USCG hh-3f

Someday there'll be a 1/48 HH-3, but until then we'll have to settle for 1/72.  Years ago I saw a 1/48 Pelican model in a magazine showing a contest in the UK, but it was a scratchbuilt (or at least HEAVILY converted H-3 Sea King). 

I just finished putting the Hawkeye Models (from Australia) USCG HH-3F Pelican resin conversion kit on the ole Lindberg H-3 Jolly Green kit.  The Lindberg kit is rough: lots of huge "rivets" and no real worthwhile detail inside.  Fuselage fit is pretty poor, requiring a lot of sanding and filling around the canopy.  There is no hoist (but you get a resin one with the conversion kit) or any antennae.  You also have to fill the gaping holes in the right side of the cockpit where the refueling boom was to attach. 

I was wanting to do a fun and easy build, so I just painted the windows black and will make it a desktop display model.  A base coat of white is drying as I type this.  It won't be competition worthy, but at least it will be a Pelican. 

Unfortunately, there is not HH-3 kit in 48th.  We've all been screaming for one for years, but so far, no one has put one out.

Jon

The only HH-3F Pelican kit I know of is the ancient Lindberg 1/72 one.  There is no conversion kit either.  What would you use as a base kit to convert anyhow? 

For decals, Fireball Modelworks has a set for HH-60Js and HH-65s.  You could probably use them to make decals for an HH-3F.  I believe Hawkeye models out of Australia also does USCG decals.