Corgi, please produce a Wessex!!

[shuttle]

I was fortunate enough to have a few hours to kill yesterday and managed to make a visit to the RAF Museum at Hendon. Normally, I have my son and nephew in tow (who always want to head straight to the shop!). This time, I had managed to get a 'solo' visit sorted and could spend some time having a detailed look around. Nothing much has changed since my last visit but the helicopter section had a couple of new additions. A little cafe has been set-up and I sipped a cuppa whilst admiring various famous helicopters and the Spitfire Mk24! However, one type stood out. The Wessex HCC4 in Royal colours. It looks superb and I recalled that various forum members had been asking for this type. I think it would make a great subject. Longest serving RAF helicopter (so far) and has some nice schemes (Yellow rescue, Queen's flight and camo). I think the Sikorsky S-58 could also be produced? Corgi have made some nice helicopters and it is about time we had another one. I think the RAF Museum example would be a big seller!!

:) Shuttle

[BSteinIPMS]

Thanks for the nice shot, Shuttle. I agree that this one should sell well both in the UK and US. Lots of schemes on both sides. Not being a diecast engineer I'm on shaky ground here, but after having spent 15 years in S-58/S-58T helicopters I believe this would be an easy one for Corgi to do multiple variants of: single and twin-engine Wessex, "round motor" (Wright R-1820 Cyclone of 1525 shp) H-34 & S-58, and the S-58T with the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 "Twin-Pac".

I'd guess the nose sections are the main differences with everything aft of the engine firewall being fundamentally the same, excepting the various exhaust configurations.

[shuttle]

Bob,

I am sure Corgi could sort out the variations. With the Sea King I noted that they got most of the details spot on but I always had doubts about the air intake above the cabin on some of the models. However, it didn't ruin the overall model and I am sure Corgi could make some compromises with the Wessex/S-58 and still keep everyone happy. I believe that there were also some civil versions in use? Cue Bob the Yank and his vast helicopter knowledge!

:) Shuttle

[BSteinIPMS]

I believe that there were also some civil versions in use?
:) Shuttle

Certainly were. You can go to airliners.net and run a search for Sikorsky S-58 (or S-61 for that matter), and sit back with a nice cup of tea (or Newky) and enjoy a vast amount of photos.... :)

[NeilD]

As I've started on the slipery slope of buying model helicopters, yep I think a Wessex would be a good idea.. however its a pity it didn't get done when the aircraft was retired from RAF service.. was it early this year or last year??? either way they'd have sold a bucket-full to former crews etc.. anyway hopefully not too late! :eek: AirSea Rescue 'Yellow' would be a good choice as I had one of my few hovering experiences in one of those as a boy... no no not being rescued from a dodgy inflatable air bed, ATC cadet camp!.
Neil.

[Agent X20]

Again <yawn> S55 or S58 please...

[Albert Ross]

Again <yawn> S55 or S58 please...


...working on it...that horse is on it's way to water again... :rolleyes:

[shuttle]

Again <yawn> S55 or S58 please...

and

...working on it...that horse is on it's way to water again...

Agent,

I know this is old history to you but I couldn't find the original thread about the S-58. My weekend visit inspired me to raise the topic again and see what other forum folk had to say. I thought Bob would be in with a comment but I am well impressed with his 15 years on type! Again, there must be tons of ex-aircrew who would buy a Wessex or S-58 if someone made a decent 1/72 scale replica (and Corgi have a good helicopter track record). Alberts comments are interesting and I am convinced that we have a Meteor and Jaguar on the way because of some efforts on various boards over the last couple of years?

:) Shuttle

[Agent X20]

Not aimed at forum member, but at the stoopidity of a 1/72 die cast manufacturer to release either (or both) of these two as the schemes are limitless..

........ and you try and pick up a British Sea King for sensible money.. :)

[BLUE SKY]

I agree , come on Corgi please please do a Wessex .
I had the great privilege of serving on the royal flight and spent may hours along with all other members of the flight polishing XV732 and 733 to maintain the aircraft to the highest standards. To some people it may seem like bull however we were the envy of the world ! So sad that the RAF no longer provides the royal helicopters but a least the Wessex did not end up in the breakers yard - the other aircraft is in the national helicopter museum .

In addition to the colour schemes already suggested we could also have a green and white RN admiral barge - anyone remember those ,they used to be regular visitors to the TQF base at Benson

If Corgi produced a Bae 146 we could a royal flying boxed set with a Wessex and a 146 with a write up about royal flying etc - would also be attractive to the civil collector - then perhaps we could also have a Heron ,Andover (HS748) and a reissue of the Kings Flight York . I can only dream

[Agent X20]

Hi Blue Sky - welcome to the forum..
... some dream that... six lottery numbers might be easier..!! ;)

[scrounger]

lets bring it on,

what a great complement to the SAR Seaking, Falklands Chinook and many many more.

surely there are enough variants of this beast for Corgi to want to produce one???

here's to the Wessex in 2006

[Albert Ross]

Again <yawn> S55 or S58 please...

and

...working on it...that horse is on it's way to water again...

Agent,

I know this is old history to you but I couldn't find the original thread about the S-58. My weekend visit inspired me to raise the topic again and see what other forum folk had to say. I thought Bob would be in with a comment but I am well impressed with his 15 years on type! Again, there must be tons of ex-aircrew who would buy a Wessex or S-58 if someone made a decent 1/72 scale replica (and Corgi have a good helicopter track record). Alberts comments are interesting and I am convinced that we have a Meteor and Jaguar on the way because of some efforts on various boards over the last couple of years?

:) Shuttle

Yes, and with a bit of luck you'll get a few more that you have been asking for very soon!!

[eismeer]

Saw one just recently at RAF Cosford Museum. Looks a very nice machine. All cammo'd and dirty,really well weathered. Maybe a Northern Ireland one.

[Craig]

A Wessex would be a good choice I think, nice charismatic aircraft with plenty of possibilities! I'd probably have one, possibly a Falklands one?

[Gannet]

The Wessex could run and run. As already suggested the only main difference is in the nose, which surely should not cause too many problems. I know that there were some variations on window arrangements but even I'd compromise on that.

As to specifics, well...

Royal Navy 771 Squadron HU.5
RAF SAR yellow
Royal Australian Navy
Royal Navy HAS.3 'Humphrey'
Queen's Flight

And for the second half of 2006... :p

[sniperUK]

Definatly need a 72Sqn one,gey-green or green green flown many times in them,lots of fun(though the pilot who insisted in wearing brown cowboy boots was interesting to say the least).I would buy multiples of various Wessex models.

[sniperUK]

Talking to a few friends collegues and cadets over the last few days and mentioned a Corgi Wessex esp 72sqn one ALL said they would want one as it is such an integral part of NI history, if one is released I might take out a loan and buy them all I think I could sell them all easily.A friend of mine several years ago started scratch building 1/32nd RUC Landrovers in different versions as a hobby my 2, bought around 8yrs ago, are numbered 1258 Tangi and 503 Simba,they were sold word of mouth so think how many Wessex could be sold here with good advertising.