SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Dragon 1/35 OH-6 "Egg" WIP, 03/22/09, "FINISHED"

32452 views
53 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Dragon 1/35 OH-6 "Egg" WIP, 03/22/09, "FINISHED"
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, February 8, 2009 6:39 PM

Before I begin, I beg forgiveness to all of the helicopter regulars as an armor modeler drops in.

After years of service in Air Assault and Artillery, I thought my first try at a heilo would be the OH-6 or Loach or Egg, whatever you prefer.

I will finish the OH-6 in a mid 80s look on an aerial artillery observation mission. Besides the kit itself I will be working with the Eduard PE set and some resin cast extras for the cockpit, plus the usual sods & ends scratch details.

Here is the cockpit generally assembled from the first two steps of the instructions along with Eduard PE added.  In general the fit was good but had to fill some part holes in the rear cabin as I will not be using the mini gun. After assembly, the cockpit was given a primer of Tamiya Black and then a coat of Tamiya Gull Grey (XF54). The control stick was painted with Tamiya Black and the document holder with Vallejo Dark Green.

I have begun the assembly of the figures. The kit only included the pilot and gunner and had to swap the gunner with the co-pilot/observer from the Dragon figure kit. I have worked the figures from the bottom up and the uniforms will be the BDU style using Shinsengumi decals. The figures were first painted with Vallejo Dark Green, except the boots, which were painted Black. They were then coated with future to allow the decals to set down. The picture shows the pants completed with the decals.

While waiting for some parts to set I have added the PH parts to upgrade the control panel

That's where I am at for now. All comments are welcome, thanks for looking.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Auburn, Alabama
Posted by rotorwash on Sunday, February 8, 2009 6:49 PM

Redleg,

  Gino's a pretty darn good helo modeler so I don't judge folks by their avatars.  Your Loach is looking mighty fine.  I have seen several of these started lately.  Can't wait to see what you do with her.  Would you happen to have a pic of the bird yo are building since it's not going to be Miss Clawd IV?  I always like to see the real machines.

     Thanks,

             Ray
 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, February 8, 2009 7:08 PM

Rotowash - Thanks for looking in and the vote of confidence. My younger "redleg" brother Gino can turn out one hell of a heilo. With this being my first venture into the roto world....I trying not to auto rotate!!

Sadly, the bird I am thinking of, I can't find any of my pictures Banged Head [banghead]. If I find them....they will be up here.

Thanks again, look forward to some new friends on this side of the forums and some good comments.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, February 8, 2009 7:23 PM

Cool, Mike!

It's god to get your head clear of road wheels and tracks once in a while! I may be headd for foreign territory soon myslef! Whistling [:-^]

Are you doing this as a Viet Nam era chopper? I didn't know they wore camo outfits in the Nam?

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: SE Alabama
Posted by Retired Gunpilot on Sunday, February 8, 2009 7:57 PM

A very nice start. I just got my hands on the same kit and hope to build it soon. Of all the aircraft I've flown the OH-6 has always been a favorite. It was the corvette of the helicopter fleet. Look forward to following your build.

Charlie

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, February 8, 2009 8:10 PM

Karl - "And now for something different"....Nope not VN. I will be doing circa mid 80s. I flew in these to do aerial artillery obervation. Trying to re-create my past in 1/35/

Thanks for traveling overhere and thanks for your comments

Retired Gunpilot - Like a car that feels the road the Loach could feel the sky. It was always a blast to fly in the Egg.

Thanks for looking and for your comments

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: I am at play in the fields of the Lord. (Texas)
Posted by m60a3 on Sunday, February 8, 2009 10:04 PM

 

 Looking forward to it, Redleg!

                            60

"I lay like a small idea in a vacant mind" - Wm. Least Heat Moon "I am at the center of the earth." - Black Elk My FSM friends are the best.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: On my kitchen counter top somewhere in central North Carolina.
Posted by disastermaster on Monday, February 9, 2009 1:58 AM
 the doog wrote:

I didn't know they wore camo outfits in the Nam?

 Early on in the war the guys (before tigerstripes) would wad up their issue fatigues and spray black paint on them to create makeshift camo.

  The pattern you see here (later in the war) was "Vietnam Leaf". Special ops would wear "Tigerstripes" (although it wasn't officially sanction by the US military).

http://www.thelastsuperman.com/disastermaster/%23t1-4.jpg

 https://i.imgur.com/LjRRaV1.png

 

 

 
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, February 9, 2009 4:12 AM

Looking good Mike.  The Edauard PE spruces it up nicely.  I'm waiting to see how it comes out.

 

Thanks for the compliments on my helos too guys.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, February 9, 2009 5:42 AM

M60 - Thanks for stopping in.

Disastermaster - The pattern on the figs is BDU camo from the 1980s. It is different than either of the VN camo patterns. Thanks for stopping by!

Heavy - Thanks, the PE is great on this kit, especially for the controls which are very plain on the kit.

Rounds Complete!!

 

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Caput Mundi
Posted by Avus on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 1:12 AM

As I said else where: Looks good so far!Thumbs Up [tup]

What is it that artillery guys start building helos? Big Smile [:D]
(I was artillery, too)

Klaus

Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: I am at play in the fields of the Lord. (Texas)
Posted by m60a3 on Sunday, February 15, 2009 2:18 AM
 redleg12 wrote:

M60 - Thanks for stopping in.

Disastermaster - The pattern on the figs is BDU camo from the 1980s. It is different than either of the VN camo patterns. Thanks for stopping by!

Heavy - Thanks, the PE is great on this kit, especially for the controls which are very plain on the kit.

Rounds Complete!!

 

 My pleasure, KOB!!!!! Awaiting more...

                              60

"I lay like a small idea in a vacant mind" - Wm. Least Heat Moon "I am at the center of the earth." - Black Elk My FSM friends are the best.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, February 22, 2009 7:14 PM

It has been a few weeks since my last update and with the combination of short bench time and working on the figures, it has taken a while to give you some news.

Figures were done with Shinsengumi BDU decals, Vallejo Dark Green for the vests, boots were painted Tamiya Black, the helmet uses Model Master OD for the helmet and Tamiya IJA Green for the visor section. The knob on the visor and slide section in the center of the visor cover, were coated using a graphite pencil to give that dull worn metal look.

The boom microphone was made from 28 gauge stainless wire and a small piece of painters tape for the microphone. Then it was painted Tamiya Flat Black. Also coming off the helmet is the connection wire which was also made from 28 gauge Stainless wire.

The face, arms and hands were done with Vallejo Flesh tones and then washed with a mixture of flesh and burnt sienna oils.

The entire figure was coated with clear flat to give the final finish. The binoculars used Tamiya Flat Black and the strap is painters tape coated with Model Masters OD. The binoculars are worn using a graphite pencil.

Seat belts were painted with Model Master OD on the belt, Tamiya Flat Black on the buckles and clips which were worn using a graphite pencil/ After all that....here are the figures in their seats

The observer was missing one thing....a map....so I scanned and scaled one of my military maps, folded it and my observer was complete.

 

After the figures I weathered the cockpit with MIG City Dust and a graphite pencil for wear on the ribs.

Before gluing the cockpit into the body halves, I mounded some 26 gauge stainless wire to create the grab handles on either side of the front door.

After gluing the cockpit in and the two body halves together I had to do some serious seam filling as the kit has a poor lineup and really no lineup pins this leaves a huge seam all around

I then applied details to the hatches and access ports using Archer Transfers . I assembled the engine covers and exhaust port which fit fairly well but will need some filling. And lastly, the tail boon was assembled and mounted.

That's it for this installment. Next is the control panel and wiring details along with the canopy and details.

That's where I am at for now. All comments are welcome, thanks for looking.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Auburn, Alabama
Posted by rotorwash on Sunday, February 22, 2009 7:25 PM

Wow! Nice progress. Keep up the great work.  I can't wait to see the next installment.

     Ray
 

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Kincheloe Michigan
Posted by Mikeym_us on Sunday, February 22, 2009 7:43 PM
 redleg12 wrote:

It has been a few weeks since my last update and with the combination of short bench time and working on the figures, it has taken a while to give you some news.

Figures were done with Shinsengumi BDU decals, Vallejo Dark Green for the vests, boots were painted Tamiya Black, the helmet uses Model Master OD for the helmet and Tamiya IJA Green for the visor section. The knob on the visor and slide section in the center of the visor cover, were coated using a graphite pencil to give that dull worn metal look.

The boom microphone was made from 28 gauge stainless wire and a small piece of painters tape for the microphone. Then it was painted Tamiya Flat Black. Also coming off the helmet is the connection wire which was also made from 28 gauge Stainless wire.

The face, arms and hands were done with Vallejo Flesh tones and then washed with a mixture of flesh and burnt sienna oils.

The entire figure was coated with clear flat to give the final finish. The binoculars used Tamiya Flat Black and the strap is painters tape coated with Model Masters OD. The binoculars are worn using a graphite pencil.

Seat belts were painted with Model Master OD on the belt, Tamiya Flat Black on the buckles and clips which were worn using a graphite pencil/ After all that....here are the figures in their seats

The observer was missing one thing....a map....so I scanned and scaled one of my military maps, folded it and my observer was complete.

 

After the figures I weathered the cockpit with MIG City Dust and a graphite pencil for wear on the ribs.

Before gluing the cockpit into the body halves, I mounded some 26 gauge stainless wire to create the grab handles on either side of the front door.

After gluing the cockpit in and the two body halves together I had to do some serious seam filling as the kit has a poor lineup and really no lineup pins this leaves a huge seam all around

I then applied details to the hatches and access ports using Archer Transfers . I assembled the engine covers and exhaust port which fit fairly well but will need some filling. And lastly, the tail boon was assembled and mounted.

That's it for this installment. Next is the control panel and wiring details along with the canopy and details.

That's where I am at for now. All comments are welcome, thanks for looking.

Rounds Complete!!

Well hopefully your going to paint the observers gloves since flesh color flight gloves don't suit him.

On the workbench: Dragon 1/350 scale Ticonderoga class USS BunkerHill 1/720 scale Italeri USS Harry S. Truman 1/72 scale Encore Yak-6

The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15   http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, February 22, 2009 8:03 PM

Rotowash - Thanks

Mikeym - Its July.....2 in the afternoon....sunny.....I'm not waring gloves!!

The Dragon figures are modled bare handed. for at least the pilot it would have been nice to have gloves.

In truth, the times in my past when I did aerial observation, I never like the gloves. Handling the map, papers and bionos with gloves just did not work for me.

Thanks for the thought....I did not overlook it.....Dragon did!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Kincheloe Michigan
Posted by Mikeym_us on Sunday, February 22, 2009 8:17 PM
Though they do save you from handling hot metal in a helo that had been sitting in the heat and the sun for several hours.

On the workbench: Dragon 1/350 scale Ticonderoga class USS BunkerHill 1/720 scale Italeri USS Harry S. Truman 1/72 scale Encore Yak-6

The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15   http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, February 22, 2009 8:25 PM

Mike - I don't disagree.......but sometimes you have to play the cards you are delt...

Could paint on gloves but may look strange.....thats why I stayed with flesh. figured it was the better of two evils!!!

Rounds Complete!! 

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Kincheloe Michigan
Posted by Mikeym_us on Sunday, February 22, 2009 8:31 PM
 redleg12 wrote:

Mike - I don't disagree.......but sometimes you have to play the cards you are delt...

Could paint on gloves but may look strange.....thats why I stayed with flesh. figured it was the better of two evils!!!

Rounds Complete!! 

If I remember in the 80's weren't the Nomex gloves still Sage green overal with gray palms?

On the workbench: Dragon 1/350 scale Ticonderoga class USS BunkerHill 1/720 scale Italeri USS Harry S. Truman 1/72 scale Encore Yak-6

The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15   http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: SE Alabama
Posted by Retired Gunpilot on Sunday, February 22, 2009 8:32 PM

I love it. She is looking excellent. My only comment is I would have painted the pilot in the old two-piece nomex colors. I'm not sure that even the guard had the 6's when the camouflage flight suits enter service. I believe the two-piece and the single gray nomex were all that was available during the last years of the the 6.

As to the gloves you cold have applied some Mr. Surfacer 500 or 1000 to the pilots hands and arms and then colored the area green and gray or just pure gray to give the appearance of gloves. I had all leather gray gloves that I wore long after they quit issuing them. I liked the all leather over the nomex/leather mix.

Anyhow, she is looking great.

Charlie

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:02 PM

Gunpilot - Good thought with the Mr. Surfacer, didn't think of that one. Now I will have to ponder if and how I make a fix!!!

As for the egg and its use. yep it was off active duty by the late 70s but was in service with the guard and reserve into the 90s.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: SE Alabama
Posted by Retired Gunpilot on Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:12 PM

That is interesting, I thought they were retired from the guard by the mid-eighties. I learn something new every day. As to the pilots uniform though I did not think they had camouflage flight suits until the late nineties with the exception being a few test and trail suits. Anyway that is small stuff, your bird is looking really nice and can't wait to see her finished.

Charlie

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, February 22, 2009 10:01 PM
Coming right along Mike...we're keeping the "timer" for you to return to artillery/tanks... Laugh [(-D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Somewhere over the rainbow
Posted by m1garand on Monday, February 23, 2009 1:27 AM
Looking Good my friend!
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: I am at play in the fields of the Lord. (Texas)
Posted by m60a3 on Monday, February 23, 2009 2:10 AM

 

 Glad I am "subscribed" to this thread, Mike! I eagerly await more!

                                  60

"I lay like a small idea in a vacant mind" - Wm. Least Heat Moon "I am at the center of the earth." - Black Elk My FSM friends are the best.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, February 23, 2009 5:57 AM

Bill and M60 - Thanks for stopping in and for your comments. "I'll be back!!!!!"

Charlie - HOLY ?%^&.....long time no hear. Thanks for stopping in. I will drop you a PM later.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Monday, February 23, 2009 8:54 AM

Looking superb, Mike!

WIah I could help you with the gloves/camo info, but I haven't a clue! I just know what I like, and I like what I see! The figures look outstanding, IMO!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, February 23, 2009 9:42 AM

Karl - Thanks on the figs. Coming from someone like you and knowing the figs in your builds, it  truly is nice to hear.

Thanks for looking

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: beacon falls , Ct.
Posted by treadwell on Monday, February 23, 2009 6:29 PM

Hi MikeSmile [:)]

Cool to step out of your 'normal' genre-- I don't know much about helios. yours looks great so far--I am still trying to learn how to fly my 'Blade cp+' 6 channel model helo-- having a little trouble managing the collective and throttle inputs to get a rock steady hover---but thats for another forum--great work my friend --Am I to understand the camo on the pants are decals?----awsome----treadCool [8D]

   

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, February 23, 2009 8:57 PM

Tread - Thanks for stopping in. Yep the camo uniform is decals. I feel like a 1/35 tailor!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.