The Rat's Silly Week 2025 Day 1

[The Rat]

For those familiar with the legendary BBC production The Goon Show, one of their more well-known episodes was The Jet-Propelled Guided N.A.A.F.I., referencing the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute, an organisation formed to offer military personnel a canteen providing food and relaxation. I decided that since this one was piloted, rather than guided like a missile, the name was modified. The links provided will elucidate those who are scratching their heads. 

 

The story

 

When significant changes were made to the Bristol Belvedere to bring it to service status, Bristol was left with two airframes to play with. At home one evening after a long day at work, a member of management was listening to The Goon Show on the BBC, specifically an episode entitled The Jet-Propelled Guided N.A.A.F.I., and a thought struck him; what about a flying N.A.A.F.I. for the use of troops in the field? It wasn't guided, like a missile, but it did have two turbine engines, so instead the project was named The Jet-Propelled Flying N.A.A.F.I. A suitable large tea urn was manufactured to serve the thirsty soldiers, who soon christened the helicopter the '10 Ton Teapot.'  A rather garish but patriotic paint scheme made it readily identifiable from a distance, notifying everyone in sight that a 'cuppa char and a wad' were soon available.

 

The Kit

 

Airfix obviously, recently re-released without any improvement other than a better decal sheet. It represents the prototypes, the most externally notable change being the rear empennage. Fit is passable, except for the forward transparency, which is atrocious. Wheels have centre holes that are far too large for the axles, so I found some replacements from the spares bin. After assembling the major bits, one is left with the final frustration; attaching the rotors. The kit design requires that if you want the rotors to turn, which is useful for storage, the hubs must be installed before the fuselage is joined. It would be much easier to allow the blades to be attached to the hubs before attaching the whole assembly to the kit, which can only be done at the risk of breaking them off during the remainder of the building, painting, and decaling. Another fault is the lack of any interior detail other than the flight deck, so if you want the side door open you may wish to at least install some sort of floor.

But she's done, I like it, and present it for your perusal.

[phantom]

Nope, its actually a believable scheme. Nice.

[Lost_Erik]

Noice!!!!