Westland Wessex
HAS.3/31B

Mark I Models, 1/144 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Valom's 1/48 scale An-2 Colt is available online from Squadron.com

A British license development of the Sikorsky S-58, the Westland Wessex was a multi-role all-metal helicopter produced by Westland Aircraft Ltd. The Wessex HAS.1, powered by a Napier Gazelle turboshaft engine, first flew in June 1958 and the type began performing anti-submarine duties three years later, operated by the Royal Navy. A more powerful version, the HAS.3, with improved avionics and a radome on the rear fuselage, was introduced in 1967. In total, 140 HAS.1 helicopters were built; while 45 HAS.3 machines existed (all but three were conversions from HAS.1s).

In 1963 the Royal Australian Navy acquired a total of 27 Wessex helicopters designated the HAS.31A, of which 23 were later upgraded to Mk.31B standard, similar to that of HAS.3.

The RN Wessex HAS.1 and HAS.3s continued in service until 1979 and 1983, respectively, while the RAN’s HAS.31Bs served in ASW, SAR, utility, and ambulance roles until the end of 1989.

Mark I Ltd is perhaps best known for their 4+ range of aviation booklets and Mark I Dozen Sets of decals and comprehensive markings guides and walk-arounds. A year or so ago they also took over the superb CMR range of resin kits, and included a few new releases under Mark I's auspices. Most recently, Mark I has acquired the Attack Hobbies 1/144-scale range of jet aircraft, which it re-boxed and released with new decals.

The re-released Attack Hobbies range and two ex-Eduard kits (Bf 109G & Fw 190A) have served as a launching-pad for Mark I to move into the development and realisation of its own new tool 1/144-scale kits using electro-plated metal moulds. The Wessex kit reviewed is the first new tool release for the company, and apparently the first time this helicopter has been kitted in 1/144-scale.

The kits comes packed in a good quality end-opening box with nice artwork on the front, and a painting and decaling guides for the four decal options on its rear. All parts are sealed in a plastic bag, with the clear and resin parts sealed separately in their own smaller bag. The decals are loose with the kit sprues. Unlike some other Mark I Models releases, this one is not a two-kit boxing, no doubt due to size, higher parts count, and greater complexity.

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The instructions include a parts map, and assembly diagrams are easy to follow. All text is in English. The instructions include a four-view coloured painting and markings guide for each option, with military paint names included for the main colours.

Colour schemes offered with this the kit are:

• Wessex HAS.3, White XP153/143-E, No.826 NAS, Royal Navy, HMS Eagle, late 1960s.

• Wessex HAS.3, White XP143/650-PO, No.737 NAS, Royal Navy, RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey), Dorset, 1973.

• Wessex HAS.3, Black XP142 ‘Humphrey’, No.737 NAS, Royal Navy, HMS Antrim, the Falklands War, South Atlantic, April - June 1982.

• Wessex HAS.31B, White N7-220/830, No.816 Sq. Royal Australian Navy, RANAS Nowra (HMAS Albatross), New South Wales, Australia, 1985.

The decals appear to be excellent, as we would expect given the company's background in decal production.
The kit follows a conventional breakdown for this type of aircraft and all parts are crisply moulded with delicate recessed panel line detail. The cockpit tub and instrument panel are provided, but such is its small size that this very basic cockpit interior does not matter much.

The kit captures the lines of the real aircraft and high degree of moulding finesse. Yes, in theory panel lines in 1/144-scale are going to be overdone no matter how fine the moulding, but most would want something there to add interest to the model. Mark I Models have done a very good job in this regard. The transparencies are reasonably thin and clear. The overall quality is about equal to the Platz 1/144-scale kits I have reviewed.

Assembly is conventional for the type and should be a breeze with such a low parts count; which is more than can be said for painting.

The moulding has sufficient finesse that I think the eye will be drawn away from any unavoidable slightly over-scale elements. The kit should be easy to build, but skill will be needed when painting. There will of course be those who choose to add more detail etc, but as supplied they are very good. Neatly finished this model is potentially a little gem, and very undemanding on display space. 

Definitely recommended.

Thanks to Mark I Ltd for the review sample

Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Mark Davies
Page Created 20 January, 2014
Last updated 20 January, 2014

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