilot is OOB.

Painting & Markings:
Nothing fancy here, still a "boring" RAF plane, based on one of the decal options of the Airfix Mosquito NF.XIX. But, at least, I was able to find a livery which would set the FB.2 apart from the well-known Mk.I/FB.1 fighters: invasion stripes, coupled with a typical night intruder paint scheme in Dark Green, Ocean Grey and Night (Humbrol 30, 106 and 33, respectively), coupled with dull red squadron codes and type C roundels.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Interior surfaces were painted with Cockpit Green (Humbrol 78) and slightly dry-brushed with light grey. I avoided almost any spectacular detail, the red spinners are the most exciting feature. Roundels and markings were puzzled together from the Bilek kit and the scrap box, the dull red codes are single digits from an Xtradecal aftermarket sheet. And there's just a small nose art under the cockpit. Finally, the model was slightly weathered, but that's all.

1:72 Westland Whirlwind FB.2, "RS-G"/PZ865 of Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 157 Fighter Squadron, Predannack Air Base, early 1944 (Whif/modified Bilek kit) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In the end, a subtle whif (which I prefer), but with enough potential to make you look twice, because both the engine change and the night intruder livery on their own make you think that you have recognized what's "wrong" with this Whirlwind. But there's more than meets the eye at first glance...

PR19_Kit · December 31, 2014, 06:07:30 AM

A more logical development of an RW type would be difficult to find, and it sure looks good too. Nice on Thomas.

NARSES2 · December 31, 2014, 06:18:02 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on December 31, 2014, 06:07:30 AM
A more logical development of an RW type would be difficult to find, and it sure looks good too. Nice on Thomas.

Yup you do wonder sometimes why it didn't happen and then you think back to the times and go....ahhhhhh, that's why.

One of my favourite aircraft of all time and you've done her proud

Dizzyfugu · December 31, 2014, 06:24:29 AM

Thanks a lot. That one went together really quickly, and I had this conversion on the agenda since I built the radial Mosquito a while ago. Parts were all there, even the story had been written up some time ago...

riginal idea had been just to replace the engines and more or less keep the original nacelles, but the Mossie power eggs are much bigger and in the end it was easier (even though probably less elegant) to swap the whole machine units. Looks a bit head-heavy now, but the parts blend in rather nicely.

Also thought about making this conversion a racer, but then I stuck with the original plan, because I thought that the Whirlwind should look good with Invasion Stripes - and it surely does!

Captain Canada · December 31, 2014, 07:35:57 AM

Gorgeous. Love the look of this one. Kinda funny tho, in some pics it looks like' too much' and then in others it looks just right ! Great selection of photos as well. As always. The banking over the river shot id my favourite. Perfect.

ChernayaAkula · December 31, 2014, 08:01:47 AM

Nice build!

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on December 31, 2014, 04:09:17 AM
Err, well, the lil' Caribbean provost was not the last kit for this year, I guess it will be this one. <...>

Sure about that, man?

I mean, you've got around seven hours left....

Dizzyfugu · December 31, 2014, 08:09:02 AM

Well, there are ideas, and lots of boxes staring at me...

perttime · December 31, 2014, 08:16:03 AM

This should put an end to the debates about Merlin Whirlwinds

Dizzyfugu · December 31, 2014, 08:26:59 AM

Yeah, "Big Block option"!

PR19_Kit · December 31, 2014, 09:00:57 AM

'There ain't no substitute for cubic inches!'

Just noticed you've got it flying out of Predannack. I know it reasonably well, having had the exquisite 'pleasure' of being a passenger aboard an early Wessex that made a practice auto-rotation landing there in 1961. Talk about scary!

Hotte · December 31, 2014, 10:25:45 AM

Great Whirlwind

Hotte

kitnut617 · December 31, 2014, 10:42:08 AM

In the latest Aeromilitaria quarterly I get from Air-Britain, there's an article about Westland's F4/40 proposal. Called a P.14 at Westland, it's basically an enlarged Whirlwind (think Welkin size) with Merlin XX's, with the wings even looking like Whirlwind wings and not how the Welkin ended up with.

Dizzyfugu · December 31, 2014, 11:19:48 AM

Again, thanks a lot - and especially for the Whiffies entry for this late one!

BTW: Predannack was just chosen because I originally wanted to use the decals from the Airfix Mossie night fighter - that's why the Mk. II ended up at 157 Squadron, based there at the respective time frame. Later it turned out that the decals rather have a pink hue, so I replaced the tactical codes with the more bold and dark Xtradecal letters. Looks better, though, and as a perfect side effect the letter size matches well with the invasion stripe decals - these are still from the Mossie, except for the wings' undersurfaces, these are just white decal strips of about 8mm width, cut from a generic TL Modellbau sheet.

Army of One · December 31, 2014, 04:49:48 PM

Spanking build.....and pics.......again.....!!!

zenrat · December 31, 2014, 08:25:38 PM

Hot Rod Whirlwind - very good. And of course the photos are brilliant.
Now, how about one with Griffons or Darts...