Lack of Civilian Model Helo's

I'm not too sure what Era Med is flying, they're a different division from us, EC 145's I think.  We still have a couple of 412's flying in Alaska, but none in the Gulf, BO-105's are being phased out also.  Where I am, we have AS-350's, EC-135's, A119's, and A109's, and one S-76.  That's supposed to change and we're going to be getting 3 AW139's and possibly an EC-225 (Super Puma) from other bases, but I'll believe it when I see it.  I'd like to find a new career, but with the economy, jobs ain't what they used to be.

I haven't seen ERA around here for awhile, but I saw several on contract for firefighting in 2000-2002. I even got to fly in an ERA Bell 212 on contract with the BLM in Bakersfield, CA. I don't know what you guys are flying now, but I saw a couple 212s and a Puma or Super Puma.

In 1/72 

Italeri has done a Puma, there is also a Super Puma (from Heller?)

Italeri has a 212 and 412 

I see PHI all the time, they have two Med-evac helos that unfortuately are frequent visitors to us. They have an EC-135 and AS-350B3. Revell does an EC-135 in 1/72 and 1/32, Heller does a 1/48 AS-350 A-star.

Here is a link to Belcher Bits 1/48 Bell 412 conversion

http://www.belcherbits.com/lines/148conv/bb8.htm

Revell seem to be the ones for civilian types of late. With the popularity of both the Agusta AW139 and Sikorsky S-92 in civilian and SAR roles (especially in Europe) hopefully we'll see something new from Revell in 2010...

Glad to help out.   The S-61/HH-3 is available in 1/72 in ancient kit form from Lindberg and Aurora.  The EC225 is available in 1/72 from Revell I think too.  I have seen a build-up of one somewhere.

Just thought of a couple others too.  None that you mentioned and probably not used by your company, but...  The Trumpeter 1/35 MI-4 and MI-8/17 can also be seen in civilian liveries.

Good luck.

Revell has quite a few civilian or dual -role civil/military helos.  They have the Bell Jet Ranger, UH-1D/H, Bell/MD500/OH-6A, BO 105, BO 117, Aerospecial Gazelle, EC 135, EC 145/UH-72A Lacota, and I'm sure a few others I am missing.

Dragon Has the UH-1D, UH-1N, and OH-6A/MD500 and MD530. 

Any of these can be made into civil birds with the right paint scheme.  I converted an MD530 into a Blackwater Securities/ Dept. of State civil (sort of) bird from Iraq.

Except for cars models, civilian subjects in aircraft, helicopters, & boats/ships are few....

Unfortunately, the future doesn't appear to be much better....The kit makers generally build what sells........However, check Cybermodeler's "Future Kits" page.....Sometimes one finds a surprise...

http://www.cybermodeler.com/index.shtml

I think there is a conversion out there for a 412, possibly from Belcher bits.

When it comes to helicopters 1/72 seems to offer the best selection, I know Italeri offers a 412 in that scale. Not sure if that is of any help though if you prefer to build 1/48.