hey all - on a challenge from my better half Kelly , i’ve started my Charlie after all these years !!! I’m adding the Eduard photoetch interior , exterior & armament packs as well as a pair of RB Models M-134 minigun barrel sets . Pictures to follow soon - l almost promise ! The questions l have are as follows : - where were the hooks that pilots would hang their flight helmets on located ? I’m presuming inboard of the weapons systems sighting apparatus but would prefer to be somewhat accurate - On a 9th Cav bird would there be a stripe across the cabin roof ? If so , what color for a Bravo troop gunship ? -Would the troop have any color on the tops of the elevators ? Thank you in advance - looking forward to sharing this with y’all !
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Still having issues uploading pics - still plugging away with my build - LOVE the RB Models M-134 barrel assemblies although l’ve had to drill out EVERYTHING to solve fitment issues . Also still waiting for input on a location for pilots to have hung their flight helmets in the bird while on stand-by ( on say a laager or on the " hot" pad - any help guys ?
Wish I had more answers for you, 4x4, but I’m afraid that I come with a question as well. As far as locations to hang a helmet from, I’ve seen them hung by their chin straps from light brackets up by the center console a few times. I’ve got the RB M-134 myself and was curious about your fit issues. What did you have to drill to solve your fit issue?
Knight - l found l had to drill out all the holes in the 3 part 1’s as well as 2,3 &4 … Not sure what size bit l used but it was only a skosh bigger than the barrels/corresponding holes - they do build up to be AWESOME !!!
To hang helmets in the cockpit, there is a hook on either side of the overhead panel. You hang them from the chinstrap. There is also a hook in the middle, just above each windscreen, where the seatbelt is hooked in the below pic.
Hope this shows it well.
Thanks Gino !!! Fig’d you’d have the answers at least & most probably photos as well ! I have a ref photo of a 9th Cav gunbird with a yellow stripe 'cross the cabin roof …but the shot doesn’t extend to the elevators . Any thoughts ? My S.W.A.G. is they were red …again just a guess
I don’t think the elevators were painted at all (other than the standard OD) on early 9th CAV birds. In the below pics, they look OD.
More info on 1-9 CAV Markings can be found here: http://vietnam-hueys.tripod.com/1st%20Air%20Cav%20markings%20page.htm
It looks as though B Troop had a yellow square on the door. Nothing about a stripe. The above are from C Troop. Lots of info at this website on markings and such. Surf and you will most likely find the answers you seek.
Gino
That is one great site. I have it bookmarked for future reference. Why in the heck were those pilots of the 229th have to wait almost 40 years to be recognized for their heroic actions?
4X4
That is one sweet kit. I have it in my stash. Your pe work looks great.
Gino - thank you again !!! What a great site !!! Plasticjunkie - thank you as well ! I’ve been progressing steadily - 'bout redy for some paintwork … I have pics but can’t seem to post them off my dumb smartphone !
4x4maniac - 1/35 Huey - that’s an opportunity to pack a lot of detail, for sure! I’d like to build something like that some time in the future - I have the Italeri kit, which is a rebox - but I heard some gossip about some inaccuracies to correct. Do you plan to show the “hell hole” in your model? There is also always the problem to sort out the B/C version differences. So I am curious to see how you go about it. Good luck with your project and have a nice day
Paweł
Pawel - thank you ! I am still " doing my homework " as far as the hell hole detailling / cargo hook work goes … I find the research work is as fun , as rewarding as the build itself !!! And in going through my stash l rediscovered an RVG Ah-1G Cobra l started years ago - added the Eduard p/e set & scratchbuilt the 40mm grenade launcher - and ordered the Trumpy Ch-47A with a mindset to do an ACH-47 conversion . I’m guessing l should probably finish my " in progress" stuff 1st as my Kelly is starting to look at me a little strangely again when she goes in the craft room !!
US Army Hueys don’t have helmet hooks beside the overhead panel. Instead they are behind the pilot’s head. You can see these comm wires wrapped around a UH-1M (UH-1C with a newer engine) at Pima Air and Space Museum that I photographed.
Here is a UH-1V that served as a crash rescue bird with Flatiron at Ft. Rucker. This should help visualize how the helmet would hang.
Hope that helps.
Ray
Do you happen to know which specific C/1/9 gunship you will be building?
I haven’t gone that far into my search yet insofar as reconciling a specific tail # to my bird yet …