ismaelg Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 (edited) Hello, Let the madness begin! Or, continue... So these are not really intended to be stand alone models on their own. These are "accessories" for 1/350 naval ships. But since I've never claimed to be normal.... Here we go This is a 1/350 scale CH53E. Been such a small scale, it has like 9 parts total. I know there is a photoetch set for these but I'm cheap 🙂 And even before getting the first 2 parts together we are already in deep waters.... The CH53E typically carries external drop tanks. Which are not included. So, I started with a piece of styrene rod and started shaping it. Here is where we are now: More tweaking is needed and then I'll have to do the other side. Thanks, Ismael Edited June 10, 2020 by ismaelg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tgoetz Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 Finding space to display this beast at this scale won't be an issue. Are you going to keep the rotors folded? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Loach Driver Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 Yes, spread the rotors! LD. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 Hello, While not the most optimal, this also addresses my display space issue 🙂 It comes with both folded and regular rotors. I'll go with the regular unfolded look. Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hajo L. Posted May 25, 2020 Share Posted May 25, 2020 Nice subject! HAJO Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ST0RM Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 Cool little project. And the display opportunities are endless. You could build a small deck section, or ramp. Looking forward to seeing your progress. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midnightprowler Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 So help me if you put headphones in the cockpit I am going to send over some people with a nice warm white jacket for you........ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted May 28, 2020 Author Share Posted May 28, 2020 (edited) On 5/27/2020 at 6:12 PM, midnightprowler said: So help me if you put headphones in the cockpit I am going to send over some people with a nice warm white jacket for you........ The headphones, stereo or mono? 😃 Edited May 28, 2020 by ismaelg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midnightprowler Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Quadrophonic 😛 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted May 31, 2020 Author Share Posted May 31, 2020 Hello, Moving along, the first of 2 scratchbuilt external tanks is taking shape. Fuselage was painted black inside except for the windows, which were slightly tinted. I'll try to keep them translucent. Fuselage halves glued together. Started masking the windows for painting. This is a real challenge at this scale. Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 Hello, Both drop tanks are done They will attach to the aircraft via these added brackets. First coat of paint applied. Windows were masked so hopefully will be see thru. Here is a shock for everybody! Dealing with fuselage seam lines on 1/350 scale is quite a challenge! Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 Hello, Made the refueling boom out of plastic and aluminum tape. It is not attached yet so don't mind it is skewed. By the way, the fuselage is painted and I was able to save the windows by masking them. External fuel tanks will be attached next. Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 Hello, I think I'm done painting grey... See? Can you see it? It is there! THERE! Yes, it is there! Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Loach Driver Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 That is impressive work on masking off the windows! LD. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted June 5, 2020 Author Share Posted June 5, 2020 Hello, So, been 1/350 there is really nothing you can do to enhance the main rotor. Yeah right! Still more to come after painting. Been even smaller, nothing can be done in the tail rotor... Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted June 6, 2020 Author Share Posted June 6, 2020 Hello, This is what happens when you find the smallest wire you have seen in a long time. I suppose this is to prevent the tail rotor to strike the ground. Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted June 7, 2020 Author Share Posted June 7, 2020 Hello, Ya know... you can't call it a helicopter without a swash plate and pitch links... (There are 3 days of work here) Yes, I noticed in the pic one link is not straight. Thanks, Ismael Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Loach Driver Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 Nice work on the tail skid and rotor head detail. Keep going. It's going to be a great little model. LD. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ismaelg Posted June 10, 2020 Author Share Posted June 10, 2020 (edited) Hello, It is finally FINISHED! Since the whole thing ismolded in clear, not styrene, I was not able to get the main rotor blades to droop simulating weight. I even had them for over a day upside down with a weight at the center but it springs back as if nothing. Main Details: Transparent windows masked so you can see thru Added external fuel tanks ( 6 parts each / turned out a bit narrower than required and fit at a slight angle instead of almost level on the 1:1) Scratchbuilt refueling boom Scratchbuilt sensor on the left side of the front opposite to fuel boom Added front landing gear protection plate Added main rotor swash plate, links Rotor blades tips modified as per 1:1 Added rear tail skid (4 parts) Added rear top antenna Added tail rotor pitch control links Added tail support Added sensors on top of external tanks Added nav lights (red and green) Added black surface decal on top of side pods Weathering as per references Without further ado, I present my 1/350 scale CH53E Super Stallion And the spoiler picture: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Your comments are always appreciated. Thanks, Ismael Edited June 10, 2020 by ismaelg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Loach Driver Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 (edited) That is impressive! You have taken that basic model and gone above and beyond what anyone could expect from that little kit. Another one to be very proud of. LD. Edited June 10, 2020 by Loach Driver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tgoetz Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 That is just cool. Thanks for sharing! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hajo L. Posted June 12, 2020 Share Posted June 12, 2020 Great! Small, but great! May I point out a missing feature...? The transmission between the engines and the doghouse/main rotor... HAJO Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midnightprowler Posted June 13, 2020 Share Posted June 13, 2020 I quit! Wow just wow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rocketdrvr Posted June 13, 2020 Share Posted June 13, 2020 That truly is impressive modelling right there! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Trojan Thunder Posted June 13, 2020 Share Posted June 13, 2020 Truly impressive electron microscope level detail there Ismael! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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