Recommendations for a 1/72 Chinook?

Modeling Subjects Helicopters
1

Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for a 1/72 Chinook?
The kits I know about are:

Italeri CH-47D or HC1
Matchbox CH-47 or HC1
Italeri MH-47E SOA
Italer ACH-47A
Airfix CH-47 UK or Spanish…(probably a D)
Revell MH-47E or HC3

If anyone has built any of these and has any input on such things as accuracy, ease of build etc etc it would be greatly appreciated.

Paul

2

I’d definetely go with the Italeri Chinook or it’s reboxed versions from other the manufacturers. The Revell MH-47E is the same kit as the Italeri MH-47E, except it has a better decal sheet (but it a little more in price), and the Airfix CH-47D is the same kit as the Italeri CH-47D/HC.1 kit. The MH-47E kits have the same base parts as the other kits, the difference being the inclusion of the parts to build the Spec Ops version of the Chinook.

The rotor blades are inaccurate for a current Chinook and need to be modified to represent the carbon fiber blades now in use (change the 90 degree cut out at the root of the blade to 45 degrees) The cockpit is very basic (and inaccurate for the MH-47E kit), but it really can’t be seen once the model is assembled. I didn’t mess with changing mine, so it’s a matter of self preference. The cargo area is completely devoid of detail, other than some structural ribbing on the walls. Some major work will be needed if you want to display the model with the cargo ramp down. Again, I didn’t mess with mine (doors are in the shut position on both of the Chinooks I’ve built). Assembly can be tricky in spots, nothing major though. Watch the bottom of the fuselage, and the canopy/nose section fit. Both required some filler to fare them in smoothly.

HTH,

3

Thanks for the info Alby, it will come in useful. I will never get the hang of all the reissues of the same kit by a different manufacturer. How do you find out about such things?

I have the Matchbox kit in my stash and that one already has the correct blade profile. I should be getting delivery of the Italeri kit in the next few days - the D model Italeri that is. I will probably leave the ramp up as well - too much like hard work to add all the interior detail - apart from the red seat straps visible on the inside of each cabin window. Looking at the price difference between the Revell and Italeri MH-47Es here in the UK, it is worth getting the Italeri one and then getting after market decals - it will still be no more than the Revell kit.

4

The Airfix is a reboxed Italeri

5

Just like you already did yourself, Paul: ask this forum! I myself have always got the kit-answers I was looking for right here.

Good luck, best regards Gertjan

6

I have the Revell kit with the special RAF colours.
It’s the CH-47 D HC Mk.I kit.
It is pretty accurate ( I think, I’m a a/c builder really…), has raised panel lines, but pretty good cargo interior. Clear, but thick transparancies… And a large decal sheet.

Cheers,

Jürgen