If you’re a fan of the Westland Whirlwind helicopter, you’ll celebrate the return of Whirlybird’s mixed-media kits rebranded under the Air-Craft label. CHRIS CLIFFORD reports.
Helicopter enthusiasts will welcome the news that Air-Craft Models has acquired Roger Evans’ former Whirlybird brand and its products. Air-Craft proprietor Martin Blundell has issued a new leaflet listing various 1/72 Westland Whirlwind kits, replicating sub-types such as the HAR.9/10, HAS.7 and Series 3 (Bristow/HM Coastguard). However, there are also same-scale Sikorsky H-3 and HH-52/S-62 family kits now available, plus various iterations of the Puma. Selected aftermarket accessories are obtainable too but others will reappear in due course. Martin is keen to hear from customers seeking particular items, which will be reintroduced given high enough demand. Note that a full build of Whirlybird’s Whirlwind HAR.10 appeared in Airfix Model World’s September 2015 issue.
Above: External detail on these fuselage and nose pieces is good, but you’ll need to clear casting flash from the cockpit window and cabin door apertures.
Above: The HAR.9’s trademark downwards-cranked tail boom is well replicated. Note the belly panel torpedo trough - HAR.9s being conve…
