Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Aeroplanedriver on May 21, 2023, 03:33:19 AM

Title: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: Aeroplanedriver on May 21, 2023, 03:33:19 AM
Following the inflight breakup of the XFU-7 Corsair prototype  in late 1952 and the ensuing program delays the French Aeronavale reevaluated the F4U-7 program and began looking for a replacement.  A number of aircraft were evaluated, but the Westland Wyvern which was entering service with the Royal Navy in 1953 was seen as the best option for a platform that was expected to be replaced by more advanced jet aircraft but the end of the decade. 

The Aeronavale ordered 58 Wyverns in July 1953, with first deliveries taking place in early 1955.  In French service the Wyvern was known as the Vouivre, ironically the French word for a serpentine winged dragon with a stinging tail from which the word Wyvern was derived. 

Aeronavale Vouivres  deployed alongside Royal Navy Wyverns in October 1956 as part of Operation Musketeer, the joint UK/French/Israeli operation to seize control of the Suez Canal.

Kit is the lovely Trumpeter 1/48 Wyvern S.4. Kit rockets replaced with better looking ones from an Airfix Sea Fury.  Decals mostly from a Corsair sheet. 

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/3258/sFM7dZ.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/1494/k3MMcD.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/3990/anPWcl.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3425/rgfQQh.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2237/Vc3g6p.jpg)
Title: Re: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: raafif on May 21, 2023, 06:34:15 AM
 :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: Old Wombat on May 21, 2023, 10:50:20 AM
Exquisite build & story! :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: Buzzbomb on May 21, 2023, 03:27:04 PM
Still Loving it.. terrific work
Title: Re: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 22, 2023, 12:55:29 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: Dr. YoKai on May 24, 2023, 04:57:07 AM
Beautiful! It's always nice to see a Wyvern. They don't get nearly as much attention as I think they deserve. (But then, I also like the Firebrand...)
Title: Re: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: Robomog on May 24, 2023, 07:01:13 AM
Looks good in Aeronavale colours, nice build

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Aeronavale Westland Vouivre, Operation Musketeer, 1956
Post by: Aeroplanedriver on May 26, 2023, 01:07:39 PM
Quote from: Dr. YoKai on May 24, 2023, 04:57:07 AM
Beautiful! It's always nice to see a Wyvern. They don't get nearly as much attention as I think they deserve. (But then, I also like the Firebrand...)

Agreed...love What If Wyverns...

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/6719/m5owJB.jpg)