Wednesday 3 February 2016

We intterupt your regular broadcasting......

Hi all

Sorry to squeeze this post in between the 2nd and last parts of the Scooby-Doo AAR, I had resolved to reduce my posting down to just twice a week - Mondays and Fridays in order not to burn myself out or to bore you guys to much with my constant wittering on, but my new project for the zombie apocalypse is to build a helicopter for a couple of scenarios i have in mind plus the obligatory random event.  I bandied this idea about a few weeks ago and once again my blogging buddy Vampifan came up with the goods - thanks Bryan for the links to all those fab websites.


I decided to go for the Westland Wessex as it's an old favourite of mine, we used to see these flying over all the time when our local RAF base was open, plus living by the sea, search and rescue used them before being replaced by Sea Kings. This aircraft is also based on an American chopper the Sirkorsky S-58 so can be used in an American setting as well as European.   Although the Wessex has been retired from active service they are still knocking about and made their way into civilian use, so I can also use them for dodgy corperations.

I haven't built one of these types of models for decades and I'm looking forward to it. I decided to buy the kit type helicopter rather than diecast for two reasons, firstly it's a hell of a lot cheaper and secondly it's a building project all on its own and I'm relishing the challenge. Of course that could all change when I've covered myself in glue and slung a half completed and incorrectly modelled model........

I suppose what this post is really about though is a bit of a dilemma that I have, how do I paint it up? That's the reason it has to be posted about now as I'm soon going to be painting it. Do I paint it up neutral so it can be all things to all games? this seems the logical thing to do as i will be able to use it in all kinds of games....but (and there's always the but) This helicopter is very iconic to my personal history and it seems a shame not to paint it how it was meant to be, added to that are the excellent decals that came with the kit that would really bring it to life.

So what do i do? please i beg you fellow bloggers and commentators help me make up my mind.....

normal viewing will now be resumed and the final part of the Mystery of the Zombie Virus will be posted on Friday.

11 comments:

  1. Personally, I'd paint it as you remember it,as the Wessex. You're more likely to engage with the painting process. You could always get another for a neutral setting if needs be!

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  2. As the great Orc says "wotz betta than wun choppa? Two choppaz!!"

    Great idea Tim, although my wallet just gave me a sad, sad look. I must admit I'm leaning toward the nostalgic.....

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  3. Tim has beat me to it, that's what I was going to say.

    Post Apolcalypse all sorts of military hardware will be patched up and used by the survivors (according to the films). Whose to say that the survivor isn't the original pilot anyway?

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    1. Good point Sam, maybe just weather it up a bit to give it a patched up look. I love the idea for the pilot, I feel a scenario coming on.....

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  4. I have to agree with Tim and Sam. Paint it as it is meant to be and make use of those wonderful decals.

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    1. The decals are too good not to use Bryan, I must admit it's looking like I should paint it up as i remember it, probably would go for the SAR look....

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  5. Hmm, as I see it there can be 3 types of helicopters in a modern zombie setting: civilian, military or "black". This isn't really the right model for a black 'copter and I don't know about civilian colours. I'd go with RAF, navy or air/sea rescue; it'll be simpler if you follow a scheme that is already described in the kit.

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  6. Now that is going to be seriously good fun and looking forward to seeing it in relation to 28mm miniatures. As for painting, I think you know it has to be the one from your own history.

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  7. What about a US Coastguard colour scheme? When finished some shots with 28mm scale figs would be great. This is something I've thought about as well, just need to see if it's a good fit size wise.

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  8. Paint it how you remember it. It could always be in disguise from its true purpose during games :) Or seconded from the local military or whatever.

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  9. I think Royal Navy SAR is the way forward, fits with my nostalgia, they have one at the local airfield museum and there is loads of source material for me to use. I do think I might have to get another chopper though one that is a bit more utilitarian. Yay another project lol

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