Anybody seen a Marine One kit out there? Maybe I need to just REALLY custom a Sea King?
I haven’t seen kits for one… Super Scale does make a decal sheet for it:
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=MS720391
You’d just have to research any mods to the helicopter of which I am sure there are a few…
I agree with tho9900, haven’t seen any specific “Marine One” VH-3 kits, but the decals are out there. If you really want to get creative, the VIP insert to the VH-3 is pretty plush.
The H-3 is being retired. They’re being replaced with H-60’s. Academy’s New CH-46 has marking for HMX-1.
I know what you are looking for and I have just found it myself, so I hope this helps. I am a Naval Aviator stationed at HELSUPPRON TWO in Norfolk. We still fly the mighty UH-3H Sea King here, as well as the Vh-3H Executive Transport (ET) version (Same as Marine One) to which you are referring. We fly here stateside as well as in Naples, Italy and as The World Famous Desert Ducks in Bahrain. I saw a H-3 fine scale model only once when I was in flight school in Pensacola and through a friend I was able to get it in my hands at last. I just purchased the Revell 1/48 scale Sikorsky SH-3G Sea King helicopter model from the Pensacola Naval Air Museum for $32.00. The model is Revell #04466. It is a Level 5 kit and has a lot of high detail parts about 200 total, In white sprue with many small clear parts as well. Since it is a “Golf” model you can do without the “Mad Bird” sonar dipper and torpedoes. The decals are for HS-10 and they are very numerous. The decal sheet is about 8X9 " in size. I plan to buy one more kit so that I can have a Grey Bird and an Executive Transport Version to modify as close to the real thing that I see every day. If you have any questions drop me a line . jjhangs10@hotmail.com
Actually, the Marine One VH-3s will be replaced by either the S-92 or US101. The VH-60s seldom perform Marine One duty.
I concur with supercobra, it will be the S-92 or the US101 as I have heard as well. The S-92 is the new bird of choice that The Navy has also been looking at to take over the VIP/Flag runs we at HC-2 in Norfolk will be giving up in the near future. Got to sit in the cockpit of the Sikorsky S-92 in VIP green about 5 months back when it came to our squadron for a contract visit by Sikorsky Reps. What a beautiful helo it is. HMX-1 will be styling that’s for sure.
I stand corrected. I’m sure the S-92 is nice and all, but I’d love to see a CH-53E with shag carpeting.
Not beat a dead horse (old thread) but… check this out! I cant wait for the US101 kit (if they ever make one that is)!
This is where the picture came from by the way… http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/us101/
From a Defense Department message…
“On June 1, 2009, the US Navy terminated the VH-71 presidential helicopter replacement program.”
VH-71 was the military designation for the US 101.
Looks like we will be keeping the old Marine Ones for now.
I believe this project was canceled as the aircraft was over specified. That is they tried to put 10 lbs of crap in a 5 lb bag. Its one thing to pack the amenities they want into a 747 but it isn’t practical to do it in a helicopter that has to operate from the WH lawn…unless they cut down several of the trees on the property.
In fact in a recent article I just read the Canadian Armed Forces wants the aircraft the US has already acquired for flight testing so they can use them for spare parts for their aircraft. This aircraft is a great machine when it flies but has been reporting less than a 50% flight sortie rate. Not a good system considering they are primarily used for air rescue duties…duties which are being flown by airframes which this aircraft was purchased to replace.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Canadian+Forces+Obama+chopper+cast+offs/3755788/story.html
According to this they are taking a fresh look at reworking one of the proposed airframes.
According to the FY2011 Aviation Plan, HMX-1 will keep the VH-3Ds until FY 2020 (unless a replacement airframe comes along) along with the VH-60Ns. MV-22Bs should start replacing CH-46Es during 2013.
Very cool. I so wanna see an Osprey in those colors and markings. There’s another Osprey to build.
To drag this thread back on topic, Sweet makes a 1:144 scale H3 with Marine 1 markings.
The kit itself is sorta snap-tite but makes up into a sweet (pun intended) little model. Other decal options on the sheet are a NASA and USN Apollo-recovery bird.
New systems never have the greatest reliability rates until the crews get fully up to speed on them.
That said, the US Navy is not known for their ability to run programs. This one was dead from the start, and not too many people blame Augusta/Westland for the failure.
Hawkeye models here in Australia have some 1/72 scale Presidental / VIP decals for the Seaking , Blackhawk and Super Stallion …
http://www.hawkeyemodels.com.au/Site.htm
I have quite a few sheets but haven’t used any of them as yet ; I’m still trying to figure out how to scratch build those APU units that fit onto the starboard sponson of the seaking .
John .