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At Long Last: Special Hobby Releases New Tool 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Mk.I

After years of development, Special Hobby has released their new tool Westland Whirlwind Mk. I “Cannon Fighter,” making this the first example of the type ever kitted in 1/32 scale.

The offering (SH32047) is described as “highly detailed” with “accurate and well researched decals.” The model portrays the fighter variety of the type, and includes ten styrene sprues and one with clear parts. Marking options are provided for four machines ranging from the earlier green and brown camouflage to the later grey and green schemes:

1. P6985, HE-J, No.263 Squadron RAF, Exeter Air Base, March 1941
2. P7061, HE-A, No.263 Squadron RAF, Charmy Down Airfield, September 1941
3. P7118, HE-F, “Bellows Argentina No.2,” Pilot S/L Eelse, No.263 Squadron RAF, Colerne Airfield, Wiltshire, Winter 1941/42
4. P7081, HE-E, “Bellows Argentina No.3,” No.263 Squadron RAF, Charmy Down Airfield, October 1941

Click below to check out an additional photo and a product link.

Continue reading At Long Last: Special Hobby Releases New Tool 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Mk.I

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Special Hobby Shares Liveries For Upcoming Westland Whirlwind Kit

Special Hobby has posted an update with marking options for their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.I model kit in 1/32 scale.

As previously reported, the kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited. Previous updates have focused on CAD renderings, test fittings and the molds, which were reportedly created using an electroplating process sometimes also known as galvanic deposition.

The company recently completed work on the 3D data, and released renderings showing early and late cockpits. The cockpit itself will reportedly be “very detailed” with the kit boasting both plastic parts and PE fret.

Click below to check out the newly released livery profiles.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares Liveries For Upcoming Westland Whirlwind Kit

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Special Hobby Shares Update For Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

Special Hobby has shared new set of renderings for their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.1 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited. Previous updates have focused on the molds, which are reportedly being created using an electroplating process sometimes also known as galvanic deposition, and test fittings of parts.

The company states that the 3D data is now ready, and has released new renderings showing early and late cockpits. The cockpit itself will reportedly be “very detailed” with the kit boasting both plastic parts and PE fret. Click below to see more.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares Update For Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

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Special Hobby Shares Development Update on 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

Special Hobby has shared a new update on the development of their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.1 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited. Previous updates have focused on the the molds, which are reportedly being created using an electroplating process sometimes also known as galvanic deposition, as well as test fittings of parts.

The newly released renderings detail the cockpit, which will reportedly be “very detailed.” According to the company, the kit will be plastic, with the gold parts being PE fret. Click below to see more.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares Development Update on 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

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Special Hobby Shares First Test Shots of Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Kit

Special Hobby has shared the first test photos of their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.1 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The newly released images show the first test shot of wing and engine nacelle molds, as well as the first raw wing sprue fit test. According to the company, corrections are necessary, but it looks good.

As previously reported, the molds are reportedly being created using an electroplating process, sometimes also known as galvanic deposition. The kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited.

Click below to check out a selection of images.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares First Test Shots of Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Kit

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Cooperation Announced to Build and Display Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 P7056 “Pride of Yeovil”

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum and the Westland Whirlwind Fighter Project have announced a cooperation to build and display an example of the Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 at the Hawkinge-based museum.

According to the announcements, the museum will be helping to raise the needed funds and each sub assembly will be displayed in their Stuart-Buttle Memorial Hangar as they are built. These displays will “bring the work of the Whirlwind Fighter Project to a wider audience” and provide an opportunity for the public to “expand their knowledge of airframe construction and design.”

The twin-engine, single-seat Whirlwind fighter-bomber was developed in the 1930s and went on to serve in WW2, where it saw use in a variety of roles including bomber escort and ground attack. In addition to Hawker Hurricanes, 263 Squadron was equipped with eight Whirlwinds during the Battle of Britain. It was eventually withdrawn from service in 1943 and succeeded by the Hawker Typhoon. Continue reading Cooperation Announced to Build and Display Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 P7056 “Pride of Yeovil”

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Construction Begins on Westland Whirlwind Rear Fuselage

Earlier today, UK-based Westland Whirlwind Fighter Project announced that Airframe Assemblies Ltd has begun construction on the machine’s rear fuselage.

The twin-engine single seat Whirlwind fighter-bomber was developed in the 1930s and went on to serve in WW2, where it saw use in a variety of roles including bomber escort and ground attack. It was eventually withdrawn from service in 1943 and succeeded by the Hawker Typhoon.

As previously reported, The goal of the project is to build a single example of the Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 that “is indistinguishable from an aircraft in Squadron service during the Second World War.” The final product not be airworthy, but will utilize original available plans and original materials where possible.

Work is reportedly being carried out on the original press that belonged to Westland and is now in the care of Airframe Assemblies. When complete, the machine will be the only known example of the type in the world.

Click below to check out the complete announcement.

Continue reading Construction Begins on Westland Whirlwind Rear Fuselage

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Special Hobby Releases Photos of Fuselage Mold for Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Kit

Special Hobby has released new photos of the galvanic molds for their upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind model kit. The new images add on to previous mold photos released last year, this time showing the fuselage and small parts.

As previously reported, the molds are being created using an electroplating process, sometimes also known as galvanic deposition. The kit’s development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community, and although a timeframe has not yet been announced, its release is anxiously awaited.

The twin-engine single seat Whirlwind fighter-bomber was developed in the 1930s and went on to serve in WW2, where it saw use in a variety of roles including bomber escort and ground attack. It was eventually withdrawn from service in 1943 and succeeded by the Hawker Typhoon. No examples of the type exist today, although a full-scale reproduction is reportedly under construction.

Click below to check out the new mold images.

Continue reading Special Hobby Releases Photos of Fuselage Mold for Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Kit