Here is my latest build. I am working on a UH-1H SAR from White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), NM. It is in the Hi-Vis / Arctic scheme. I recently flew on this bird and thought it was pretty cool. Here are a couple pics of the actual helo.
I am using the Panda (pre-Dragon rebox and PE) UH-1D/H in 1/35. I have added the Cobra Company UH-1N center and upper consoles, intercom/radio control boxes on the ceiling, interior light unit, and B pillar supports. The instrument panel is from the 1/32 Revell UH-1D/H; it fits great once the angled base is removed. The pilot seats are from the kit with the side armor panels removed. The Flight Engineer seats are from Academy’s UH-1C kits. The troop seats are a combo of the widened kit gunner seats, Revell 1/32 supports, thinned down kit seat upper backs, and a scratch built bench. I also replaced the gunners’ seat legs and added cross supports. The seat belts are made from lead foil and wire for the buckles. I also scratched the inner door panels.
Also, I will be adding parts from the Fireball Modelworks UH-1H/V Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) Update. From it I will be using the APR-39 antenna bulges and particle separator. The ASE set is also 1/32, but the particle separator was actually too small to accept the Panda cowling. I had to sand down the cowling quite a bit to make it fit. Lastly, I modified a pair of side steps from the Monogram 1/32 Puma to fit it as well.
I can see why you’re inspired to build that one. It’s paint scheme is rather striking. Your interior is looking good. I like the seat belts; they have a nice, randomly rumpled look. Are you going to have a mini-Gino in it to commemorate your flight?[:)]
She is done. Here are a few more of the final build pics first. I used wire cutters and supports from the Academy UH-60 kits. A pitot tube and tail rotor (with 1/8 inch cut off each blade) from the 1/32 Revell Huey, and a towel bar antenna left over from a 1/35 Seminar UH-1B kit. The grab handles and cage-thingys at the top edges of the canopy are made from this wire. I also lightly sanded the entire fuselage to knock down the size of the rivets a bit too. Here it is ready for paint.
And with initial paint on it.
I made the decals using inkjet computer decal paper. I also used some decals off the Fireball Modelworks UH-1D/H sheet. I made markings for UH-1H 74-22367. It is the one below with 367 and the WSMR Army Air Division logo on the nose.
Thanks Ray. The colors are the standard colors for the Hi-Vis/Arctic scheme of Insignia Red, FS11136; Insignia Yellow, FS13538, white and flat black. I used all Testors Model Master enamel paints in those colors for it. It was a fun build, but I think I am done messing with white paint for a while.
Thanks for the color info. I really like the scheme, but when you’re used to OD green, it seems like it’s a lot more difficult. How long does it take to do something like the hi-vis arctic scheme? You mentioned not wanting to work with white again. Did you have to lay down a lot of paint to cover the OD parts?
I did the painting over about 4 days. First, I painted and taped off the flat black area. Then I painted it white, and let that dry about 24 hours. It wasn’t difficult to cover the green parts or the black that I had as overspray and used to check the seems. I just used a few light (mist) coats first, then one heavy cover coat. Next I taped off the white and sprayed the red. I let this dry about a half day. Then I taped off the yellow band on the tail and painted it. I let it all dry another 24 hours to set up well. The issue with the white was that every time I touched it, I would invariable have some paint residue on my fingers and it would show up on the white. I was having a hell of a time keeping it white. Not fun at all.
Where is the weathering??? No mud…no dust…I’m shocked! [(-D]
You must have gone blind painting the controls. [X-)]. I love the overall colors. I’m sure you had to clean the air brush for awhile after all the sand and OD paint work you normally do. [swg]
I have a couple of helos on my shelf and one of these days I’ll try one for a change of pace. When I do, I will look at this thread for inspiration.
Another great build. If you are always building the little bullet sometimes I guess it’s nice to build the big sky.
I think you should build a mini-me. Mini-me helo flight, mini-me in a Bradley…etc. You could start the new Gino series [:-^]
Gino,
Your SAR build has been added to the Huey links page. I think you’re summary of the painting will be especially useful as well as your build pics. Thanks for sharing!
Ray
Its nice to see something other than OD, sand and grey once in awhile. I love these hi-vis schemes and you pulled it off well. The interior is really amazing too.
