Original Airfix issue, with original decals. Wellington BIII of Number 75 RNZAF Squadron. Despite a couple of coats of decals varnish some still cracked a bit, but it's done. I was originally going to send the decals to KiwiZac, but he said that I could probably put them to better use. He obviously holds my skills in higher esteem than I do!
Anyway, to honour that most gracious decision, I completed the model in those colours. Might still do some touch-up here and there, but I say that after a lot of projects and then forget.
Would I do another? Sure, the kit is showing its age but it still builds up nicely, although I would make a few changes on another. In the hands of an expert (not me!) it wouldn't be a show-stopper, but it would definitely be a proud addition to a display shelf. The after-market decals that came with it would help, along with some shimming here and there. The landing gear doesn't seem complete, I haven't checked it against photos but it probably has more bracing than this model. The main gear can be left unglued and retracted, but since the gear doors aren't hinged the toy aspect is diminished. Ailerons are separate, and the props and wheels can be assembled to spin, and the turrets can rotate. Front and rear turrets are designed in such a way that the guns are supposed to be attached to the gunners, so if you don't want figures in it you'll need to come up with another way of securing them.
Not a kit for young'uns, there is a fair bit of filing and sharp-knife-dangerousness involved in things like widening the turret slots to allow the guns to fit through. or getting rid of excess plastic in some areas.
If you see one at a good price, and have a hankering for the Wimpy, give it a thought. At best you'll still have fun. At worst you won't worry about hacking at it for a whiffer!
by
Dave Bailey, on Flickr
by
Dave Bailey, on Flickr
by
Dave Bailey, on Flickr
by
Dave Bailey, on Flickr
by
Dave Bailey, on Flickr
