Commercial Bell Helicopters

Vortmax,

Welcome to the forum!

I think that Revell did an issue of their 1/32 Bell 206 in civilian colors, but I'm not sure.  I know I've seen a few 206 models out there.  You could always get the OH-58A kit in 32nd and paint it up as civilian, since they're basically the same thing.  (The Bell 207 is the Sioux Scout, the first testbed attack helicopter)

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the heads-up.  I am hoping that there is enough room in the interior to scratchbuild TV equipment, cameras, playback editors, and also external gyro-mounted cameras.

I'll look for the specific models you suggested.

Hi Vortmax,

In 1:48 there is the Italeri (ex Esci) Bell Kiowa, the military variant of the Bell206 JetRanger. Main differences are smaller windows and an open, visible tail rotor drive shaft on the military machine. Whirly Bits has a conversion set to turn the Kiowa into a civil machine: doors with big windows and a tail rotor drive shaft cover.

 

Sometimes one can still find the old Esci 1:48 civil JetRanger kits, f.i. the LAPD version. In my opinion the old 1:48 Esci kits are the best Jet Ranger models around.

 

Hth,

 

Best Regards, Gertjan

 

Btw: what type does your TV station fly? The 407 and 206 are quite different and there are no 407 kits available (maybe that will change now that the 407 has been selected by the US army as scout helo).

We fly the 407, and there are no models out there.  One difference is a chevron-shaped horizontal winglet on the rear vertical stabilizer - that can be scratchbuilt.  There may be other exterior differences that I can recreate with other spare parts.  I am planning a trip to the hanger to take lots of close-up shots.  If the differences are too great, I will scrap by current plans and wait for an updated model.

One of our former pilots said that he thought Bell had kits available, because there were many displays at Bell HQ when he was visiting to order our current aircraft.  I think that they were probably in-house models not available to the public.

Thanks for the help.

You could get a model from Bell of the 407 but be prepared to pay out the wazoo.  You're looking at $200-$300.  Last I recall, LouisBull was marketing some of the helicopter display models w/ interiors.
Their is a gentlemen over on the Helikitnews.com who works for a company somewhere over in Singapore that makes a sharp 206L & 407 model.  Not sure, but I think it goes for around $400.



His email is
qjs01@singnet.com.sg

His name is Robin Koh.  I had tried emailing him several times.   Nothing.  I guess several other people have too.  Nothing.  Don't know the name of the company either.  I know they convert the 206L model to do it.

Good luck.  If I can dig up any info, I'll post it.  Also, Bell is pretty good about replying to model inquires.  Drop them an email over at the customer service or marketing.  Let them know you operate with a 407.

Cheers,
John

Hello;

The company I work for operates several types of Bell aircraft (e.g. 206Bs, 206L series, 212/412s, 214STs, and 407s), as well as Sikorsky S-76s along with a few Eurocopter EC-120s

While the 206 may look similiar to the 407 the most significant visual difference is that the 407 has a four bladed main rotor system while the 206 series has the older two bladed main rotor system . If you need reference photos please let me know, we always have aircraft in the hangar going through refurbishment. 

 

Jonathan Primm

Thanks to everyone for their input.  I don't post stuff on the forum very often and I am surprised how much help and expertise there is out there.

Here's the latest 1/25th scale model 407 that Robin posted.  The guy still doesn't respond to any emails.  (?!?!?!?!?!?)  I'll find out sooner or later who makes these. 







Nicest model out their on the market that's for sure.