I know this topic has been spoken of, fought over, etc. [xx(] many times before, but any aircraft fanatic quickly jumps up to defend his/her favorite kit, right?
Depends on which scale you want and what model of UH-1.
In large scale, 1/35 or 1/32, the best C model version is by Academy. They have a few versions, the UH-1C Frog version comes with all the weapons loads included in their other versions and has a 4 man crew (all the Academy UH-1s do).
For a UH-1D/H model, the old Revell 1/32 version is still the best out there. Nicely detailed and pretty accurate. Panda also does a 1/35 scale UH-1D/H that is not that great. Large rivets, huge panel lines, poor cabin and cockpit details, decals for the instrument panel that go on a flat piece of plastic. Overly sized parts, etc, etc. It does look like a UH-1D/H when done though. Panda also does a UH-1N Twin Huey as well. Same basic kit as the UH-1D/H with added parts to make it an N model. Same problems as the D/H kit as well.
For 1/48 scale, I have heard that the old Esci UH1s are good. Others can give you more on 1/48 and 1/72. I don’t build smaller than 1/35.
Have to agree with Gino about the 1/35th kits. If you are not interested in that scale, which scale would you prefer
Gino Academy also made a UH-1B in 1/35 scale and also Monogram made a decent UH-1 kit.
Actually, the Academy UH-1B is a C model with different decals and minus the filter aound the intakes. It is not a true B, just called as such by Academy. Cobra Company makes a set to accurately backdate the Academy kits to B models along with many other UH-1 update and correction sets.
CC UH-1 B Backdate set: http://www.cobracompany.com/35008.htm
Never heard of a Monogram 1/35 model. If you are talking about another scale, as I said, I have no idea, only build 1/32 and 1/35 helos.
To add to the former posts:
1:48: Opinions on the Monogram 1:48 UH1B are mixed. Heavy Arty is right: the old Esci-kit (now re-released by Italeri) of the UH1D is the best (and only 1:48 UH1D) available.
1:72: same story: the old Esci kit is re-released by Italeri and is the best 1:72 UH1D kit available. Stay away of the Revell UH1D; it is a Hasegawa re- release and without a doubt one of the worst model-kits ever. Don’take my word for it, ask anyone that bought it…
Good luck!
Gertjan
Whoa! I’ve never gotten responses that quickly. Yeah guys I think 1/35 is a good scale. I could make a cool 'Nam diorama with a Patton tank, or something (once I can afford it, that is). Thanks!
what I was talking about was the 1/48 scale Huey Hog from monogram I haven’t had any problems fit wise but I would say extend the fuselage bout a quarter of a inch to keep the main rotor from touching the top of the tail boom. And Third Echelon why not also add a 1/35 scale OH-6A to your Diorama as well Dragon made one and the one offered by Italieri is the exact same kit but I do suggest gettings the Eduard detail set since the instrument panel is lacking completely in detail for the dials and gauges.
Hey Guy!!!
Don’t forget the Monogram UH-1B in 1/24!!
It’s an ok kit and the biggest model kit of the Huey on the market!!!
Actually, It is a pretty poor kit with soft detail and overscaled parts. It too is actually closer to a C model, Mongram mixed versions and it is not correct for either. Lastly, there are no upgrade or correction sets in 1/24 scale so you will need to do lots of scratch-building, also try to find any accessories in 1/24th. Overall, not a good choice other than it is huge.
Here’s a couple avaibable through www.squadron.com
http://www.squadron.com/SearchResults.asp?ScaleList=everything&TypeList=5&ManuList=everything&Key=huey&Submit=Go
Hello,
I just purchased the Huey Hog Monogram model and can not seem to find many real photos on the net of the helicopter. Does anyone know a good site to reference this USMC Huey Hog.
Thanks, George
I am currently building the Monogram 1/48 “Huey Hog”. It requires a lot of clean-up, and has some fit problems, but it can be finished into a detailed model. Just my input[:)]
Sorry to join in so late but I just found your inquiry and the comments. In 1/35 I prefer the "new’ Panda model for a “slick” or troop carrying Huey UH-1H (same appearance of 1D). I believe it’s an upscaled copy of the 1/72 ESCI/Italeri kit. (which I liked best of the 1/72 kits) The only other one is the 1969 Revell kit.
Pick up detailing sets from Cobra Company. None of the model kits (in any scale) come with the side crewchief and doorgunner’s M-60 aviator grip, pintle mounted mg’s. Some Panda kits included the DML helicopter crew set which included ONE pintle mounted M60. You can get the mg’s from Cobra or get 2 DML crew sets…
note that many Hueys flew w/o the huge side cargo doors - check your references. Fireballmodels is coming out with a Huey decal sheet soon - should be well worth waiting for. Good luck and enjoy!!
BTW, anyone know if anyone is coming out with a new 1/35 AH-1G Vietnam era Cobra? The venerable old Revell it is/was the only game in town - and with Cobra Co - and now, Fireballmodels you can make a decent kit. But where oh where are the state of the art kits? In fact, I think the old Monogram and Matchbox kits are the only 1/72 kits…
Howie
doorgunner C Co 227 AHB, 1st Air Cav 1969-70
Don’t forget that Seminar UH-1"C"
It is in 1/35 and is actually a B model, with the parts for a C, except the rotorhead!!
Not quitre as nice as the Academy, but good value, and an OK rendition.
Hey!!1
Academy make the finest kit i have ever seen!!!
I am currently nuildind Academy’s UH1-C Huey FROG and i can honestly say i am having no probs at all…
Robert
You won’t find a reference site for that. The Monogram combination is totally fictional. The ordnance set up is all Army, not even close to what the USMC used. You would have to ditch the thumper and scratch build the pod/gun mounts. The decals are for a real squadron and paint scheme but for an aircraft post Vietnam and probably without ordnance.
It’s sad because I see a lot of nice Vietnam dioramas that depict the wrong ordnance system and a squadron that never left the states. Go to www.popasmoke.com to see what the Marine UH-1E ordnance system looked like.