HeavyArty

Cobra Company has/had a conversion in 1/48 scale. It is without decals though, so you still would need the Fireball decals for it.

Funny you bring this up. I have been considering the same thing. I even contacted Joseph Osborne about up-scaling his decals to 1/35, which he can and will do. I may get his 1/72 conversion and build it as a guide too. The radome is the same. The mounting base for it is different though. It sticks out more and has flat sides and bottom. It is shaped like an upside-down U. Check out the walk-around pics here for some good shots of it.

Those all look awesome. I'm guessing 1/48 scale..or are they all 1/35??

Believe it or not, the Trumpeter M4s are actually the best, while the figures that go with them are mediocre at best. Dragon's M4s are a close second. Some of Dragon's older era (ODS and Vietnam) ones are not M4's but CAR 15's and M16A1 Carbines. They are a little different in the barrel design. For seatbelts, any of the ones you listed will do fine. They are all basically the same. Good luck and keep us posted.

How about a new long-fuselage Huey series (D/H/N/412), UH-34, OH-58A/C, Bell 207/407 long fuselage; all in 1/35 and all to the quality of their UH-1C kits.

No idea what Dave used, but I have one in the planning stages. Revell has two versions of the 1/32 EC-145. The ADAC kit that has all you need. It is packed full of extras and has the parts for about 3 different versions in it. The large box is bulging with sprues. It is an easy conversion, simply paint over the windows on the rear clamshell doors and add the US Army decals and it is an Army UH-72A. Revell 1/32 EC-145 ADAC

It looks really great. Good job on it.

Sounds like a good conversion. It doesn't seem like it would be that difficult to do using some plastic tubing and sheet though. The best starting point would be the Dragon LAPD MD530E or MD530G Gunship. Both have the pointy-nosed canopy.

The primer color is zinc-chromate yellow. It is a dull yellow-green color. It is available from many hobby paint makers.

The Academy OH-58D is not up to modern standards either. If you want to bring it up to date, check out Floyd Werner's Update set for it. I think he has a few left.

They are definitely civilians. At many Army Airfields, the ground crewmen are civilian contracted workers. Most are retired or former military.

Thanks, all is well over here so far. Funny you should mention the Blackwater helos, I just started a build on a Blackwater MD530 last night. I'll post some pics as it comes along.

Unfortunately, I have lost touch w/my 160th SOAR contact. I'll put out some feelers and see what I come back with though.

Some clarification. The TF Ranger (75th Rangers, Delta, & 160th SOAR) operation on 3 OCT '93 (depicted in Blackhawk Down) was called Operation Gothic Serpent, the overall UN mandate was called Operation Restore Hope. The helos were MH-60Ls as well. Super 64 was named Venom, and had it written in a dark gray script on both engine necelles. The right leg of the V extended over the rest of the word like a square root sign. For more info on Operation Gothic Serpent Blackhawks, check this thread. It has all you need to know.

Yup, I can make the mount, just need the guns. I'd still have the same issue. Thanks anyways though.

AARRGGG, thats what I figured. Does anyone have a couple extra 1/72 M60Ds? I don't want to get another kit just to steal the weapons from it.

We have received a bunch of 1/72 helos here in Iraq. Thanks to those who have sent some. I am thinking of doing an Italeri UH-1D/H from Vietnam. It incorrectly has the miniguns/rocket pods on it. Where can I get M23 mounts and M60Ds for it in 1/72? This is not my usual scale and I am at a loss, esp. w/Cobra Company's site out of commission.

The door guns in the kit are correct. They are M134 miniguns, 7.62mm (.308 cal) multi-barreled, gatling-style guns. A Vulcan cannon is a much larger 20mm version used internally on aircraft or as ground or vehicle mounted anti-aircraft guns. Vulcans are not used as doorguns on helicopters, they are too big.

Thanks for more great pics. Staying within open source for an explanation...The helos are used for various security missions and for route clearance and security.

Thanks guys. I have a replacement canopy coming. Great pics too. I haven't seen any close up. They have mostly been flying overhead. They are kept out at the US Embassy helo pad in the IZ. I have flown into there, but not had a chance to look at any close up. On the N number, 1, that only applies in the US, and 2, they are actually owned by US Dept of State, Blackwater is contracted to fly and maintain them. There are some DoS Bell 412s and UH-1H Huey IIs here as well that have no N number on them.

I found a Dragon 1/35 MH-6J Littlebird that someone started here in Iraq and left. They did a nice job too. I want to build it as a Blackwater contracted helo that I have seen flying around here. I need the pointy nose from the DML MD-530 though. Does anyone have one they could trade for the short-nosed MH-6J canopy? Here is what I am looking to build. Thanks in advance.

The doors look great. I got one of the Cutting Edge sets from you. If you still have a few spares, any chance I could get a set of the doors? Let me know how much for them.

The Academy/MRC 1/35 UH-60A Blackhawk has the ESSS wings and tanks as well. The 1/35 MG-60G has the weather radar on the nose, but not the ESSS wings/tanks. Cobra Company makes a resin weather radar, hopefully, Chris will be feeling better soon and continue to take orders. It would be pretty easy to make externally. The interior would be another story.

The picture you have linked to: is a UH-60Q Air Ambulance. Only a few were made for the National Guard. They are outfitted with a special interior, similar to a civilian Life-Flight Air Ambulance with monitors and specialized gear. Tey were not puchased for the US Army as a whole due to cost. The standard US Army MedEvac UH-60A/L is what Norbert has built, and done a great job on as well.

The armor looks great. Good job on it. Keep working at the seam and I'm sur eit will come out looking great.