This was my first helicopter build, and I really liked the kit. The mold is very detailed and the plastic itself just feels quality. I don’t know how else to describe it, but I’m sure you expert modelers know what I mean.
The finished product is pretty big – including the rotors it must be around 18” long. The set doesn’t include an option for folded blades, so make sure you have some room on your shelf!
I did this one with the markings of HMM-365, the squadron that transported my unit in Kosovo. This was my first attempt at making my own custom decals. The actual “HMM-365” letters came out a little small and thin, but I’m happy with the rest.
Only bummer is that I spent days working on the interior, building the seats and stretchers, painting the details, getting everything nice and grimy looking… and you can’t see the slightest bit of it. Obviously it’s not the kit’s fault that it reflects the reality of the actual machine. But I could have decided to build it with the ramp open if only there had been an extra pair of these unassuming little side pieces that had already been glued in place in an earlier step. So my advice is, if you’re going to build this, ignore the instructions and don’t glue anything having to do with the ramp until you finish the interior. Then you can decide how you want to display it. And if you’re going with the closed ramp, don’t bother doing much in the interior.
Anyway, here it is. Just trust me: The interior looks great. Ha ha.
I like it also. One trip in one during “basic”. We will trust you on the interior! All of us probably spend more time than needed on those. Then just hide them when we close things up. Silly modelers!! Good job. Bob
Looks really good. Just got this same kit in the mail today. Hope mine comes out as well. Like you I want one that I rode in which just happens to be the unit pictured on the box cover, the “Raging Bulls”. Thanks for the advice on the ramp!
i did not need to see a cool helo model given my stash queue. very nice. i think a deck base instead of wood would really set it off but i’m kinda a base freak. i may have to winnow my stash a bit and get one of these. cooler than a CH-47.
