First Post to Helicopter Forum USMC CH-53's

Modeling Subjects Helicopters
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Hello Forum Mates,

I introduced myself over ont he welcome page, and the folks over there said to stop on by the helicopter page. I am very glad I did. What a bunch of great builders over here. I am back into the hobby after about 10 years off. so I jumped right in and started building 1/48th scale CH-53’s for a Marine buddy of mine. Wow things have changed in the past few years. The 1/48th scale CH-53E by Academy is amazing and what a ton of parts. The after market accesories are amazing as well, engines, main gear boxes, electronic bays…YIKES! so after a long time off here are my attempts at putting together some kits for my friend.

(1) CH-53D in 1991 desert storm colors I actuall built in 1993, and am repairing for him

(1) CH-53A from 1989 HMT-302 UT-00, MCAS Tustin

(1) CH-53D from 1990 HMH-462 YF-53, MCAS Tustin

(1) CH-53E from 1995 HMH-462 YF-59, MCAS Tustin

I will post some pictures next.

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I’ll repost

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CH-53E cockpit

We used to put up para cord and then hang all of our seats belts up like this. Before we received the upgraded individual crash worthy troop seats. This is scratch built I know they have an upgrade sewt for it now.

Interior CH-53E

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Looking good. Nice job on the cockpit and cabin.

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Here are the academy CH-53E and the revell CH-53D side by side

side by side

Here is the line up for my Marine buddy.

CH-53A

CH-53D

CH-53E

All of them

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Very nice! I am a Air Force vet’s son (not a brat-Dad was a 1st Sgt), so I am very fond of the HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giants and the MH-53s. Good looking builds and can’t wait to see more.

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Fantastic! They look great - and really nice work on the cockpit.

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Very nice. Is the E a shorter aircraft thn the D or is one of the kits out of scale? I have the Revell kit.

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No, the E was just not Finished. The Academ kit and the Revell kit are both very good in their scale. To appreciate the size of the Echo you really need to see her in person.

The E is 99 1/2 feet long. Probe to tail. The cabins are close, but the E cabin is longer. Same width. It’s the E’s tail that is just monsterous. With that big horizontal and the 5 degree cant.

Both kits are great builds.