Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Faust on June 19, 2015, 07:38:07 AM

Title: Maybe not "what if" but certainly "one-off"
Post by: Faust on June 19, 2015, 07:38:07 AM

I have a problem. I’m addicted, not only to modelling in general, but to Matchbox kits in particular. I’ve tried to quite, really, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. I love their weird subjects and the fact that you can generally get them for very little money.  When you combine this with a growing love of interwar European bombers, that means that Matchbox and Heller are going to be the targets of choice!

Of course, sometimes I like to get a bit wild; the weirdness of a straight Matchbox kit isn’t enough; that’s what happened when I got a hold of the Wellesley. Looking around on the ‘net, I found that they used the Wellesley for several different tests, including for the Hercules radial!

I built my model to represent this testbed airframe. However, Just imagine if these had gone operational. With all the extra power, the Wellesley might have made a great long-range recon plane (like an early version of a U-2) or fleet shadower, heck, even as an anti-Kondor weapon it might have had value!


https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/planes/matchbox-172-wellesley-mk-i-vickers-model-289/ (https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/planes/matchbox-172-wellesley-mk-i-vickers-model-289/)

(https://adamrehorn.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/wellesley-106.jpg?w=640)

Title: Re: Maybe not "what if" but certainly "one-off"
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 19, 2015, 07:48:20 AM

Nothing wrong with a good bit of Matchbox passion.

like the conversion and it really works well.

You have a whole swag of interesting engine configurations you can do with the Airfix Fairey Battle as well.

Title: Re: Maybe not "what if" but certainly "one-off"
Post by: KiwiZac on June 19, 2015, 07:58:18 AM

That's cool! I like your paint job.

I love Matchbox kits too, and FROG. I have only discovered them recently since Matchbox was only a Revell imprint when I started building.

Title: Re: Maybe not "what if" but certainly "one-off"
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 20, 2015, 02:38:14 AM

Nice work.

I assume this was one of the photos you would have found when researching this:

(http://www.airwar.ru/image/idop/bww2/wellesley/wellesley-14.jpg)

Title: Re: Maybe not "what if" but certainly "one-off"
Post by: Faust on June 20, 2015, 09:27:15 AM

Thanks guys!

Yeah, that was one of only two photos of the bird that I could find!

I still think it looks like a "mega-Skyraider".  8)

Title: Re: Maybe not "what if" but certainly "one-off"
Post by: Tophe on June 20, 2015, 10:27:43 PM

Weird and unusual, I like it!

Title: Re: Maybe not "what if" but certainly "one-off"
Post by: Brian da Basher on June 24, 2015, 05:50:55 PM

I'm right there with you when it comes to those wonderful Matchbox kits, Faust! Since Revell re-pops many of them, they're easy to find and usually very affordable too. In fact, I think most of those older kits are excellent whiff fodder and given the cost, I actually prefer them to more modern kits with all the bells & whistles.

I've always had a soft-spot for the Wellesley, and your take on it is especially sweet! The faded-edge camo works wonderfully well and is very pleasing.

This makes me think that the old Wellesley would make a nice upgrade with maybe a Wasp Major engine and a rear gun turret.

Nice work, Faust!

Brian da Basher