A CH-53E, by nature, is a very large, dirty, difficult, flying goo-ball. These pictures illustrate my attemps to capture a 53’s personality in 1/72 scale. It’s part Italeri and part Revell/Germany (same molds). I chose this particular aircraft for two reasons:
During the opening of Operation Iraqi Freedom it was the most reliable aircraft in the squadron. Like the Energizer Bunny, it just kept going… and going… and going.
It’s the last CH-53E in the Marine Corps to have all black markings. Which does make decaling much easier.
The first pic is after initial painting. The second shows it after non-skid application. And the last two are after decals. Soon I will begin extinsive weathering to make it a true flying goo-ball.
Sweet… My cousin is an instructor in air-frame mechs on the shitter over at new river. This bird is going to rock, keep up the pics rolling. Whered you find the kit at, Ive been looking for the kit since I got out of the Corps 6 months ago.
Mem
Cpl IRR
3rdbn 2dMar
I found the kit on Ebay. Who’s your cousin? I probably know him.
Jacksonville has a pretty cool little modeling club. We meet every other Saturday. The next meeting will be at the Hobby Chest at 2 on Feb 5. You’re welcome to come join us.
Very nice, Chris! I’ll be sure to hit up Evil-bay soon for an example. Fell out of one of those suckers, once. Good thing I had a monkey belt on!! - Calvin
Looks like the ol’ girl is coming along nicely.[:)] Can’t wait to see her finished. I remember seeing the AMRR reports between 464 and 462…there was quite a difference.
How are you going to do the oil stains? Im working on a A-1J Skyraider Tamiya 1/48 scale kit and trying to figure out the weathering for oil stains and exhaust. Oh and the cousins name is Wayron “Rawl” Kersey
Mem
I think I met him once or twice at the “100 Proof.” There are 5 guys over there that have left the 464 airframes shop within the last 2 years, so I often run into the school house instructors.
I’m not sure how I’m going to do the oil stains. I was thinking about mixing some transparent orange (with a little brown) with Future for the oil stains, and maybe some transparent red with future for hydraulic fluid. I’ll have to do some experimenting though.
She looks great Chris. Last time I saw he rshe was all black and you were sanding the seams on her. Looks like you got alot done in the duty hut over the weekend.
By the way. How did you mask her off to apply that nonskid. the sponses look outstanding.
Where did you get the no-skid at?? Im thinking about using it on the skyraider instead of the cheesy black decal that looks like some sort of mistake with black paint. Looking good dude, I want to see this thing when you get done
Mem
One thing I cant tell from the pics, on the back vert. stab. is the lower section grated like it is in real like, or did they do a cheesy style? I think I remember the 53e’s having the lower section on the rear boom with a grate on it, but Im not sure
mem
Paul, yeah, I applied all the decals in the duty hut.
The non-skid is Tamiya Black Acrylic (XF-1) mixed with baking soda. Enough baking soda to make it into a thick, gritty paste. I then masked it off with Tamiya Masking Tape. Then I dabbed (not brushed) the paste onto the airframe. I’d take off the tape and let it dry. The stuff turns out looking a little too large and out of scale, but all it takes is a light scrape with an x-acto to make it look right. If you overdo it with the x-acto it looks chipped, worn and weathered. I’m happy with the way it turned out. I got my inspiration from months of putting non-skid (glorified paint with sand) on the real chopper. I used some stickers I picked up at staples to mask off the “circular man-hole-covers” on the sponsons. I think the stickers were meant to be used with 3 ring binders or something.
Oh yeah, the grates are molded in there. It looks kinda cheesy, but a little black wash/panel line treatment should do the trick.
Where did you get the black decals for this? I am currently building the Pave Low III conversion but I need Amercian decals. Looks nice so far. Hope to see your final as well.
Awesome work Chris! Puts mine to shame! Thanks for the tip on the non-skid. I have an A-1 Skyraider in the stash pile in 1/72 scale to try that on. Your tip should be sent to Finescale for publication.
