Czech Masters Resins (CMR)

1/72 Westland Welkin model kit

Product # CMR132

Product Article by Chris Hughes on July 6 2003

 

 

 

The Westland Welkin was designed during the latter part of WW2 as a high-altitude interceptor.  It was envisaged that the Germans would try to  penetrate UK airspace at ever-higher altitudes.  Post war analysis of such aircraft as the DFS 228 revealed that it's planned ceiling of 75,000ft would have defeated the Welkin's 45,000ft proposed ceiling!

Click on images below to see larger images

Steps etc

Wingtip lights Decals

The Welkin never saw Squadron service, although those completed went on to serve with the Fighter Interception Unit.  Two examples of the two-seat Westland Welkin MkII were built, which was to have been a radar-equipped interceptor, but never went into production.

Until recently, the only available kit of the Welkin was the Hallam Vac vacform, which featured some Matchbox-like panel lines and was a pig to assemble - mine went into the trash can when I became disillusioned with the fit and amount of filler being sacrificed.

Click on images below to see larger images

Cockpit and ammo bay

Port cockpit wall Stbd cockpit wall

The kit shows some innovative casting techniques, especially around the cockpit area, which includes a single piece for the instrument panel, rudder pedals, control column, ammo cans and an oxygen tank!  Two vacform canopies are included and the delicate framework under the rear of the canopy is represented as a resin item.  The kit also features optional nose intakes, pull-down step and antennas.  There are also two clear resin wing-tip lights, a novel inclusion which others, hopefully,  may follow!  Decals
are provided for DG558 (the prototype, which is also fitted with long-range ferry tanks) in a Dark Earth/Dark Green/Yellow scheme and DX289 of the Flight Interception Unit in Medium Sea Grey and PRU Blue. 

 I'm really looking forward to building this one!

Chris

Click on images below to see larger images

ammo drums

Canopies Canopy framework

 

Photos and text © by Chris Hughes