Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Rod The Fixer on May 04, 2026, 12:41:09 AM

Title: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on May 04, 2026, 12:41:09 AM

Hello everyone,
I’ve started working on this Italeri kit.:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55246188511_4ae7e64320_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2saVa6z)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

To replicate a Westland Wessex HU.5 flown by 771 Naval Air Squadron of the Royal Navy, based at RNAS Culdrose in the UK.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55245284972_dcf5f3c6cd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2saQwvj)by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

A quick look inside the box:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55246335188_035f9b7b53_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2saVUGu)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55246188501_a64aefb0af_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2saVa6p)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55245284982_1e945b93ba_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2saQwvu)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

As for the decals, I’m a bit worried because the carrier film looks slightly yellowed… fingers crossed it’ll be fine… especially since there are no alternative decals available.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55246590075_20fa97829c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2saXdt6)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on June 13, 2026, 12:00:26 AM

First steps ...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55330980680_26e5354fa8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sipJRw)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55330705723_12414f2693_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2siok7T)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55330705733_800eb27f18_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2siok84)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55329631952_71d07084d6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sihPVA)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on June 22, 2026, 01:35:59 AM

Cockpit completed ...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55348839129_ca6e07364f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sjZgxP)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55349041005_ddbae6bb39_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sk1iyr)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55348778848_94a89bc12d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sjYXCu)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55347691507_49c8b8f8b0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sjTope)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: apophenia on June 22, 2026, 02:12:50 AM

Nice! And looking suitably well-used  :D

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Old Wombat on June 22, 2026, 10:08:25 AM

Having served in the RAN FAA, back when we had Wessexes (Wessexi? ??? ), I got the feeling that the interior of a Wessex looked worn even before it left the factory.

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on July 02, 2026, 01:39:36 AM

Assembly and joining of the fuselage halves ...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55367701417_203a46fe8f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smDWDF)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55368636756_2d75e2dc0d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smJJGd)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55368785313_5ca0ba4262_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smKuRx)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55368826729_44e64ffa33_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smKHaB)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55368636761_9d7d21a1c3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smJJGi)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: apophenia on July 02, 2026, 04:30:05 AM

Dang! That fuselage - with the seat in situ - looks impressive!  :smiley: :smiley:

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Old Wombat on July 02, 2026, 09:30:23 AM

Coming along very nicely!  :smiley:

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on July 16, 2026, 01:24:32 AM

"Slowly but surely, it's taking shape..."

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55395970180_7bf3a781a6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sp9PY9)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55395575026_fdd5a2ff5c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sp7Nv9)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55395970165_cba62107f1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sp9PXT)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55395970150_20066d722b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sp9PXC)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55395970145_f8ff71d8a3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sp9PXx)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55395706758_18fd63622e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sp8tEo)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: taiidantomcat on July 20, 2026, 09:21:35 AM

great work on that internal "stuff" (I hate doing cockpits and interiors  :o )

Your pictures always look so clean and professional. Absolute eye candy. Thank you for sharing with us. 

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on July 22, 2026, 04:10:11 AM

Just added the final details...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55409905279_be358131af_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqofot)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55409731776_7a8c7bb136_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqnmP3)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55409905264_2697377ac2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqofod)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55408766492_7688fb82a3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqhpSd)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: apophenia on July 23, 2026, 03:51:59 AM

All that lovely etched brass really does make a big difference!  :smiley: :smiley:

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Claymore on July 24, 2026, 02:47:40 AM

Stunning, simply stunning!  :-*

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Old Wombat on July 24, 2026, 10:46:52 AM

Another skill I wish I had - the ability to fit PE so it conforms to the lines of the build ... & doesn't stick to my fingers/tweezers.  ::)

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Kerick on July 24, 2026, 11:28:33 AM

That’s a lot of brass! It really adds to the build. Nice work!

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on July 26, 2026, 05:36:40 AM

Time to start painting...Primer ...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55418957509_3bc8efba2a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2srbDip)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55418784156_0c0051cc74_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sraKLy)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Red ...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55419181835_6a907d8024_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2srcMZ6)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55418784146_0b8f73ebab_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sraKLo)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Blue ...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55418784136_9d20bbdf7d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sraKLd)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55419180520_1b10877606_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2srcMAq)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55419180515_01234c2e7c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2srcMAk)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55419180505_9e07b697a1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2srcMAa)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Old Wombat on July 26, 2026, 11:05:52 AM

Nice paint work! Excellent demarcation!  :smiley:

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Kerick on July 27, 2026, 12:27:49 AM

Paint like a pro! This will be awesome.

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on August 02, 2026, 10:16:15 PM

After the rather challenging decal application, I still have a few details to complete before adding some light weathering...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55437626269_dc55705ddb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ssQjSz)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55437452886_f3ea22e645_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ssPrkd)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55437626249_a5366ce4d0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ssQjSe)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55436485897_c80d513d14_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ssJtSZ)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55437626254_30dab6c361_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ssQjSj)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Old Wombat on August 02, 2026, 11:14:31 PM

 :smiley: :smiley:

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: apophenia on August 03, 2026, 04:20:32 AM

Gorgeous!  :-*

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Claymore on August 14, 2026, 01:02:08 AM

Stunning, absolutely beautiful!  :-* :-* :-*

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Rod The Fixer on August 14, 2026, 07:08:02 PM

Looks like she's ready to hit the skies!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55452716595_b2504bcaa4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2suaEGB)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55452716580_7dcfcd4c28_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2suaEGm)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55452489024_23305fee3d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2su9v3Y)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55452489019_bd302d801e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2su9v3T)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55452488989_fbb34d48b9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2su9v3n)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55452439213_81c84b7912_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2su9ffa)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55452439218_42baaf56f9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2su9fff)
by Rodolfo Masti (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodthefixer/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Westland Wessex HU.5 - 771 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy) - Italeri 1:48
Post by: Old Wombat on August 14, 2026, 09:06:47 PM

She certainly does!  8)

Another excellent build, Rodolfo! Well done!  :smiley:  :smiley:

Looking into that cockpit, you could be forgiven for thinking it was the real thing!  :icon_alabanza: