Adriatic Models Wessex HU.5 Update parts in 1/32nd for FLY Wessex

[Winnie]

I received a box, with the word "FRAGILE" on it, I thought maybe it was a major award?

 

Anyway, FedEx did their best to destroy it, the Box was practically round, and the tracking said it followed the routing of ROME-PARIS-NEW YORK-PARIS-MEMPHIS-WINNIPEG... I don't know why. but it certainly did a world tour!

 

These parts are extremely well researched, and well printed. I have gotten several other parts from Shapeways, these were cheaper, and the plastic look different, but once I get into it I may do a comparison. Hendie (from Britmodeller) who made the other parts also did a lot of research and the parts look good too.

 

 

 

Adriatic packed the box well, all the parts were in blister packs and taped down with strong double sided tape. makes it tough to remove the parts but hey, they ain't going anywhere on their own! (Free mask included, to keep us all safe a little longer).

 

 

I ordered everything that was available for the Wessex HU.5, there are a couple pieces particular to the HC.2 that I did not order.

 

First up, there were a LOT of packages

 

 

First up, internal rib detail

 

 

 

There is enough for both sides with pieces to spare as well as connectors, including the frame surround of the sliding door. the detail is very nice, and includes the details for the emergency exit opening.

 

Rotor head, and tail pylon detail, includes the fold with bulkheads as well as the intermediate gear box

 

 

Inside the air intake is next, with the classic frame included. you have to source mesh on your own, and I do have some ideas, there are 2 parts so if you mess up, you should be able to recover! This covers important details that FLY did not include at all.

 

 

To place IN the intake well are 2 Rolls Royce Gnome H-1400 fronts, included are 2 separate styles of starter bullet, and also the variable guide vanes are visible on the engine sides

 

 

Next up, bulkheads to move the cabin ceiling up a little. This will fix the transmission deck floor to the proper height, it includes corrected and refined detail

 

 

Engine exhausts and exhaust door, contains 2 different style exhausts, both for floats and without floats, 

 

 

Cockpit details, just sublime. Some parts broke off the carrier, but as far as I can see no parts broken, it was supposed to include cyclic stick grips, but none was present, but I got 4 collective sticks. the details are incredible, and will replace parts that were broken in the Fly kit.

 

 

 

 

Next up Transmission deck details and transmission. This includes everything needed, such as rotor brake, hydraulic pumps, oil cooler, transmission, drive shaft and various other bits. It also came with a length of wire to liven the area up. The professionals on here will certainly be able to build a masterpiece, I hope to be able to clap something together that does it a little justice.

 

In addition I ordered an H-34 rotor head to supplement the one I broke for my MRC kit...

 

 

I forgot to grab a picture of the heater duct, but I may grab a picture of it tomorrow!

 

Hope you guys enjoy the pictures!

[harv]

Thanks so much. Sent you a pm. Did you get the nose pieces ? ....harv

[DocRob]

These sets look amazing. I thought about the Fly Wessex more than once, but I'm not much of a helicopter-guy, but who knows... .
About these intake meshes. Maybe some Air funnel meshes, which are available for different historic Formula One cars are generally fitting and can be bend into shape.
Here is an example:
Air Funnel Mesh for DFV, Model Factory Hiro P-909 (2003) (scalemates.com)

Cheers Rob

[Winnie]

Here is the heating duct, and also some line connectors that were added for free! 

 

@DocRob thanks for the tip! I was thinking of mosquito screen myself, but I will look!

 

For comparison and as a handy pointer, I also included the Hendie parts from Shapeways, there are some tail rotor parts available that are really necessary. Also the Scale Warships rotor head. The best part about it is the clear top, as there is an oil reservoir on top. I plan to use the Scale Warship parts for the rotor cradles, to prevent a massive rotor diameter problem. Have many 32nd aircraft to build, and thus get room for more!

 

Here are some boxes and consoles that fit inside the nose piece, I probably won't be using most of the internals, but I wanted to see what it looked like, and can decide what I want to use and what not to use!

 

 

This is the heating duct specific to the Wessex, it uses bleed air from the compressor of the engines and gets extremely hot... If the valve is stuck open it will fast get uncomfortable in the cabin! 

 

 

Line connectors, or so I think, more nice parts for my collection for when "I get gud!"

 

 

Scale Warships rotor fold parts. The roots are pretty small compared to the Adriatic models ones, and I will have to experiment to see which I like! 

 

 

Hendie parts from Shapeways, the main rotor transmission part is designed to take into account the transmission deck is 7mm too low. The parts are well designed, and I love the clear rotor head, as I can do the oil reservoir. The tail wheel unit and the tail rotor parts are a must if you ask me.. 

 

 

The last shot is the comparison of Adriatic Vs. Shapeways. I think the Adriatic parts are simply outstanding, but Hendie did a good job as well! The Adriatic has more detail, and designed to open the transmission area, Hendie's I think was just to look good below the mesh!

 

 

So there we are, final pieces are in. 

 

Adriatic has made a fantastic few sets for this FLY Wessex, I have seen the kit built well out of the box, but with these parts from Adriatic you should be able to make a masterpiece! The printing is superb, and details are great! Well worth the purchase!

[harv]

Harald, I'm following your lead. I hope to be ordering in the next month or so. Also looking for the kit. BTW, which kit is more suited for the upgrades ? Don't think I'll use the twin turbos  but that can change.....harv

[HubertB]

7 hours ago, harv said:

Harald, I'm following your lead. I hope to be ordering in the next month or so. Also looking for the kit. BTW, which kit is more suited for the upgrades ? Don't think I'll use the twin turbos  but that can change.....harv

Actually, Harv, the details sets are "specialised" for the HU-5 or HC-2 version, or the S-34 conversion. So you can choose whichever kit you want (me, if I gave up to the buying compulsion, it would be a HC-2 which has more civilian liveries possibilities  )

Hubert

[Winnie]

Yes, I should specify that Adriatic Model (www.adriaticmodel.com) has sets for converting to the H-34 as well including the nose and radial engine. 

I'm building the Wessex HU.5 because of the color scheme I like.

[harv]

Hubert, what pieces would you say are really needed? I guess I'll be going with the twin engines 

[Winnie]

If you are doing a British Wessex, you'll need the engines and the intake parts, and cabin for whichever configuration, there are 2 different styles of windows!

HC.2 is a troop transport and has smaller square windows, and the HU.5 is a Search And Rescue machine and has bigger windows. The cabin bulkheads seem necessary too. They fix the too low transmission deck. I went to town, and got all that was available, but won't be able to make a masterpiece other than in my mind, but I'll do my best!

[harv]

Ok,thanks. I think I have it sorted. I will get the dash set also. Need the fold set also....harv

[Clunkmeister]

Winnie, thanks for the review.  Feel free to do a few more

These sets are absolutely amazing.  Of course I have this kit in my stash, but I have absolutely NO reference material on the Wessex/H-34, and when you add in the Guesstructions that FLY provides, I'm left firmly in the dark.

I'm hoping to be able to add a folded rotor system to mine, along with much of this, and I may have the makings of a semi doable build...

Ernie

[harv]

Ern, I'm collecting loads !.....harv

[harv]

Harald, have you started this yet ?....harv

[Winnie]

Nooo, I'm on my Titanic for the moment.

[Clunkmeister]

These sets are pure insanity! 

I just took a major hit to the pocketbook because I ordered all the sets for both the H-34 and the ASW Wessex, plus, the 1/24 Hellcat goodies.

[harv]

I know what you mean Ern. I'm waiting for his weapons and pylons ore done, then it's everything he has for the HU5 !!....harv