[:)]Hi all.
I still can’t find a decent UH-1B![V] The best I’ve seen is the MRC kit, but as far as I can tell, they are not being produced anymore. I tried to order the seminar kit but again nobody had one[:(]
I’ve tried the big internet/mail order firms and they don’t have 'em!
If anyone sees one in their local hobby store-please e-mail me!
Thanks,
Darren[;)]
Tango,
Your best bet is to get the MRC UH-1C kit and the Cobra Company B model backdate set. Should be able to get one butt-kickin B model out of that!
My local shop still carries both of the MRC UH-1Cs. I think they run around $30 give or take.
Thanks guys!
I already have a UH-1C, it’s the academy kit. Is it the same one as MRC?
If it is, I’ll be hunting down that backdate set on the double!
Many thanks for your help.
Darren.
Tango,
You can find the backdate set at www.cobracompany.com
Thanks Cobra, I’ll check it out.
While I’m here, can I pick your brains? The reason I’m doing a “B” model is because I want to build a diorama of a couple of Air Cav huey’s on the deck with figures. I thought I could use panda’s “D” model with it to make the scene more interesting.
After looking at a couple of historical sites, I soon found out that I did know as much about hueys as I first thought! In some of the pictures I’ve seen, it looks like “C” and “D” models together. As my dio. is based around two Air Cav hueys, what would be a more accurate companion with my “D” model?
Sorry for such a long-winded question! I usually build jet-fighters so 1/35th choppers are new to me!
Many thanks,
Darren.
Darren,
Actually, quite the good question! A standard “Assault Helicopter Company” that served as part of the 1st Aviation Brigade in Vietnam would usually have two to four platoons, depending on numerous different circumstances. Usually they would have one platoon of slicks (UH-1D’s and later H’s) and one of Guns (UH-1B/C and post 1967, maybe Cobras). Divisions all had organic aviation companies as well, which were of the same general format. The only differences being the two “Air Assault” divisions, the 1st Cav and 101st Airborne.
These two units had Assault Helicopter Battalions, each with four companies. More often than not, D company in each of these battalions would be a guns company while the remainder were the slicks used to transport the division’s troops.
If you’re thinking of doing the 1st Cav, they had two battalions, the 227th and 229th AHB. The guns from the “El Lobos” (D/227th) and “Smiling Tigers” (D/229th) would be used to escort the slicks from their sister companies. They used UH-1Bs through 1967 when the more powerful C models came in-country in large numbers. If you’re doing an Ia Drang Valley scene, the B model is the way to go.
If you’ve seen “We Were Soldiers”, the Huey Gunship they use is wrong! Its a UH-1C with miniguns that wouldn’t have been in Vietnam for another year from November 1965!
Hope that helps some!
[:D]Cobra,
You are a mine of information![^] Many thanks for your advice, it is much appreciated. I have seen We were soldiers and it was that movie that made me want to build some hueys.
My “C” version is going to end up as a “B” I think. That web address you gave me came in handy. I’ve also seen a nice correction set for the Panda UH-1D![:)]
Once again, Many Thanks[;)]
Darren.
Darren,
Glad I could help. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need more info!