can i get some opinions on these? 1/48 scale
Minicraft’s are the best UH-60s in 1/48 scale. They are well detailed and very finely molded. The standard for 1/48 Blackhawks.
I agree with Gino! I have several, none built yet. The A,D,G,L, and K’s. The last having the most parts to build several variants.
[#ditto] Gino and Mel
However…
You’ll have to do some work on the interior of the Pave Hawk to make it accurate. It’s got the same shortcomings as the 1/35 kits. There are radio and countermeasure controls right behind the pilot and co-pilot, and those black boxes will have to be scratchbuilt. Check your references as some Pave Hawks fly with only one internal tank instead of the two molded together as provided in the kit (but that’s an easy mod). Externally, there are RWR, plume detectors and countermeasures that need to be included. And Pave Hawks these days have a FLIR under the nose. You can probably use http://www.cobracompany.com/48031.htm (You’ll need the FLIR head and mounting shelf, chaff and flare dispensors, ALQ-144 IRCM, front and rear rocket plume detectors, optional doors with vac windows since the old door window frames are gone and the ammo flex chutes) Check with Chris about ordering these parts by themselves. Oh yeah, and you can forget the ESSS wings; Pave Hawks don’t ever fly with him.
I’ve read reviews about the MH-60K kit, how inaccurate it is. Cobra Company makes a detail set that addresses the issues with that kit: http://www.cobracompany.com/48002.htm
[2c]
I generally agree with everybody, but I have had problems with warped and mismatching parts on these kits. The truth is that they are really the only game in town if you are looking for a decent 1/48 scale 60. If you are looking for a faithful representation of everything be ready to do some work in the interrior. I am not familiar with the other than Army kits, but the troop seats and cockpit have a long way to go. That is not to say that I don’t like the kits. The warping problems seem to be my luck and the fit problems that I have experienced are at least partly a result of the warpage. Many of the inacuracies, like the troop seat struts, can be corrected with very simple fixes. The cockpit requires more work but it is not too bad.
Mac
You might also try Aztecmodels.com for a nice decal sheet for your 1/48 or 1/72 hawks…the sheet provides cals for birds from all over latin america as well as the U.S.
Tank
here’s a link
http://www.modelingmadness.com/scotts/decals/az48009.htm
enjoy