GeejeeZ

Whoa, thanks for posting! So there's still more to learn about helicopter prototypes after all. Indeed, ugly, and indeed: interesting landing gear configuration!

Hi Dutch, That's an impressive list! I have been looking for Bobkit kits (and then the Bristow machine) but have never been able to find one. The Heller Super Puma kits have indeed different sponsons included, some of them both have the streamlined sponsons with the emergency flotation gear, and also the big sponsons included in one kit. Some only have the smaller sponsons. Quite a challenge. Too bad though that there still is no 225- kit. Best regards, Gertjan

Nice find Dutch! I had always hoped an aftemarket company would show up with a conversion to turn the Heller 332 kits into a 225. Whirlybits did some nice conversions on the 'classic' 330 Pumas. For the LA rescue bird I guess that one of the regular Heller Super Puma kits would do? Rescue 5 is the 332L version, right? Good luck on the builds, keep us posted! Gertjan

Sorry Chris, not really sure what you mean with bubble windows: the newer type of JetRanger/ 206- pilot and passenger windows that are not flat, but 'stick out a bit'? Or the type of window on the pilot door that is used for vertical reference during aerial crane work?

Guess you mean made an A model in 1/48th Reddog-03? I am anxiously awaiting the re-release of the OH58/ B206 by Italeri, but afaik it hasn't materialized yet... But you're right: if I were to build a model OH58A I would prefer the 1/48th Italeri/ Esci over the 1/32 Revell. The Italeri has the correct type windows and has high skid landing gear included.

Looking good!!!

What Norbert says!! I forgot and came to regret it later. Also agree on Froggy's posts. The Dauphin in real life is a helo with beautiful sleek and aerodynamic lines, and I would like to build it like that, not with doors and panels sticking out. After building panels and doors on the KH kit closed, the thing looks like a WWII- tank and you have to carefully sand everything flush again, thereby removing any surface detail. Imho the kit could have done with less detail, but I know that's subjective: I am a lazy modeller... Gertjan

Now that is a nice release! No particular fan of the R44, but Stransky's choice of subject imho definitely beats yet another Black Hawk, Cobra, Huey or you name 'em... Now if the kit would get an upgrade to 1:48, it would be even better!

Great work Wafu!!! I will be following this one! Gertjan

Maybe the fuselage and rotor parts to at last make a real Cougar/ EC225 from the Heller or the Italeri kit?

Watching in admiration. Magnificent work!!! Gertjan

Great work as usual John!! At last a 145 in the proper scale, and looking good. I have never understood Revell's tendency to release these kits in 1/32. I would prefer a civil livery myself, like the scheme hawkwrench provided. But I guess I'd be outnumbered by the military aviation fans on ARC! Gertjan

Briljant!!!!

….You rock!!! Magnificent work!!!

Whoa! There I was thinking you'd just fabricate a floor and some seats and smack the rest of the parts together, but: no, more work! Nice work so far! I will be following this one! Gertjan

Yes I guess so. Even the smaller manufacturers (eg. Whirlybirds) that in this case could make a difference, hold their horses because the bigger guys (Revell, Italeri) may just take the complete market if they release the model after all. I have Always been quite positive about Revell: about the only manufacturer to venture into civil helicopter models. But after the second version of the 1:32 EC135 all is quiet on the Revell helicopter side; I can imagine that the sale figures of their EC135- and 145- models will not raise their enthusiasm on releasing another (civil) helicopter kit.

The subject of (no) kit of an AW139 was discussed some time ago on BritModeller. The owner of Whirlybird Models posted that releasing a (resin) AW139 kit was too risky for his company, with the chance of Revell (eventually maybe) releasing one. So I guess it's up to Revell, although ofcourse they haven't released a new helicopter model for years… The fact that the USAF ordered the AW139 does improve the chance of a release of an AW139 model ofcourse.

My thoughts exactly!

Interesting, and I would not have expected this! And: this might just increase the chance of a model of the AW139.

Awesome pics Rotorwash, thank you for sharing!!!

Thank you Mstor, will try that! Gertjan

Hi guys, After a long period of experimenting with different clear coats (gloss), I ended up with Humbrol Enamel. I don't use an airbrush, and prefer to apply my clear coats with a spray can. The trouble I keep running into with the Humbrol clear coat (enamel) is that the nozzle of the spray can cloggs up some days after first use. I also use other Humbrol spray cans but these don't give me trouble. Sometimes I manage to solve the problem by leaving the nozzle soaking overnight in a bath of Blue Wonder, but that does only do the trick one time... I store the cans in room tempera

You're right ofcourse. I just stumbled over it at the ams- site so that's why I copied it.

https://www.aviationmegastore.com/sa330-puma-complete-kit-expected-end-of-october-2018-sw48-19-scaleworx-resin-models-sw48-19-vliegtuig-modelbouw/product/?action=prodinfo&art=154458

And another great build Charlie! Paint job and weathering are very convincing! One thing: the title says ESCI, but afaik this is the Fujimi kit...? Gertjan