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1/35 USCG MH-65C HITRON


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Hajo, I worked on the Matchbox/Revell kit a while back.  I made a lot of progress on the cockpit/cabin, but scratched the build when Dream Model announced their kit release.  I haven't laid hands on it, but from pictures it's a much better choice to build any version of the 365.  

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  • 4 weeks later...

On this aircraft the pilot in command is typically on the right side and that is also the side that the door slides back and out of the way.  The left door swings open like a car door so can not be opened during flight.  However, before they upgraded the HH-65 for this role they did a trial using an Augusta 109E (designated the MH-68 Stingray).  It had a sliding door on the left and the gunner shot out the left side on it.  

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From my research the mounted gun is always a M240G and it is used for laying down warning shots and protection of the aircraft.  Then they carry a Barrett M107 50cal to disable the targets engine.  And lastly they carry a M14 is used to protect the aircraft.  I've chatted with one of the gunners and read several articles.  Sounds like the progression of a typical mission is verbal warning over the radio, warning shots across the bow with with the M240, disable the engine with the Barrett and then provide air support for the boarding party with either the M240 or M14.  It is my understanding it's a carry all or none.  

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Thank you! So I have to search my stash for a M240.

 

I also just checked the kits decals. They include some "HITRON"-markings, but I didn´t found "Jacksonville" as home station. Did HITRON-aircraft fly from other bases as well?

 

 

HAJO

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Again, it is my understanding they are all stationed out of Jacksonville, however, none of the aircraft have the traditional station name on the vertical stabilizer.  The only place I've seen the "HITRON" decal is on the cabin doors.  There are a few different "logos" that are positioned on the vertical stabilizer.  I know some HITRON aircraft are either stationed or operate off cutters.  Because of their mission I assume they keep the aircraft location on the down low.  In case you haven't noticed I'm a fan of the USCG and this unit is just plain bad fool in my opinion.  They make shooting the engine on a boat from the cabin of a helicopter look pretty easy.  

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Yeah, you are a very valuable source of information - may I continue to ask questions?

 

First, thanks for the clarification concerning HITRON and base designations. The 1/72 kit comes with these decals:

 

tyO8izf.jpg

 

In the middle there are some logos, like the Texas Longhorn - are there decals that would go to a specific HITRON-aircraft?

 

And another one: Nomber of crew members is three, right?

 

 

HAJO

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I don't mind, but not sure of forum etiquette.  Maybe it should be done with personal messages?  Decals 37 and 19, the grim reaper are HITRON.  They also did a cross hairs logo that Caracal included in their 1/35 sheet.  I think Fireball Models did them in 1/72, but they are out of business.  I'll have to look at my references to see which aircraft used them.  I also was wrong about the unit name not being on the vertical stabilizer.  A "HITRON" decal goes on both sides, and one on the right cabin door.  None on the left cabin door.  Most of this stuff I learn by just looking at pictures on the internet.  

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Thanks a lot! I´m sure no one minds if we exchange information, there even is a good chance that people like me later on stumble into the thread and take valuable information out of it.

 

I think I´ll go with the Grim Reaper for my Dolphin.

 

Crew of three for a HITRON-aircraft is correct?

 

 

HAJO

 

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Yes, crew of three on a HITRON mission.   Do the decal instructions on Dreammodel kit say what tail number to use with the Reaper logo?  I have yet to find a picture of that aircraft on the internet.  

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18 hours ago, Tgoetz said:

I think Fireball Models did them in 1/72, but they are out of business. 

 

Small correction, he is still in business just not doing helos anymore.

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26 minutes ago, Tgoetz said:

 Do the decal instructions on Dreammodel kit say what tail number to use with the Reaper logo?  I have yet to find a picture of that aircraft on the internet.  

 

 

Here it is!

 

 

 

HAJO

 

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Great question.  Not sure if they are like WWII mission symbols and signify a successful HITRON mission or stopping a go fast boat. 

 

I also found out that on the left side of the stabilizer is actually the unit patch, not a second Grim Reaper decal.  None of the kits or aftermarket decals have it in any scale.  

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This build is finally starting to get fun again.  I was able to get the remaining doors modified and attached.  Still need to make some adjustments, add handles and hydraulic struts.  

 

HsSf2QV.jpg

B3XWkDW.jpg

Edited by Tgoetz
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