Full Review with Geoff Coughlin
A bit of background
I have always loved the Scout helicopter, mostly because of the spirited displays at airshows back in the day. It just looks ‘right’ to me and although now retired from service, at least one still flies in private hands as an historic tribute to the type, along with the naval version, the Wasp.

The Westland Scout is a light helicopter developed by Westland Helicopters. Developed from the Saro P.531, it served as a land-based general purpose military helicopter, sharing a common ancestor and numerous components with the naval-orientated Westland Wasp helicopter. The type’s primary operator was the Army Air Corps of the British Army, which operated it in several conflict zones including Northern Ireland and the Falklands War. (Source: Wikipedia)

VIDEO DEMO
The plan…
The plan is to build this one almost straight from the box – maybe a bit of wiring later on for the engine, but maybe just a few bits and bobs to busy that area up a bit, plus any missing seat belts and aerials etc.
I just love the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) option on the decal sheet, having seen this airframe in the flesh at an airshow.
(Photo: RAF Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo 1985, featuring ETPS and A&AEE units from Boscombe Down. A Scout AH.1 XP849 shown here. Courtesy: Kitmasterbloke)
The LS Models kit…
You may have seen my in-box browse video review when I bought this kit? If so you will see that the parts are nicely detailed, especially for a short-run production kit. There are some small sink marks, plus quite a bit of excess flash that needs to be removed, but what you get does look good at first glance. My aim with this build is to give you a heads up on how it all goes together and offer some tips along the way to help you with your build. This may be useful for this Scout kit as well as their Wasp release as many of the parts for both kits seem to be included in this boxing for a Scout AH.1.
The kit instructions are okay, but it can be hard to find the parts that are numbered in the instruction booklet but not on the sprue.
I think it’s going to be a very good idea to try and make this model in several sub-assemblies and then bring it all together after painting, I’m sure this will make the whole task easier. We’ll see.
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – It’s great to see the ‘Scout’ in scale form and looking forward to following your build progress as usual.
I haven’t heard of this kit manufacture until now.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the film ‘Who Dares Wins’ but there’s some great footage and scale-inspiration featuring the type.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Paul,
Thanks and yes, great film and plenty of possibilities for modellers with this kit release. G
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – She’s taking shape very nicely and looks great.
I really like your technique for dealing with butt-jointed glazing sections.
The mini-pegs are a great help too.Perfect for such work without too strong a grip.
We’ve a local HobbyCraft Store and it’s always enjoyable to search for such helpful items and sundries in there.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
James Ashton says
Nice job Geoff. Lovely little kit, I just wish someone would do a larger scale, 1/48th; Maybe Airfix?
Best Regards
James
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks James, much appreciated. Yes, couldn’t agree more, a 1:48, or even 1:32 would be great for a subject like this :) We wait….GC
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – What a gem this build truly is.
I greatly admire your level of detail and even more so on such a small subject.They say the best things come in small packages and this model shows how true that is.Superb.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Paul! G
Geoff Coughlin says
Oh yes Paul – we wish! It would be such a big seller too :) As you say, fingers crossed!! G