Boeing/Vertol Model 347..**New Update, Sat. 30th**

Wow, that's a unique one.  Would you mind giving us a little history on the Model 347?  I've never heard of it before, and I'm a little curious. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

ridleusmc wrote:

Wow, that's a unique one.  Would you mind giving us a little history on the Model 347?  I've never heard of it before, and I'm a little curious.  Semper Fi, Chris

Hi Chris,

Here's a link to my site that has a brief history (with pictures) of the Model 347, including a rare sound file of Boeing/Vertol's Rotor RPM Schedule test of the A, C and Model 347 Chinooks, made back in the day.    There's also an email link at the bottom of that page to the Test Pilot who flew the CH-347.

http://gunsagogo.org/sound1.htm  

Turn on your surround sound and enjoy!

Take care,

Frank

Wow,

That looks bizare. Were there plans to use the wings for weapons or were they there just to improve lift and increasing its payload. Can't wait to see it finished.

Rich

richgb wrote:

Wow, That looks bizare. Were there plans to use the wings for weapons or were they there just to improve lift and increasing its payload. Can't wait to see it finished. Rich

Yes it does.... it was one of those things that was ahead of it's time.     It's noise signature alone made it stealthy... it's speed, payload capacity, and maneuverability made it seem like the way to go, but it never was considered for anything other than a test bed.    

The wings could not be used as a weapons platform because they were articulating, for incidence control.

The 347's test Pilot, Dan Dugan, said it was a real thoroughbred!

Take care,

Frank

Goodmorning...

   I haven't had the time to do very much extra to the "347", but I did get the fuselage all smoothed out and the cabin windows repositioned.    Cabin windows repositioned you ask?     Yes, because of the fairing for the aft retractable landing gear, the back two cabin windows were repositioned one station forward.

I would have had more done by now, but I was obligated doing my *other* hobby, painting!       My wife had to have a hysterectomy recently, and her nurse, who went above and beyond in seeing to her comfort, and well being... as well as letting Lisa know what to expect in the coming weeks, was talking one day about how much she loved old lighthouses!      She described a lighthouse/surroundings that she dreams of often, and said it's the most tranquil and reoccuring dream she has... smiling as she said it.     So, here's what Mrs. Brown is going to be getting at around 2pm today!

Take care,

Frank

paul_toz wrote:

Hi, what is that reference book you have under the models? It looks like a good quality book with plenty of information and details.

Good question Paul,

That is the holy CH-47 Bible! the Aerofax Minigraph - Boeing Helicopters CH47 Chinook Number #27

It is a must for Hook enthusiest and scale modelers! Its way out of print but I found mine on ebay.

Its loaded with great pics, detail shots, close ups, early photos of the Guns a go go weaponry, interior shots of the GO GO interior and equipment.

FRANK:

Interesting  work so far!! I'm sure it will be a nice addition to your helo collection. Cool painting too!

Sorry I didn't notice this thread earlier:

Quite an interesting project you have there.
I was wondering: the die cast part is placed in the center of a plastic kit. Won't it detach in the long run? Then I read the post better: it's 1/144 scale so weight is not an issue.

BTW nice painting, too. It really transmits a calm and relaxed feeling.

I agree, the Aerofax tome is a good reference, but there are a few inaccuracies in it, nothing that anyone would notice unless they spent a bunch of time working on and flying in '47s though.

Like many things, now that all the '47 kits are coming out, I find that I am constantly wanting to kick myself for not taking more photos of the birds that I crewed over the course of 16+ years (As, Cs, and Ds).

Jonathan Primm 

Jonathan,

I know what you mean about not taking enough pictures!  

Frank,

Great work and very nice painting!  I'm sure it will be appreciated! 

Thanks for the info guys. I just ordered the Aerofax Minigraph #27from Amazon.com, and while I was there also ordered the Squadron 'Chinook in Action'. I was suprised how cheap they were, under $10 each. Got to wait a few weeks for them to arrive though

Paul

Another progress report.....

I thought I was right on the specs with this modification, until I realized yesterday that the fuselage extension I put in was about 3/4ths a "Station" too short.... .....  so I cut the model apart one more time, and inserted another cross section from the old Miasto diecast chinook using super glue and spru rods.... I then severed the aft pylon and extended it using internal plastic bracing, then covered it in putty.     5 hours in front of the fan and it was ready to smooth out!

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I made the aft retractable gear bulges out of putty also....  (at first it looked like h*ll, but after sanding down the excess, the lines of the "347" came out)

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Ummm,...  and you know what else I'm going to have to do?     Seperate the Fwd Pylon and raise it to it's proper height....  daunting, but after all the work it took to bring the back one into scale, it would be a cop-out to ignore the front....  maybe do that tomorrow?

Take care,

Frank

man.....I don't envy you Frank.....but nice work!

Thanks for the updates!

I took the plunge and removed/raised the fwd pylon yesterday....  it was comparatively easy, using a new scalpel to cut the plastic, internal bracing (piece of a tire from a 1/48 J-3) to raise it to it's proper height, and flat pieces of sheet styrene around the inside of the cut to recieve the putty.

The new 1/48 ACH-47, and the multible 1/72 kits already on the market, appear to have the same mold on the fwd pylon, and this procedure makes the profile look "Chinook" once again!

take care,

Frank

Hey Frank,

I thought of you today as I passed the museum.  Build's lookin good so far!

Oh Man,

That's a tease.... Maybe you could take some reference pics.

Semper Fi,

Chris

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the nice picture... your photo shows the bulge, to good effect, on the back left of the fwd pylon!     That's a great picture, Thanks!!     Dan Dugan has an Army publication of some kind from 1972, with a picture of it passing overhead during one of it's test.... I'll post it when he scans it for me.  

It's good to see her shining in the warm Alabama sun!   The last time I was down there, it was at the back of the fenced lot adjacent to the museum, badly faded, and the rotors almost dragging the ground!    

The one I'm working on is finally on the wing.... (notice how much more realistic the fwd pylon appears being raised)

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The Flap Actuators...

Thanks again,

Frank

Frank,

You're going to end up like Mr Magoo after this build. Keep the pics coming.

Rich

Ok, I've got about ten shots of her.  Here ya go!

Frank,

Wow, I've never seen that version of the 'Hook! Impressive work so far with the conversion. I really like the first picture in the last set you posted. It has a 'Hind' look to it. So, will this practice for a conversion using Trumpeter's /135 kit?

Cheers,

Alby 

Rich,

My eyes felt (and probably looked) like Mr. Magoo when I came out of my workroom a little earlier tonight!!

Jon,

Thank you very much for the excellent reference pictures!!        She cleans up good!       I remember first seeing it back in 1975, with the big white "347" on the pylon... and it's the best I've seen it since then, thank you once again for providing those nice pictures!

Alby,

Thanks!     Yes, it does have a "Hind" end!      You know, I always thought an aircraft like that would have made a great weapons platform, given it's relatively silent approach.... the rounds would be impacting several seconds before anyone heard it coming!     

It is very interesting to read about some of the inovations the "347" pioneered.... for instance, it was the first helicopter to ever operate totally "Fly-by-Wire"... and the multiple cargo hooks on the "D" Model were originally tested on the "347".

Hmmm.... a 1/35 "347".... dang, one would have to carry something that big under their arms!  haha     I did learn how to make the fwd pylon look right, for that mold, which is the same as the various 1/72, and probably the upcoming 1/48 kits as well... and if nothing else, that made the project worth while!    After getting this, and a 1/48 Murdy Cap20L done, I will be diving back into the 1/570th Titanic I building for my daughter.... I almost had completed when I lost my Mom, and that kinda took all the wind out of my sail.... just now getting back into it good, so I thought a tiny kitbash would whip me back into shape!

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Got the primer coat on my pocket-knife sized version of the beast tonight...

Take care,

Frank

Wow! your not wasting any time on this one Frank.... forgot to take your meds again huh?

LOOKING SWEET!

I was at the store today and saw this dude with a huey tatoo on his upper arm, I couldn't help my self so we started talking....he was a  Army door gunner 68-69 ....don't remember what units but he did remember the 147th Hill Climbers...said they flew support for them a couple times...he knew of the 173rd Robinhoods and the Crossbows as well. Pretty nice guy too ....so I told him thanks for serving with a hand shake (like usual) and he said "I appreciate that"

That always make even a crapy day better for me....to let any war Veteran know that they did what they did was NOT for nothing.

Hello all...

Well, after several days of attending to other (real life) things, I was finally able to sit down and concentrate on making this pocket-knife sized Chinook a little more recognizable....

I hand-painted the white lettering on clear decal paper until I got it halfway legible... transferred it to the model, then started cleaning it up a little with my Liner brush.      As you can see, I've got all the walkways and vents, and most of the standard US Army markings in place.    

The next step will be making the Slime Lights and positioning all the antennas, then I'll mask the front glass and give it a covering of Dullcote.      THEN, I'll make the spinning rotors using my "speed-blur" technigue, and mount it as if it's in flight inside a clear display case.... maybe with a scenic photographic background?

Enjoy,

Take care,

Frank