Snooping Wesley

[Martin H]

This is one of my current projects that is nearing compleation.  

Vickers Wesley PR-2.




PRU pink makes a change from cammo dont it

[Ollie]

Who cares, it's a WI and a very nice one to boot!

Good job MArtin!

 

[John Howling Mouse]

Holy cow, that WILL stand out on the shelf, eh?

Please forgive my complete ignorance but, what kit is this?  Looks like it has fantastic surface "texturing" which you would not likely be able to see as well with a camo scheme.

I'm guessing 1:72 scale if your St. John's Ambulance cert is standard 8 x 11 page, yes?  If so, that was one enormous plane for a single pilot to operate, reminds me of the overwhelming size of the B-47 compared to its tiny cockpit ("cool" in other words).

How much of this is a What If versus the "real" plane?

How did you get that leading cowl lip to look that way?  In the pic, it looks like a near perfect woodgrain but I'm guessing (?) it is not really simulating wood.  Would sure like to get my biplane props looking like that.

   

[nev]

Well, the only kit of the Wellesley that I know of is the old Matchbox kit.

The surface texturing you refer to is I believe a product of its geodectic construction, similar to the Wellington.

It was a 30s RAF bomber.  IIRC a few were still in service in the desert in 1940

[NARSES2]

Looking good Martin, I wondered what it would look like when we've talked about it.

Yes it is the Matchbox Wellesley and they were used in the Mid East during WWII. Mainly flew against the Italian's in Ethiopia. So "desert pink/PR pink" for low level ops or maybe a pale blue/sky for high level ops, she had a 35,000 foot ceiling and long range. She'd only have to deal with CR32's and 42's in this theatre.

Good sources are "Dust Clouds in the Middle East" and "An Improvised Victory"

Chris

[cthulhu77]

Neat plane...in my ignorance, I had never heard of them...had an enjoyable hour or so reading about the craft...very cool !
       greg

[lancer]

Looking very good Martin. I always liked the Welesly, and a high altitude recce bird is a good role for it.

[Martin H]

All i did was plate over the rear gunners hatch and fit the bigger engine that came as an option in the kit. The reason I did it in PRU pink is to fit in with my IPMS branch theme for the 2005 nationals plus i wanted it to fit in with the PR Whirlwind i did a few years ago and the real spit that im doing at the mo.

[Leigh]

That's lovely
Pink planes are always fun.

[lancer]

That's lovely
Pink planes are always fun.

First he talks about dresses and now he likes pink planes......You're getting me worried mate.            

[lancer]

How easy would it be to make the Welesley a twin engined bird.  I have visions of making the nose solid or glazed and sticking two engines on the wings, with appropriate strengthening of course.  

[John Howling Mouse]

All i did was plate over the rear gunners hatch and fit the bigger engine that came as an option in the kit. The reason I did it in PRU pink is to fit in with my IPMS branch theme for the 2005 nationals plus i wanted it to fit in with the PR Whirlwind i did a few years ago and the real spit that im doing at the mo.

Martin, what is the paint (brand, color, combinations if applicable) for that front lip of the cowl?

[Martin H]

well, apart from the PRU pink witch came from the xtracolor range, the rest of the paint job (not much i know) used humbrol. As for the cowling front lip JHM, it was a matt (turned out glossy lol) brass. Not sure if thats the right color for it but looks about right to me .

[NARSES2]

How easy would it be to make the Welesley a twin engined bird.  I have visions of making the nose solid or glazed and sticking two engines on the wings, with appropriate strengthening of course.

I think someone else had the same Idea Lance (was it Aircav ?)

Historically the Wellesley is a very important aircraft, particularly as far as Vikers are concerned, when it comes to producing new manufacturing techniques, some of which lasted through to the 60's. Some people also feel that it's relationship to the development of long range aircraft is as important as the Schneider Trophy is to he Spit.

Chris

[The Rat]

How easy would it be to make the Welesley a twin engined bird.

I think someone else had the same Idea Lance (was it Aircav ?)

I was thinking of a three engined one a few years ago, but since I've only got one in the stash it will have to wait. When it comes to rare kits of rare aircraft I have this mental block about turning out a whiffer, especially a wild one, if I haven't done a regular one first.

For the same reason, I won't be doing a turboprop Heyford until I pick up a few more.      :dum:

Now, back on topic, it's looking great, and that brass on the front is fine. I'm particularly glad that the geodetic construction shows through the paint. Haven't looked at mine in a few years (stashed in the basement in the other house), and I can't remember what the surface looks like without a coat of paint.