Italeri models in 1/72 scale : kit review & modelling report 

The models got their additional painted details, somewhat half way shown....

Also, the hoists have different shapes, the one provided in the kit being used for the RN Merlin (lower kit), whereas...
- the Cormorant hoist (on top) was carved from an old bomb and painted red. 
- the Cormorant was also given two rounded "disk/pie" shapes at the rear fuselage, painted red. 

[ NOTE: later on I was informed that these are "crash locator beacons" but only 1 is used on the Cormorant at the right/starboard side; the model still shows 2 at both sides ]

(Pre-)production and current helo's show differences in areas, so study photos and choose a particular example for your model.
 

Cormorant Final detailing tips:
- [A] changed hoist
- [B] do not forget to insert a large window in the entry door part 40A for the Cormorant as indicated in the instructions and as provided in the kit
- different antennas were added and not 14E and 17E parts
- parts for mirrors 3E/4E, tubes 9E/10E/11E and 20E were not used
- some extra details were added below the fuselage, including some sort of hook wiring
- [C] wire deflector part 3C was placed further aft on top of fuselage
- [D] a search light from some plastic rod was added on the lower starboard side of the fuselage
- [E] locking mechanism on the emergency door in part 5C is in a slightly different position, but was left as is.
- [F] rotor head needs some careful work in order to get a good fit. The pin on all parts 14C  were slightly reduced in size. 

The Canadian Cormorant in operational use has slightly different markings than as provided in the kit:
- [G] the red area on the forward upper fuselage has a different outline than shown in the instructions
- [H] large black painted rear end of rotor pylon
- [I] some red markings were added at some small intakes
- [J] black painted area around left intake under rotor head and extended black area on engine fairings
- [K] addition of a small exhaust scoop at of left upper roof side
- [L] the walkway decal (no.12) on the starboard sponson black area is slightly smaller and must be trimmed, the right decal (13) is correct
- [M] The red/white striping decals at the cabin should be positioned at the middle of the height of the large cabin windows. These decals need some trimming as some extra windows are there (for example on decals no. 10A)
- decals 5, 6, 18, 19, 24, 35,  were not used
- [N] the markings (1A) ARMED FORCES and FORCES ARMEES should read Canadian Forces and Forces Canadiennes; these were simulated with some black paint, also adding a small Canada flag
- some smaller decals are undersize (4A) or oversize (7A, 8A) but this was left as is 

 Click on photos to see view without Conversion details

 

 

 

- [O] EH-101 Merlin entry door and added details like rope. On the Cormorant, this is an emergency door.
- [B] the large window in the entry door part 40A as indicated in the instructions and as provided in the kit was added
- [P] next to the starboard entry door behind the cockpit a small window was added.
- [Q] a small fairing was added at starboard
- [J] black painted area around left intake under rotor head 
- [I] some red markings were added at some small intakes
- [R] the "folding rotor head" looks unconvincing to me, but having no pictures can do nothing yet...

Decals were adapted:
- [S] the keep clear tail rotor marking on current EH-101 is same as for the Cormorant with a red box; this was adapted form a spare one
- [T] the white ROYAL NAVY markings as provided and the reg.no are too large; replace with smaller ones from the spare decal box 
- [U] extra (torpedo) pylon from a piece of cart on both sides
- [V] antenna added made from sprue

The grey walkways were added and used as provided in the kit; they were given a mat coating

     Click on pictures to see view without Conversion details

The RN MERLIN kit has the option to fold the tail and rotor, this being shown above...this is not correct, as the outer blades should also drop downwards... shown below...

The hinges of the two outer blades were twisted with a plier and glued.

And here they are, two nice helicopter models with different attractive schemes... Thanks to Italeri!