I have a problem. I’m addicted, not only to modelling in general, but to Matchbox kits in particular. I’ve tried to quite, really, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. I love their weird subjects and the fact that you can generally get them for very little money. When you combine this with a growing love of interwar European bombers, that means that Matchbox and Heller are going to be the targets of choice!

Of course, sometimes I like to get a bit wild; the weirdness of a straight Matchbox kit isn’t enough; that’s what happened when I got a hold of the Wellesley. Looking around on the ‘net, I found that they used the Wellesley for several different tests, including for the Hercules radial!

I decided to take my little Matchbox and try and make a test airframe out of it. I guess it worked, because it turned out pretty well, I think. Check it out and let me know what you think; I always value feedback!

https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/planes/matchbox-172-wellesley-mk-i-vickers-model-289/

Just Awesome.

That's a great build!

Great job, Adam! I love old kits and good old, fun and “reasonable” modelling. A 1/72 Wellesley is so small that any added detail would be lost to my old eyes, and an overdone weathering would have destroyed its elegance. Thank you for sharing.
There is a minor discrepancy. The Hercules had sleeve valves, without pushrods, but it’s hardly noticeable. Overall it’s a little gem!

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

I think I have way more fun with Matchbox kits than the short run, super-detailed ones I sometimes build. If I'm saving any kits from a fire (God forbid!) It'll be the Matchboxes!

You're right, of course, about the sleeve valves. I've had a few people point that out. However, since it was just made from scraps lying around, it doesn't bother me too much. It's still closer to the real thing than any other conversion I've seen!:)

I did win Best RAF at the London (Ontario) Scale Model Show in 2014 with it, though, so the judges must not have noticed my engine boo-boo.

Words of wisdom.

Very nicely done Adam

Hi Adam

Beautiful work! I remember Matchbox's Wellesley when it was released, and I was immediately smitten by the strange beast. I'd love to see a modern kit of it in 1:48 too - it's an aircraft that deserves its spot in the modelling limelight.

All the best

Rowan