Ch-47 Conversion

I worked briefly on the aircraft you want to model.

FWIW, the 234's used by Columbia are actually closer to highly modified C models. (Single Hook and analog instrumentation, which may or may not have been upgraded to glass cockpits) than to CH-47Ds, CH-47Fs, MH-47Es or MH-47Gs

While 234s have the larger single fuel cell on each side, The Columbia birds didn't have any fuel pods at all. (We used an internal tank) and there was no ramp, no hatch and only minimal flooring. Also, the windows along the side were square airline style windows instead of the five round ones on CH-47s.

Also note, not all F models are equipped with the longer nose, for the most part they are hard to distinguish from CH-47Ds unless you get up close and know what to look for.

Your best bet is to start with the Italeri MH-47. leave off the refuel probe and cut out the fuel pod on each side, leaving only the forward avionics pods and the aft landing gear area.

HTH

You are correct.  The MH kit has smaller normal sponsons and if you build it as a 160th MH then you cut along premade lines on the interior to remove the smaller sponsons and replace the larger ones for the SOF MH.  I built it a while ago and was happy wiht it until it got destroyed.  ugh

Thanks, Gino.  I will have to take a closer look.  As I understand it from my brief glance, the Italeri MH-47 comes with smaller ("normal") side sponsons, but has included in the kit larger fat sponsons that the modeler has to cut and install for the MH-47.  It may be true that the kit as issued with the smaller sponsons would be perfect for the N246CH helicopter I want to build, thereby solving one conversion issue.  I need to go do some more homework on the kit.  Those MH-47 sponsons look like a pregnant whale. 

cheers, Bob

Scotty T

I know the Italeri 1/72 MH-47 has what you are looking for, has the long nose and you just need to modify the sponsons on the side, but for a Columbia Helo, the smaller sponsons would be perfect. 

You would really have to replace the side sponson fuel tanks.  They are huge on the MH-47.

Scotty:  thanks, that is very helpful.  I'll take a look at the Italeri kit.  The 1/72 size would be just about right as well. 

thanks very much, Bob

RCH73,

I know the Italeri 1/72 MH-47 has what you are looking for, has the long nose and you just need to modify the sponsons on the side, but for a Columbia Helo, the smaller sponsons would be perfect.  I had one a while ago, real good kit IMO, but a couple of Navy moves in the back of my car made it look like a couple of RPG's got it.  Hope this helps.

Gino: yes, that is precisely the helicopter I want to build.  Thanks for the photo of the CH-47F, that is what I was hoping to find out. 

thanks, Bob

RCH73

I have started research on the physical differences and I noted that one thing the civilian version (the 234ER model is what I believe N246CH is) has a longer and narrower nose, to incorporate a weather radar.  

I believe you are talking about this aircraft.

If so, it is the civil version of the CH-47F with the longer nose.

In both 1/48 scale and 1/72, there are a few kits that will work.  Take a look and see what you find.

I would consider 1/48 as my first choice, but could do 1/72 if that was easier.  I am ruling our 1/35 as too large.  I have started research on the physical differences and I noted that one thing the civilian version (the 234ER model is what I believe N246CH is) has a longer and narrower nose, to incorporate a weather radar.  I am not sure any of the military models have the same nose.  Wish someone made a civilian version kit...

cheers, Bob

What scale are you looking to build? In 1/48 there are several boxings of the same basic kit put out by Italeri, with the parts to make particular versions. 1/35 is pretty much the same with the Trumpeter kit. 1/72 offers more options.