My neighbor is Ranger from Afghan and Iraq he notice I build models aircraft he was wondering if it was possible if I build him a MH-53J Pave Low aircraft. The only 53 I find is the RoG and I can not find out whether that kit has those marine intakes that are on the 53E. Can someone give me some insight on what I should do?
Stanton
Driver,
No, the Marines wanted a more reliable version of the 53 during operations over the seas, so Sikorsky added a third engine embedded in the support pylon for the main rotor. The R of G kit is an earlier version with only two (2) engines. The R of G kit is the only game in town for a 1/48th H-53, and serious modifications would have to be done to convert it to a Marine version. There is currently no aftermarket resin/PE to do this conversion either. I know because I have been waiting for one for years. HTH!
Best Regards,
Ken Bailey
(SonyKen)
If you want to build the MH-53J Pavelow III, it is possible with the RoG 1/48 kit. Cutting Edge Model Works does a couple conversion sets for it.
Cockpit set, http://www.greatmodels.com/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=cec48032
Weapons Set, http://www.greatmodels.com/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=cec48001
Cobra Company does the exterior conversion set,
http://www.cobracompany.com/48024.htm
Don’t know about the USMC Sand/FOD filters, they could probably be scratched.
Correction, if you are talking about the EAPS (Engine Air Particle Seperators), as posted by ridleusmc below, yes, the RoG 1/48 model has them on the engines.
Further correction, if you are talking about the below model, no they are not on the engine necelles. The Revell 1/48 USAF CH-53D Super Jolly Green Giant version does have them though.
RoG CH-53 GS/G:
Revell USAF CH-53D Super Jolly Green Giant:
If you are looking to build a CH-53E out of it, it is not the same aircraft. CH-53E has third engine, and bigger sponson boxes, but is wider, longer, and just bigger all around. It also has 7 as opposed to 6 rotor blades as on CH/MH-53.
Good luck.
Just a little of bit info. Those Intake fittings are called EAPS (Engine Air Particle Seperators). They creat a vortex which pushes particles against the outside of the EAPS and force them out of a blower fan at the back of the EAPS. The doors at the front of the EAPS open up at over 40 feet above ground level to allow a free flow of air into the engines. Here’s a pic for your ref. That cylindrical thing at the back of the eaps is the blower. Of coarse, this is an E, but E’s, D’s and Pave Lows have the same EAPS
That second kit that HeavyArty posted is the very -53 kit that I have on my shelf!
So, just to be clear, I CAN make that into a Pave Low, but most definitely NOT a USMC 53E? I guess I’ll just have to keep moaning, along with the rest of us, for someone, anyone to make a 1/48 -53E (you wouldn’t have to twist my arm all that much to take a 1/35 one, too).
One of these days, I’ll get the -53 built, in one version or another…
I’m currently building that kit myself. The cockpit lacks detail, so if you want a more realistic look, you might want to consider one of the aftermarket kits like HeavyArty suggested. The interior’s not bad, but could stand for some upgrades as well. Lots of raised rivets (read as thousands, so seam work will be a bear. Mine’s turning out okay…I might wind up sanding off most of them just because they’re a pain.
Good luck with your project!
The Revell Germany kit is the CH-53D with additional parts to make a German version.
All the original parts are there, plus a choice of two different styles of drop tanks and rotor blades. The Marine style intakes are also included, though they are not used on the German version.
Good news. If anyone is looking for one, there are two currently on Ebay:
http://search.ebay.com/CH-53-GS-G_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8QQsatitleZCH-53Q20GSQ2FG
When you convert the ROG CH-53 to a MH-53 Pave Low III,where do you get the refueling probe from,does it come with the conversion kit?
I believe the CC upgrade set comes with all the parts to build up the PaveLow III. If not, it should have instructions on the proper size and length rod to add for the probe. If that is the case, it probably comes with the tip in resin as well. I haven’t used the set, but have used other CC sets and they are usually great and complet with detailed instructions. I doubt it will give you any problems.