1/72 SAAF S-55

Here is my Italeri Sikorski S-55 (H13B) I am doing in the 1960’s South African A F sceeme of silver and dayglow.

The fit and detail is OK, just make sure to add lead to the nose to stop it being a tail sitter.

I built it extremely simple out the box.

Italeri 1/72 S-55

1/72 S-55

1/72 S-55 SAAF

1/72 SAAF S-55

Theuns

That’s a Bright one!

Looks nice .

Yea, I doubt this could be seen as a low viz sceeme LOL!

Here it is all done. Humbrol 209 dayglow and Tamiya silver with Future satin coat.

1/72 SAAF S-55

1/72 SAAF S-55

1/72 SAAF S-55

Theuns

I am very interested in this helicopter. Was this the correct colour for the SAAF? Please help I need to find historical records on this SAAF helicopter. I saw this helicopter at ysterplaat. I need more information on this South African version and what it was used for in 1960.

As best as I can recall it would be silver as the base color with dayglow bands. The pix I have seen of the restored on that pranged as Swartkos some yeasr back had the dayglow a little more reddish than the dayglow orrange that was on the SAAF Harvards.

It was not totally red, but not as orrange as the Harveads. As for the actual 1950’s /60’s era Helos in the SAAF, I cant tell with certainty as I have not seen colour pix of them, even then the colour in the pix may not nessesarly be as correct as in real life

I just took some artistic licence with this build. The dayglow would have faded quite fast anyway in the sun and very soon the areas especially on the top of the craft would turn into a light cream/yellow shade with orange blotches in it.

As for info n this particular craft, maybe check out the SAAF forum and join, Im sure somene there will know what you want to find out - http://www.saairforce.co.za/forum/index.php

Hope it helps

Theuns

Those things were like the Studerbaker of helicopters in appearance. I’ve never built one but might consider it. Interesting paint scheme there !