CH-53E Super Stallion optional versions?

I'm pretty sure the wording- "UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS" -is the same for the 46 and 53, but I'm not certain about the size of the letters themselves.  The white side stripes definitly are not the same length.  They could be painted, but that might be difficult since the white stripe has a subtle gold border at the edge.  Also, you'd need the yellow tail rotor warning sign that's on our 53's.  And detail nazis out there might want to know that our 53's have 'crash worthy' troop seats vice the bench type.  I'm doing our only gray bird, a/c 41 and not worrying about the seats since I don't think it's a simple fix.  Funny thing is, 41 has no squadron markings whatsoever, so my skills at weathering are gonna have to set it off.  BTW, anyone ever do an alchohol-based wash over a coat of Future?  Problems?

Maybe someone could use the HMX decals from the CH-46E Bull Phrog kit.  Is the lettering the same on the HMX 53's and 46's?

We (HMX-1) have some pretty gloss green 53E's too.  Good luck finding decals though.  Unless you want to make or order your own. 

Here's about HC-4. I knew 2 guys from tehre when they were reassigned to my squadron, HC-1.

They were in HC-4 whe HC-4 was still at NAS Sigonella.

http://hc4.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/homeframe.htm

 

In building Academy's kit, The fuselage has molded in mounting points for an enlarged sponson (as for a MH-53E).  This makes me think that there's an MH on the way. 

HMH-461 Ironhorse is a bunch of great guys.  I'm a bigger fan of HMH-464 Condors who are housed in the very same hanger at MCAS New River.  Then there's the other house at the Globe and Anchor Bar (aka "100 Proof" or "The Proof") just off the main gate.  However, avoid Toby's right next door. 

I have some CH-53E reference pics and some build pics from my 53 models at my photobucket site.  The reference pics are all 464 aircraft, which are outfitted the same as 461 machines.  The only differences are the tail modexes; 461 has CJ and 464 has EN. They're part of the same Marine Air Group.  461 joined MAG 29 in 2004.  There's also an old thread you may be interested in. 

/forums/667602/ShowPost.aspx

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

Hope it helps,

Semper Fi,

Chris

The Navy transitioned to solely to the MH back in the 1990's when HC-4 picked up the MH.  I have heard that Academy is going to make an MH version of the Echo.....has anyone heard any validity to that?  Thanks

Cheers

Scott

I would never suggest doing any -53 sqn other than -461 (been there 1976-1980/1981-1985)but there are numerous other sqns using the E model--I believe still:HMT-302; HMH-361,-461,-462,-464,-465,-466,-769,-772.

as per references(marking placement) check the individual sqn web sites, military.com, photobucket (search..ch53..).

maybe a Navy version ??-I don't know if they transitioned solely to the MH or still use the CH-53E.

Brian