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Post by 30sqnatc on May 9, 2011 18:21:54 GMT 12
I'm in the final stages of building a Rhodesian Air Force Cheetah, Bell 205, one of the sanctions busting helicopters they received second hand in 1978. The kit is a 1:35th scale Dragon UH-1D - basic with some over scale items especially the rivets but looks the part when assembled. This will be a part of Rhodesian themed model railway diorama so it will not be super detailed as I have numerous 1:35th scale modern armoured trains and locally made Rhodesian mine and ambush protected vehicles to build. However the key RhAF modifications have been incorporated including anti-Strella shields on the engine and exhaust, solid seating, different radio antenna and wind deflectors on the passenger door leading edges. I have also taken to opportunity to articulate the main rotor so it can be pulled down at the rear as it will be displayed during a roadside refuelling stop. Paul
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Post by flyjoe180 on May 10, 2011 10:38:51 GMT 12
Interesting topic.
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Post by 30sqnatc on May 22, 2011 10:32:20 GMT 12
Almost finished. And incontext as it will be displayed with a couple of scratchbuilt Rhodesian Army vehicles.
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Post by kb on May 22, 2011 12:31:53 GMT 12
Nice modelling. I gather that you may be Rhodesian. If so did you ever run across Dave Dolphin?
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Post by 30sqnatc on May 22, 2011 13:37:19 GMT 12
No Kiwi to the core. I just like modelling unusual subjects (no competition ). Sorry I have not met the individual.
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Post by corsair67 on May 22, 2011 13:58:04 GMT 12
Nice work there, Paul.
By the way, where did Rhodesia get the Hueys from?
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 22, 2011 16:24:54 GMT 12
Great stuff Paul.
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Post by angels15 on May 22, 2011 18:24:31 GMT 12
Good stuff, looks great.
The Pookie looks absolutely the real deal.
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Post by Marcus on May 22, 2011 19:19:33 GMT 12
By the way, where did Rhodesia get the Hueys from? They got them from Israel in very poor condition. They had to get them refurbished locally before they could use them operationally. This when Rhodesia still had sanctions imposed against them. Once operational the RhAF made extensive use of them, especially in cross-border raids against ZANU and ZAPU bases in Mozambique and Zambia. The RhAF made use of SAAF Pumas until they were withdrawn after the old SA government stabbed Rhodesia in the back in 1978, hence the need for a "heavy" lift chopper to replace the Pumas. SAAF Allouette II's and III's and a large contingent of SAAF aircrew were also operational in Rhodesia during the country's "Bushwar" years. Several of these Puma's and Allo's were lost in operations.
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Post by 30sqnatc on Jul 27, 2011 22:29:11 GMT 12
Last weekend I had my Rhodesian model railway/diorama on display at the Taupo Hobby Expo. It was well received given mix of railway, military vehicles, aircraft (and elephants ) all in an unsual setting. 1:48th Lynx (aka Reims Cessna 337) with RhAF mods - twin overwing .303 Browning MGs, four underwing hardpoints and bulged pilots side window. On the pole above the Lynx is the rest of the standard Fireforce aircraft - Alouette K and G cars and a Paradak. I'm working on second group of aircraft - the heavy supporters - Canberra, Hunter, Vampire FB5 and T55. I also have another Dakota partly made to turn into the RhAF airbourne command post or ELINT aircraft once I can find detailed info on either aircraft. The Cheetah previously posted with the ground work and vegetation finished. Still have to build the crew refuelling from 44 gal drums. Rolling past is an unfinished Rhino armoured rail trolley based on a Land Rover chassis with railwheels bolted to the standard axle hubs.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 27, 2011 23:02:04 GMT 12
Cool!
Where did you find 1/48th scale elephants?
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Post by Calum on Jul 28, 2011 14:23:39 GMT 12
thats a nice looking dio. Well done
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Post by 30sqnatc on Jul 28, 2011 18:27:00 GMT 12
Cool! Where did you find 1/48th scale elephants? The ground part of the layout is 1:35th scale. The elephants are kids toys in some undetermined scale. Made by Schleich, they are very good quality.
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Post by ZacYates on Sept 12, 2011 7:10:06 GMT 12
Stunning work! I too love the more exotic/ignored conflicts and it is wonderful to see such subjects executed so beautifully!
I would love to see more of the Reims Lynx - could you post more of it? I'm tempted to find a 1:72 kit and do one after weigh yours!
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Post by 30sqnatc on Sept 12, 2011 20:41:18 GMT 12
I too like the more unusual subjects of the minor wars. Rather than repost here there are a few detailed photos of my model at www.newrhodesian.net/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=207. The Lynx model of another modeller is at www.newrhodesian.net/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=417I have about 50 scanned pictures of Rhodesian Lynx. PM me if your interested in copies. One of the better references for Rh Lynx is a five page article in Warplane 85, 'Cessna 337 Lynx Rhodesian Operations'. To turn a Cessna 02 into a Reims Lynx is fairly easy and includes: - changed tailplane forward edges - STOL wingtips - overwing fences - bubble window on port side - twin overwing MG pods - Stella guards on engine exhausts. - Rhodesian weapons - gulf and frantan (napam) bombs.
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Post by 30sqnatc on Nov 11, 2011 18:49:25 GMT 12
I finally completed my 1:48th Canberra. The colour scheme is the very faded look they had just before Rhodesian became Zimbabwe. It will be displayed on a pole with the RhAFs other jet aircraft Just a twin seat Vampire to finish, well start actually.
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