Stalker6recon
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Posts posted by Stalker6recon
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On 4/8/2020 at 8:26 PM, 11bee said:
focused on the real thing
My bad, been a while since I was on the thread.....no biggie.
Cheers,
Anthony
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1 hour ago, Newtonk said:
Littlebird
Yikes, that whole thing sounds horrible, but I must admit, it's the first one I have heard. Since I am still a beginner, I don't have the encyclopedic knowledge regarding accuracy that most of the people on these sites have, so I won't be worried about accuracy as much as I worry about fitment. I ordered both kits with figures. One will be build as a transport, the other as an attack craft. The figures are going to be mixed together with a set I plan to order for my MH-60L by Kitty Hawk.
The model numbers are KH50002, KH50004, and KH50005 Blackhawk.
I can't say that I have seen other A/MH-6 kits, so I don't have anything to compare it too, other than my 48 scale kits, that I have yet to build. I have two of those, and conversion kits to make them into SOAR aircraft, forget the manufacturer of the conversion kits, but it's a popular conversion for the little birds.
Anyway, I am certainly curious to know what pitfalls await in the build, if you can remember the details, and what steps are missing. I certainly need all the help I can get, as again, my skill level is basically zero again. Haven't built a kit since the late 80's.
I plan to build at least one Academy Blackhawk before tackling these new Kitty Hawk kits. I am following a couple build logs of their Blackhawk series, and both builders speak wonders regarding the level of detail, far exceeding the older Academy molds, but always room for improvement by the artist on these forums.
Sorry you had such a negative experience, I certainly hope my experience is far different. But only time will tell.
Anyway, thanks for the feedback, and again, if you can help me avoid the problems you encountered, that would be awesome. Cheers,
Anthony
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Hey guys, I finally ordered my two little birds by Kitty Hawk, but now I keep seeing a 2.0 version for sale on ebay and in some online stores. I don't have my kits yet, I am stuck in mandatory quarantine on the other side of the island from me home, so I won't be getting any of my online orders until I get back to my place, which might be a while.
Anyway, I am having trouble finding out details, what makes the version 2 different. Does anyone have details as to what the new kit has that makes it different, and possibly better than the original kit?
Thanks in advance,
Anthony
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29 minutes ago, Whiskey said:
According to the web address for the photos it's www.americanspecialops.com
Thanks for adding the link, that is the correct one. I am quite shocked at the number of photos that are for the most part, showing the faces of those in the different SF groups, which is unusual. I would think they wouldn't want their faces shown for security reasons. I have been going thru some of the photos of the men, looking for a buddy of mine, but still have not seen him, yet. I will let him know if I find his photo there, it seems a bit reckless. But apparently there is an ongoing Fox TV show that follows recent/current Navy SeAL's in training operations. I live in the Philippines, so I was unaware of this, if true, it's rather sad to me. Turning the teams into a reality TV show like cops, just seems wrong.
Anyway, I hope those photos are indeed new, and I am happy to have been able to share something to what is likely the very best resource for Little Birds in the entire unclassified world.
Cheers,
Anthony
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Hey guys, I stumbled upon a website dedicated to SF, including but not limited too SOAR. They have a few very nice photos that I can't remember seeing on this thread. I will post some, in the hopes they are new to the thread, they certainly are interesting.
Anyway, if they turn out to be duplicates, just let me know, and I will delete the post in the name of space.
Enjoy 😊
There are a few more pictures of the Little Birds, plus a bunch of Blackhawks and Chinook as well. Seems like a very nice site for reference photos of helicopters from the SPECOPS community as a whole.
Cheers,Anthony D'Agostino
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7 hours ago, HeavyArty said:
Yes, MH-60Ls fly w/out the pilots doors pretty routinely, esp. in hot climates. The side cargo/troop doors are usually pinned back in the full open position as well.
I knew that this was the place to get the quickest answer. Thanks!
Anthony
PS. Haven't built the kits I bought from you yet, life got in the way, but I gave life the boot, so hopefully soon, I will be on the bench with one of the big kits.
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Hey guys, I have a quick question regarding the 160th SOAR that I am sure you all can answer.
I was looking over a very nice build of a Kitty Hawk MH-60L, and the builder left the doors off. Is this something the pilots would do? I know the Little Bird often has no doors, but the Blackhawk, I have doubts. Also, would they remove the rear sliding doors as well? I only ask, because there is so much great detail inside, it would actually be nice to leave them off, but I want to be accurate as well. And since I plan to show my kits in flight, the pilots doors would have to be closed, unless they are removed.
Thanks in advance,
Anthony
PS. Has anyone built the Kitty Hawk A/MH-6 kits yet? I just ordered two of them, the 50002 & 50004, the two that contain figures, which I will mix and match with other figure of the MH-60L's I will be building in the future.
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On 7/27/2019 at 6:26 PM, Tank said:
rotor head was soft on details
Speaking about the rotor heads being soft on detail, have you seen the rotor head upgrades for the CH-53 by res-kit? They make the 6 blade version, and the 7 blade E type. They look gorgeous!
7 blade version, made in 48 and 72nd scale.
Plus, they make the rear rotor as well, in both scales. In fact, they have quite a lot of upgrades, wheels, wheel well, intakes and more.
Then you have even more upgrades by Black Dog, full engines and electronics bays, great for the folded up build with maintenance bays open all around the big bird. She really is a gorgeous specimen of the ingenious ways that man has overcome gravity.
After we score a win with this type, we need to start pressing the companies for a 35th scale MH-47 used by SOAR. They could make it optional which type we build, SOAR or standard Army bird. Imagine having one of those as part of your next armor diorama!
Cheers,
Anthony
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2 hours ago, Newtonk said:
definitely viable for a manufacturer to release.
I concur 100%!
Academy, are you reading this? You would be the obvious choice, since you already have what is considered the best CH/MH-53E in any scale, with a bit of tweeking, you could easily create a 35th scale. Sure there will be required work on details and cleaning up any mistakes that were made on the 48th scale kits, but you are still ahead of the game. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to create the first CH-53K! Maybe even make a single kit that builds up as either the C or M versions, builders choice. That would widen the net. Then a new K kit to go along side.
I would recommend Kitty Hawk, with the help of Floyd, as my second "go to" for helicopters. They are still in the learning phase, but they are not scared to try and provide as much detail as viable in a plastic kit. Hopefully with time, they will get better and better with their fit issues.
Finally, Revell is the only other maker of 48th scale kits, but apparently they are seriously lacking in details. If they upped their game, they could make a quality kit for us, along the lines of their still top of the heap F-15E's.
Lets keep the conversation going, someone from these companies has to be reading threads, testing the waters for what people want.
Cheers,
Anthony
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The best way to do this, is order the filter and find the fittings once it's in hand. There is no better way to assuring a proper chain, than having the chain parts in hand. Bring the hose from the compressor, the new middle part (filter) and the hose that is going to connect to the filter and airbrush, if your current hose attachment doesn't match the filter out of the box.
This way, there is no mistakes and you get exactly what you need for your configuration. That would be my advice, I am dealing with the same issues.
Good luck, should be pretty simple actually, especially if you have all the parts in hand. The old saying, "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it"....... I feel the same way about firearms😁!
Cheers,
Anthony
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1 hour ago, GeejeeZ said:
It took me ages to sand out the overdone panel lines
Just out of curiosity, why didn't you just fill the panel lines? As I am new to modeling again, I don't have a command of the techniques or reasons for using one over another. I am still struggling to find the Philippines equivalent to many of the materials used in other countries. After about a year, I finally found the local version of future floor polish. Needless to say, I bought 4 bottles, don't know when/if I will ever see it again.
I have read about many techniques that are absolutely new and even alien to me. I don't expect perfection right out of the gate, but I do still have high hopes. I had intended to start my return to modeling with a pair of AH-6 Stealth helicopters w/ CMK conversion sets. One AH, one MH. I figured doing two all black kits would be a easy way to start. When the kits arrived, I was shocked at how tiny they are. When the resin conversions arrived, even more shock set in. I didn't even know what I was looking at.
Anyway, I started by removing the fuselage halves to begin cutting away the doors. In my haste, I cut out the rear doors, but only one door needed removing, I had inadvertently removed a big chuck of the fuselage itself! IDIOT!
But there was light at the end of that tunnel. When I nought the set, I was under the impression that the Academy kit with the ugly yellow glass was the only kit that worked. I soon figured out that any Academy kit would work. So I ordered two new kits with clear canopies, and now I have plenty of spare parts! 😁
The kits are cheap, the CMK conversions, not so much. Add shipping to the Philippines and import taxes, they really get expensive. Since I have so much money invested, I decided to save them for a later day, after I develope some skills first. So my return kit is a Tamiya F-15A 48th scale. Simple, basic building to hone my skills with panel lines and other detailing methods, plus regain my airbrushing skills. I am ALMOST ready to start building the kit. I did get a small amount done, but ran into an issue where I lacked the right color paints for the cockpit. Now I am just waiting for a few bits to get my compressor hooked up. I had planned to use my no name, tankless compressor from Amazon. After others warned me of the fluctuating air pressure, I decided to take my larger 5 gallon compressor used for running nail guns, into my paint compressor. It can put out nice consistency, a huge help for spraying paint.
Almost ready! After that kit, I am unsure of what is next. Probably a 48 Blackhawk build, as learning and prep for the bigger 35th scale kits I have, with LOTS of resin.
So that is my story and I am sticking to it. Now I just need a 53 in 35 (see its meant to be!), I would love any version, but maybe the new K would be a nice way to start in that scale. Whose with me? 😊
Cheers,
Anthony
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8 hours ago, GeejeeZ said:
I like to build fast
I don't know what kind of builder I am. My last build was during the Cold War😁. Back then, there was no internet, no forums or blogs, no place to even get reviews. The choices were local only, and even then, it was based on what the shop decided to put in their inventory, so the choices were just a tiny keyhole view of what was out there at that time. Most kits had the names Revellogram on them, a few DML or Fujimi kits and if lucky, the owner would stock some Hasegawa or Tamiya, considered the "up scale" kits, their prices matched. The only supplies available, were little square bottles of testors paints, but they did make FS colors, which was perfect. Then the greatest, most horrible supply of all, that testors stringy, smelly, get everywhere you don't want it, turn plastic into molton lava tube glue! That stuff ruined more kits than I was able to finish. The idea of repairing a canopy was not even considered back then. Maybe it was possible, but when you had no money to buy the model magazines, you were stuck with what knowledge you had in your head, I had very little.
Today, it's a whole new game, a new world really. I see the super detailer, and I like what I see, but I also know that my accuracy to the rivet is not that important to me. I will build the kit as it is, with some PE/resin upgrades, but I won't be scratch building to correct fault in design. I guess that means I will be somewhere in the middle. As long as it makes me happy, then I am happy!
Cheers,
Anthony
PS. I was looking at both the Dolphin and the Sea Sprite, what are your thoughts on those?
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10 hours ago, GeejeeZ said:
Not too keen on the prospect on KH kits
Just out of curiosity, which kits did you build from them? I already have a few in my stash, the details seems to be really good, but I haven't built one yet. Really, haven't build anything yet, just waiting on the last few bits of paint, supplies and fittings for my airbrush, before I can start a build in earnest.
In my stash, I have their 48th UH-1Y, AH-1Z, F-35B and planned on getting their latest 35th scale kits, one of each. Are they really that bad? Others like them, but it's always hit and miss it seems.
Thanks, the more feedback I have, the better off I will be when the builds begin.
Anthony
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2 hours ago, Chief Snake said:
I elected not to do the ceiling due to it's complexity
If you think it's too complex, then I know I bit off more than I can chew😁. Did I mention that the last time I built a model, the cold war was still a threat?
I like to challenge myself, but I might have to skip the ceiling as well, maybe they will fit into the Kitty Hawk kits when I get my hands on one of those. I only have two Blackhawks right now, but three sheets, so I will have at least one to try out with the Kitty Hawk kit, when I find one that is.
Thanks for the picture, already downloaded and in my Blackhawk file. Have you tried to install the ceiling in an Academy kit? If so, what were the results? Also, what color should they be painted? They look good in black, just a bit too shiny, I considered just putting a matte finish over them sheets, but not sure they should be black at all.
Thanks as always,
Anthony
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9 hours ago, Chief Snake said:
Hope this helps.
Actually, looking at the panels you have, I realized instantly that they are completely different than the sheet I have. Mine is black, laser cut from one sheet of plastic. The main differences appear to be the small ribs that come in my set. The floors are fairly obvious where they go, but the smaller parts are the most confusing. I will try to get a picture of them, and share it here, maybe you will recognize them.
Having seen some photos of the new Kitty Hawk Blackhawks, I might be able to better know where these parts go, their interior is far more detailed over the Academy kits, which the ceiling is just a flat slab. I have a feeling that much of the detail belongs up there, but I may be wrong.
It's hard to see, but the ones on the lower left are for the pilots floor area. Maybe once I build out the interior of the kit, the location of the unknown parts, will become obvious. I hope so anyway. These are apparently cut for the Academy kits, but would be curious to know if they would still work with the Kitty Hawk kits, with a bit of trimming.
Thanks for trying to help me out with the panels, I never thought that there would be more than one type out there.
Cheers,
Anthony
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6 hours ago, Rotorman said:
Fellows, fellows...lets have an CH 53 in 1/35 scale first. oh its good to dream. Ill take a 46 in 1/35 as well.
You have my vote. If we really want to get these kits made, we should send our requests either to Floyd, or to Kitty Hawk directly (especially the MH-47 SOAR) and Academy directly as well. Maybe trumpeter too, since they already have the 47 in 35th. If we get all fellow rotorheads to bombard these manufacturers at once, maybe something would happen. We need everyone, even those who don't really want the kits, to support the effort.
Not sure if this is a pipe dream, but I would like to think that the kit makers pay attention to these forums, this is where their kits become legend or trash heaps. Maybe we could start a thread like a petition for modelers to sign. Has that been done before?
Cheers,
Anthony
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Fair points all, I just hope that the 47 is made by Kitty Hawk, that is our next big chance I think. Pretty confident that their sales would justify their manufacturing them, even if on a limited basis. The Trumper kits have sold well enough for their era and lack of details, which a new Kitty Hawk would certainty address. One only needs to look at the other offering coming from them to know we would be in for a treat.
Cheers,
Anthony
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23 hours ago, Tank said:
A 53E rotor span is over 2’ in 1/35 scale, even if you fold up the main rotors, the fuselage length is close to 3’. The 53D rotor span is at 2’.
I understand it's big, even if the rotors hang over the edge of your diorama display, it would still add appeal, although to be safe, those rotors need to be clear of any moving traffic. Just out of curiosity, which is bigger, the CH-53E or the CH-47D? I know that there are a few Chinooks in 35th scale, and I always thought that was a larger helicopter, but never have seen one side by side. I guess a quick check on Google will answer that question.
Thanks for the info about the size, now I really want one😀!
Anthony
*EDIT*
CH-47D
General characteristics
- Crew: three (pilot, copilot, flight engineer or loadmaster)
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Capacity:
- 33–55 troops or
- 24 litters and 3 attendants or
- Payload: 24,000 lb (10,886 kg)
Length: 98 ft 10 in[126] (30.1 m)
- Fuselage length: 52 ft (15.85 m)
- Fuselage width: 12 ft 5 in[126] (3.78 m)
- Rotor diameter: 60 ft (18.3 m)
- Height: 18 ft 11 in (5.7 m)
- Disc area: 5,600 ft2 (520 m2)
CH-53E
General characteristics
- Crew: 5: 2 pilots, 1 crew chief/right gunner, 1 left gunner, 1 tail gunner (combat crew)
- Capacity: 30 troops with new crash attenuating seats[citation needed]
- Payload: internal: 30,000 lb or 13,600 kg (external: 36,000 lb or 14,500 kg)
- Length: 99 ft 1/2 in (30.2 m)
- Rotor diameter: 79 ft (24 m)
- Height: 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m)
- Disc area: 4,900 ft² (460 m²)
As we can see, both are roughly the same length, but I am not sure is that includes how far the rotors reach, my guess is the length is the fuselage only, making them both monsters. Where the CH-53E becomes an issue, is the size of the main rotor, since it has only one, it is much larger than the Chinooks, but the Chinook has two, which makes me think that it would be comparable to the CH-53E in total area required to display each kit, where the CH-53E is also capable of being folded up, making it more compact than the Chinook.
So from these measurements, if they can make the Chinook in 35th (see trumpeters kits A and D), then it should be feasible to make the Stallion as well.
But I doubt that we will ever see one, so if they do make it, I will be happily surprised and be the first one to order a pair. Kitty Hawk seems to be moving into the scale with thanks to Floyd Werners input, let's hope they continue their line of SOAR Birds with the MH-47 as well.
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5 hours ago, 11bee said:
Still think it’s not going to sell well though. 😞.
I think they would sell better than people think. Maybe I am wrong, but it seems that there is a shift towards 35th anyway. With armor making the lions share of kits in that scale, it seems like an awakening among modelers, that allow them to include air assets into their dioramas as well. Will it every sell like the M1 Abrams? Probably not. But my bet is that they would have little trouble selling every one, especially if they make sure to include the many options above, if done on a limited basis.
The big scale seems to be doing just fine, and this is a good "between" scale, where it seems armor and rotory can meet. It's strange that the scale is limited to ground vehicles, makes sense to broaden the appeal for the scale by adding helicopters IMHO anyway. Maybe that is just the hopeful optimist in me.
Cheers,
Anthony
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6 hours ago, Chief Snake said:
The Academy Blackhawk kits have building problem areas.
Wow, that is way more than I expected. Some of which will be negated by the set I have to work with.
First, the floor of the crew cabin and flight deck will be replaced with the resin set that I have. Hopefully the width is accounted for, or I will be in trouble. Shaving down the sides seems like a long process where much can go wrong. I have seen others tackle these types of issues by using the table or miter saw, and cutting the part down the middle. The width of the blade usually removes enough material to solve that problem. If you need more taken off, then something is seriously wrong with the kit in my humble opinion.
I also read that the cockpit floor should have open boxes under each pilots seat, the resin correct this. As for the IP/Shade, all those parts are replaced via the cobra correction set. I might get lucky with fit throughout, but clearly I need LOTS of test fitting.
Finally, as for the incorrect levels under the nose/fuselage, I will definitely keep a watchful eye on those elements. Thanks for the tips!
Cheers,
Anthony
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On 7/5/2014 at 4:17 AM, Loach Driver said:
Helicopters are a niche subject and probably make up a very small portion of any manufacturer's overall sales.
I know this is an old post, but I find it very relevant today. I would love to get my hands on the H-53 in 35th, but I also know that I am a minority in the modeling world, which is a shame.
While I love the new tech in the world of air power, it's still not as interesting as the piston planes of yesteryear. Even more, the helicopter is an extraordinary machine in every form in my eyes, and they make for a much richer model in the hands of someone with talent. They are machines to me that should not fly, but they somehow do. They move forward even though they don't have a pusher/puller propeller in the classic sense, most have the aerodynamics of first generation cell phones. I have come to realize that the helicopter fuselage doesn't actually fly at all, there is almost no lift surface on them, and obviously when moving slow or hovering, the fuselage plays even less of a role in flight. The truth is, the only part of the helicopter that flies, are the main rotors, and they literally drag the fuselage into the air.
Even though I am new to model building, I am fast becoming a "rotor head", a love and appreciation I received in my first Blackhawk ride in the Army. From that point onward, I was hooked. Post military, it's still my favorite subject about my time in the Army, before and above all the other cool toys and tech we used.
Anyway, I do hope that one of these manufacturers comes out with a 35th scale H-53, I for sure would buy one. I am also in the process of egging Floyd on about Kitty Hawk making a proper MH-47, since he is the only person I know that has their ear. I would recommend anyone and everyone who loves helicopters and SOAR specifically, send a message and a wink to Kitty Hawk about a new full line of 35th helo's, as they are a diorama dream as well as being beautiful all by themselves.
Cheers,
Anthony
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Hello, what a beautiful build, do you have a WIP for this monster? Also, my biggest question is this. I have been looking at the BIG ED set for the CH-53E, but not sure how much of that Eduard PE can cross fit with the MH version. Sounds like you had success. Which Eduard set did you use, if you still have the information?
Thanks in advance,
Anthony
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Thanks for showing us the finished kit, looks great, I have to agree though, I have two Academy kits and a LOT of resin parts, including the floors made by someone from ARC, they are really nice, far better detail over the kit floor. It's just too bad I didn't get a ceiling part as well, but might not make too much a difference.
Now for the 64 billion dollar question, did you have installation guides for the ballistic plates? I too have those sets, and they are impressive. Fortunately for me, I have enough for the two Academy kits, and two more, which will hopefully be Kitty Hark kits.
Yesterday, I found a review with side by side photos of the fuselage halves, Kitty Hawk destroyed Academy in the area of detail, they are not in the same league, or sport really.
While I expect to enjoy my two Academy kits, I now see them as training kits for the real thing, when I can afford the Kitty Hawk kits that is. Probably won't be for at least a year.
Again, thanks for the great pictures, and any tips, suggestions or warnings I should be aware of, before I get in over my head?
Thanks,
Anthony
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Tried to send you a message, but got kicked back as unable to send to your profile?
Interested in the MH-60M.
Thanks,
Anthony
AH-6C, MH-6 photos from AH6C-SIP-PICS ARE BACK!
in Helicopter Modeling
Posted
Looks like the spot on the vertical stab is just water spots on the lens. You can see another one to the right on the blades, my guess is that there would be more, but they match the color of the grey sky background, so they are only visible on dark surfaces. I take a lot of pictures, and have had similar marks from mist/rain many times.
As for the rotors, I know they use 6 on current models, but I can't remember which version the change was made. I believe it is the MH-6M, but someone much wiser than me can end the debate.
Cheers,
Anthony