MRC 53E is here!

Will do!  First examination of the kit reveals that it's pretty darn accurate.  I was most impressed with the cockpit parts.  The dash, upper and lower consoles are very accurate down to every control. 

One thing in the cabin that should be corrected is the supports for the troop seats.  The kit photos show them running from the seat straight down to the cabin floor.  In actuallity they go from the seat at about a 45 degree angle to the corner of the cabin. 

I'll let you guys know when I find inaccuracies. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

Oh sure, rub it in that you all have the -53E!  (mutters non-family site friendly comments under his breath) 

Chris, keep any and all little tidbits of info coming. 

yes, the BPS plates have cut outs for padeyes/tie downs.  The 2 roller rails in the cabin and on the ramp are the only parts of the cabin floor which are not covered by the plates.   

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=20569&archive=true

This article has a pic that may show you what I'm talking about.  Look at the ramp behind GySgt Hammer.  The BPS plates are those darker grey plates. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

Interesting.... What are the shape and the size of each cevlar plate? Do floor ones have cuts out for tie-downs? Are they OD in color?

Andy

Yeah, and it looks like the kit's .50's need a detailing treatment.  If you do add a .50 for the ramp, you'll also need to add BPS (Ballistic Protection System) plates to line the cabin floor.  I'll look for a reference, but they're pretty simple flat kevlar plates (the real ones are about 1/2 inch think).  The only thing they line is the cabin, cockpit, and ramp floors.  There's also one plate on the inside of the crew door and one inside the cabin under the AO window.

Semper Fi,

Chris

Good to know Chris, we'll be looking forward to your build whenever you get around to it.
About the only aftermarket option I may consider (if it were produced) is the new .50 cal system that is being employed on the rear ramp.

I got mine today.  The LHS owner called me at 11am which is well before my terminal leave wake up time.  I was at his shop by 11:15.  It looks great, but I'm considering finishing my Mig 15 before starting on my baby.  It'll take me about 6 months for the 53 I reckon.  

I haven't taken much of a look at it yet, but I know that I'll have to change/make decals to make the A/C I worked on. 

I'll let you know about inaccuracies as I find them.  Ya'll probably know about my ref pics   http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/ridleusmc/?sc=1&multi=3&addtype=local&media=image

Let me know If you can't get to them.  I think they'll be useful. 

Starting on it soon,

Semper Fi,

Chris

Well, the big brown truck delivered mine today. Opened it up and it looks great; and BIG! I'm sure there will be some aftermarket goodies on the way, but I'm not so sure I'll bite -- the kit detail looks especially good to me. I guess we'll have to wait for ridleusmc to point out any errors with his expert eye. My only gripe is the pin-ejector marks on the cabin interior pieces, but that's not too huge of a deal.
Now my collection of modern Marine aircraft in 1/48 is complete, whew!

LemonJello wrote:

I think I'll get "reacquainted" with my wife,

......and just what do you mean dude?.....yeah.. details....hehehehehe

Now there is a soldier with PRIORITIES! hoorah!!

No worries Lemon, therewill be plenty to go around. MRC is fixen to make a killing on this kit.Why I recieved mine before the stores ,I don't know.. But I like it alot. You can order your kit direct from MRC at their web sight  www.modelrectifier.com .You will get it before the stores I bet. It will be at your house waiting for your like your wife.  The best to you and yours

                                                Davey5

My first impresion is what a killer kit,,  No kidden this is gona be alot of fun to build,,  3 paint scemes

2 sheets of decal alot of parts guys.. Not a weekender,,,   they give you a 1990 version and a 1980 version and one called Iraqi freedom.... There are some unused parts which tells me that there is a MH or a Pav lo in the future. The 1990 version brings a camo paint job ,, !00 times more realistic then the poor old 53 D done by Revel years ago .. I hope yours hit the door soon.. I  can't believe I have this kit so soon. Actually I bought 2,,, That is how I'll buy MRC kits from now on..  Hope they hit the stores for all you 53 fans...  Have a great long weekend the best

                                   Davey5

My LHS owner has mine on order for me.  I guess I'll have to go talk to him today.

Ref pics http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/ridleusmc/

Semper Fi,

Chris

Cool! I ordered mine from Lucky Model back in March. Hopefully it'll be here in a couple of weeks. I'm primarily an armor modeler, but when I saw this kit I knew I had to have it.

So have you had a chance to dig into it yet? If so, what are your first thoughts on it?