CH-46D progress pics

Thanks John!  I'm looking forward to this "smaller" build after the 53.  I haven't built anything that large since I was about 14 and built the Testors 1/48th C-130!  That was a beast!  BTW, does Testors still make models, that one in particular?    

Mike

We look forward to seeing more progress pics.  Your work on the 53 was just outstanding.  I'd like to hear your impressions of the kit.  I'm thinking about buying one with a Big Ed set and maybe some resin.  However, I'd love to get your opinions before I tell my LHS owner to start ordering stuff. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

Thanks Chris...I will get back to building next weekend, getting the garage epoxy put down, so my progress is on hold.  I really wish the 53E had the rivets done by the maker.  The old Revell 53D had some pretty good riveting done OOB.  It is such a pain to do at first, but I am noticing once I have it down, the riveting on the 46 is going twice as fast. 

As for this 53 kit, I think it is overall a great one.  A bit pricey, oh yeah.  Worth it, oh yeah.  I had fitting issues with the bottom.  You can't see it, but the outside floor of mine has a 2 mm gap where the outside walls should join with the outside floor.  I sanded and planed the inside walls and ceiling, but it still did not fit properly.  Definately go with the Ed set.  The screens alone by the tail gear box etc adds so much realism, also adds so much time.  I had to drill out the old screens and razor knife the remainder, lots of work, but worth it. 

Semper Fi, Mike

Oh, Sorry Dude, I didn't clarify.  I'd love to get your impressions of Academy's CH-46A/D.  I know about the 53E.  It (the 53) is a great kit, I had alot of fun with my example. 

Good luck with the Garage,

Semper Fi,

Chris

Sorry Chris...the 46 is a good kit, this will be the 5th and 6th ones I've built.  I've built 4 CH-46E's before and am now doing two at the same time, an A and D mod, Vietnam.  I don't care too much for the exaggerated panel lines, though, and a lack or rivet detail is frustrating.  It is however a nice fitting kit, and again, the Ed parts are a must.  Here is one a did a few years ago.  Good luck with it, I'll post some more prog pics.  Mike

Heloguy wrote:

Thanks John!  I'm looking forward to this "smaller" build after the 53.  I haven't built anything that large since I was about 14 and built the Testors 1/48th C-130!  That was a beast!  BTW, does Testors still make models, that one in particular?       Mike

   Not sure about Testors. I do know that Italeri make 1/48 Herc's. I have their C-130H in my stash and bought their C-130J not long ago. I just can't work out where i will display them when i get to build them. Might have to rent a new house....

   Boomer...

Thanks for the input on the 46.  I'm sure you wouldn't be building your 5th and 6th examples if they weren't good kits.  The ribbons, pilot's wings and Eagle, Globe, and Anchor make for a great display. 

I took 1 ride in an HMM-162 CH-46E from Al Kut to the Iranian border.  It had a much different ride than my beloved 53's.  A crusty old Chief Warrant Officer 5 read off the Beorau Number and said "That's an old one."  The crew chief replied with "Rolled off the line in May 1967."  I (LCpl Smuchatelli) piped up with, "This thing was in the Marine Corps before my father."  I got a very dirty look from that Chief Warrant Officer 5.   

Semper Fi,

Chris

Well, I'm back on the bench and added a little more work to this, just finished the rivets on the D mod and drilled holes for some wiring in the interior bulkhead.