Hello all,
I am in search of advice on building a replica of San Diego County Sheriff’s Copter 12. I have purchased the Revell UH-1D Huey Gunship 1/32. Although after reading through a discussion posted here it seems the Italeri Huey (205) seems to be favored. Anyones thoughts on how to accomplish this goal of building this as it will be a gift for a family member.
Thanks,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/calfiresandiego/sets/72157623174463955/with/4463300062/
The Revell 1/32 kit isn’t too bad. It is a little sparse on interior details and the hinges on the pilots doors are huge and need to be replaced. With some work, it can come out looking great. It would take a lot of work to convert it into the SDCS Huey below though.
Firstly, it is a civilian Bell 205++ which has a cargo door on the right side of the tail boom (you can see it where the ERI is in SHERIFF). The Italeri kits have this feature in the box, as does the Dragon 1/35 Huey since it is an upscaled Italeri 1/48 kit. They all also have the correct rotors (212 rotors) for the Bell 205++.
Secondly, Cobra Company (CC) made the firefighting pod under the belly in both 1/72 and 1/48. CC is now out of business, but Lone Star models bought their stock and masters and may have some, or hopefully will in the future. They also have the CC 1/35 and 1/32 upgrade and interior detail sets for the Revell and Dragon Huey kits.
Lone Star Models: http://www.lonestarmodels.com/Cobra-Company.html
Last, you would still have to extend the skid uprights, make the steps, make inlet barrier filters, and make some other parts, along with decals.
It can be done and would look awesome in the end. Good luck with it.
Phenomenal! Thank you HeavyArty! I am ordering the Dragon 1/35 as you stated the 212 rotors are in place in addition to the cargo door on the tail boom. Excellent eye and thank you for writing such a great response. I am collecting all my tools.
Lastly I am searching for someone who is able to print the decals, I have already created the files in photoshop. [:D]
Updates on this build can be found