Wasp/Scout Helicopter
White Ensign Models Airstrike Range - 1/700 resin
By: Mike Dunn
When I started to (slowly) work on my Royal Navy Type 21 model, I decided that I was going to have to super-detail it. One of the areas I wanted to change was the provided Wasp helicopter. The plastic one is OK, but......! On checking with WEM, I was told that yes, they did a Wasp in 1/700, and a few days after my order was placed, they arrived in the post.
What you get is a small plastic envelope about 5" by 2.5". Inside are the instructions, as well as a smaller bag with the five helicopters and a photo-etch sheet with a cardboard backing.
The
instructions are basic, but adequate, with a diagram of the PE sheet and what
parts are which; exploded views of both the Wasp and the Scout configurations
(the Wasp is the naval version, and uses wheels; the Scout is the Army version
and uses skids); and basic information on PE and resin.
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Once you manage to open the smaller bag (I'm not a fan of these really small ones; I find the click-lock fastener separates from the lip too easily, making it harder to open without resorting to cutting a hole), you get the small 'copters. These are only about 15mm long, with a short resin sprue at the front. Cleanup is limited to just cutting this off. The actual model is nicely detailed, with a raised spot for the PE rotors, side "wings", and small "wings" on top as the tail starts.
The
PE sheet (afraid I removed a Wasp configuration before I scanned it) has five
main rotors, six sets of skids, six sets of top "sponsons", ten pairs of wheels,
six tail rotors, and six tail fins.
If you have a requirement for a Wasp or Scout in 1/600 or 1/700, this set is what you are after. While it will be a little tricky to assemble the PE onto the body, due to the size, it isn't impossible by any means, and the end result is SO much better than what comes with ship kits!
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