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Valom 1/72 Vickers Wellesley Mk.I - Inbox Review

Dave Ward

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I remember building the Matchbox model of this decades ago. The Czech maker Valom has no connection to this model & the tooling dates to 2014. Valom produce several boxings of this including the long range version.
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The model comes in a sturdy box, just the right size!

Sprue Shots
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The pieces look clean, detail may be a bit soft in places, no shrink or ejector pin visible marks - tiny bits of flash. This is a short run model, no location pins!
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Instructions
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A4 sheet folded, glossy paper, look pretty clear
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2 marking options - paint callouts referenced to several maskers & F.S.

A few detail shotsDSCF2634.JPG
Engine is the worst part - a lot of flash, it may need replacing if it won't clean up, although it does fit into a close cowling ring.DSCF2635.JPGDSCF2637.JPG
The wings show the underlying geodetic construction ( The geodetic construction was pioneered by Barnes Wallis ). It's a bit faint, so thin coats of paint will be needed.
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Detail is soft on the smaller parts
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Some panel detail, but this generally fabric over the alloy frames. I think a wing spar will be needed - I don't fancy just a butt joint!DSCF2641.JPGDSCF2643.JPGDSCF2642.JPG
Internal details, but a tiny cockpit & windows will only allow a glimpse. One or two omissions - the one I noticed was that there was no locations for the underwing bomb panniers & no dimensions on the instructions for their placement.
This is a short run model, and, although well presented, a lot of input from the modeller will be needed, so not for the beginner.
It's not well known, but these aircraft saw combat against the Italians in Ethiopia/Sudan/Abyssinia in WWII.
Availability? Some retailers do stock them, but prices are in the high £20's - ironically, the Matchbox versions on ebay are fetching around the same price! I did get this from ebay, but didn't pay anything like as much!
Dave
 
That’s one I have looked at getting too. For some reason I like the look of this plane, and though I have the Matchbox kit in my stash, I don’t really want to build it because it’s so old :) This Valom version looks like a good one, so I may end up buying one at some point …
 
It's just so quirky, I can see the appeal. It looks far too big to have only the one engine!

Nick
 
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