Dragon 1:35 UH-1H Huey WIP

I forgot to bring this up... will this work?  It says UH-1D but on the website it is saying UH-1H Heer.  Huh?

Thanks again!

Revell had a 1:32 Bell UH-1H Huey Gunship  #04421, but it's the old model from the 80's or even older I'm not sure about that .

As far as I know it had bad detailing .

What about the Dragon 1:35 UH-1D Huey Helicopter #3538 for a little conversion ?

At least it would be a US version , although I don't know how this kit is ?

Thanks Jumbo!  I was thinking about this set too...

I wonder what kind of conversions do I need to turn it into UH-1H.  I read some info... not much mostly interior such as frames but it said something about wider canopy. 

The differences between a D and an H model are very little.  The Dragon D model can be built either way.  This thread lays out the differences pretty well.  This one will give you more info on the model. 

The kit is not too bad, but you will have to get another door gun to be accurate, it only comes with one for some reason.

If you do a serch here for either "Panda UH-1D" or "Dragon UH-1D", you will find lots of threads on them.  (BTW, It used to be boxed as a Panda kit before Dragon picked it up and updated it with PE and the crew set.)

Good luck on it.  I'm sure he will love it.  Let me know if you need any help while building it. 

WOW!  Gino, you have been so helpful!  That drawing of all models was great.  I will go ahead and order this Dragon set suggested by Jumbo.  I can handle minor modifications.  And I found your earlier post about aftermarket decals from Fireball.  I am going to order one of those because it has 1st Cavalry decals.

My friend is going to bring pictures of his helicopter when she finds them.  I will definitely post the pictures here and do a WIP when timing is right. 

Thanks again!

As promised, I am going to start a WIP in a new thread... I was not able to get that Dragon UH-1D kit but I got this kit UH-1D Heer for only $28.  Thanks to eBay!  I hope I will be OK with this to build a UH-1H out of it as I read somewhere that this kit comes with better PE sets. 

Had to get nice looking diomara base from Hobby Town USA for the Huey to sit on.  Gonna look around for a nice wood base next...

I have to admit I don't know alot about Hueys and I look forward to learn while I work on it.  Again, it is a 50th birthday present for a good friend who flew in those when he served in the Army for 14 years. 

  Since your friend flew a later model UH-1H, you need to note that Viet Nam era pictures may not be correct for what he flew.The one most noticeable change was the addition of the "wire cutters" on the top and bottom for the cabin well forward. They show up nicely in this photo:

Gene- I really appreciate any help I can get!   I have been looking at Cobra Company website where I plan to order couple of upgrade sets to make this work. 

First, I need to get side guns.  Bob (my friend) said it had M-60s on each side.  So I will get this set...

http://www.cobracompany.com/35017.htm

I am not sure if it is necessary to get this upgrade set... I read somewhere Dragon kits are actually re-boxed Panda kits.  If so, should I get this set too?

http://www.cobracompany.com/35011.htm

The second set costs $26.00.  The wife has given me $60 so far to cover for the kit, diomara base and an gun upgrade set.  I'd hate to ask her for more $$$.  Bob has been disabled since the motorcycle accident two years ago.  Some jerk hit him in the rear yapping on a cell phone...

I am looking forward to build this real soon!

Andy;

 I think your right about it being a version of the Panda kit. I would suggest that if you have questions on the Cobra kits, email Chris, the owner. He has been very helpful in the past, and will respond to questions.

 The door gun kit is the standard Viet Nam style mount, and I don't know of any changes later,but then I left the Army in the mid 70s. The second kit adds nice detail to the cockpit area. I think it was used on the model shown at this web page location:
http://238awc.org/joe2/joe2.html
 That model belongs to my brother, but was built by Joe Kline, an aviation artist (one of the best). The only thing I see that you might have to leave out is the seats. If he flew in the US, they normally did NOT use the armored seats there, since they were easy to add or remove but add extra weight. I don't know if you could ask him about the seats. It builds into a very nice model, but I was told there are some fit problems. Let me know if I can be of any help!

Gene Kennedy
Gunrunner 31  70.71

Gene,

Is your brother Steve?   If so I know him from attending the 174th AHC Reunions.  I had Joe customize the print in the background to Witch Doctor "650" the bird I crewed the last 3 months before the 174th AHC stood down in Oct of 1971.  The challenge coin visible in the case was designed by me and given to the members of the 174th AHC Assn. in 2005.  Looking forward to the 2012 Reunion in May!    

The 1/32 Revell Kit has some good detail but the nose profile is wrong, too rounded.  The Panda kit needs a lot of Cobra Co. update kits.  It's a shame such an icon of the Vietnam war still doesn't have a good 1/48 or 1/35 kit of the UH-1D or H!   Are you listening MRC!

  Yeah Mel, Steve is my brother and that's the model I had Joe make for him. Joe used a lot of Cris' Cobra Company add ons and did some himself. He also did the art work on the back of Steve's helmet in the model, Snoopy riding a Dolphin, free hand! You may remember that Joe was a door gunner with the one oh worst It is sad that they can't seem to get models that are correct. The Cobra is another one that has nothing even close to the original AH-1G. they were all done from the first prototype and have major flaws. I often wonder just how far off many of the other models are.

Gene

PS I'm sure Steve will be at the reunion again this year.

Andy, the CC Interior set is a nice addition and replaces most of the out of scale Panda/Dragon interior parts.  The dual M23 M60 doorguns are correct for most Hueys up through present day.  The mounts haven't really changed over the years.

Here is a late model (2008) UH-1H White Sands Missile Range SAR bird I built using the CC and Fireball Modelworks sets.

The build is here.

Your '70s build should be basically the same as my WSMR SAR above. 

Hope that helps.

Guys, you have been so helpful!  I look forward to do my WIP here... I will just change the subject and start WIP here so that way I will not loose the information you have posted earlier.  

Gino, those pictures of your built UH-1H was very helpful especially the interior.  

I found plenty of walk around pics of UH-1H on the internet but nothing looked alike inside the helicopter.  So I have to dig further into this.  I got more information from the wife over the weekend and I will fill you in with the details that may help me build one that Bob flew.  

I will go ahead and order the M-60 set from Cobra Company... thanks again!

Andy;

I don't doubt that the interiors often looked different since just about everything from the instrument panel back, including the items in the center console, could be changed out fairly easily. I don't suppose you have any pictures of his aircraft (he probably flew more than one) or even a tail number to go by. If you have questions, let us know.

Gene

Gene- Yes you got that correct.  He flew many helicopters and believe it or not he doesn't have pictures.  How typical!  Only picture his wife has found... Bob in his flight information.  She tried to get pictures from his old crew but no available.

However her wife was able to get the information... maybe you can help me. 

He served in the Army from 1979 to 1994.  He was with 193rd company under 56th Field Artillery brigade.  I hope I wrote down all information correctly.  He was based all over... Alaska, West German and he was part of first Gulf War.  He told his wife his favorite part was doing time for Pershing Missiles unit in West German.  His helicopter was all black with black markings.  He also told his wife his black helicopter had minimal or no markings.  Is it because they were operating under cover of secrecy while dealing with missiles?  He flew between missile sites... this was his unit insignia.

During his time in Alaska, he served with the 1st Cavalry 'E" troop.  According to his wife, a black Huey would be great.  So I googled and I couldn't find good pictures of black Hueys.  Maybe you have good pictures... it would be very helpful!

Finally, I have started working on the Huey few nights ago.  I am going to post a WIP here right after this. 

Thanks again!

GeneK

I think it was used on the model shown at this web page location:

http://238awc.org/joe2/joe2.html
 That model belongs to my brother, but was built by Joe Kline, an aviation artist (one of the best). The only thing I see that you might have to leave out is the seats. If he flew in the US, they normally did NOT use the armored seats there, since they were easy to add or remove but add extra weight. I don't know if you could ask him about the seats. It builds into a very nice model, but I was told there are some fit problems. Let me know if I can be of any help!

Gene Kennedy
Gunrunner 31  70.71

Gene, thanks for the link!  I overlooked last time I was here.  I loved the displayment case.  This is something I can look into and get a copy of his unit insignia too.  What a great idea!  Thanks again!

Guys, here's the WIP I promised to post.  Instead of starting a new thread I didn't want to loose all of the valuable information you have provided me earlier so I just changed the thread subject. 

I have to say I agree with you guys. I am so glad I got this kit instead because it comes with great PE sets... ready to use.  I just sanded down the molded details on the dashboard as they were not that great.  Keep in mind they are not glued... dry fitting only. 

Three PE sheets come with the kit.  Some of them are so tiny like this...

Taking advantage of PE, I sanded down the molded metal guard/stands whatever you call those?

I like the improved look now...

I have a question... the instrucions want me to use those foot pedals.  I am not sure if they are correct.  They have 'BELL' marked on those.  Check this out...

I wish Dragon did better job to include seats without molded seatbelts.  Good thing I had Dremel so they were sanded off.  But I had difficult time making holes on the sides for the PE seatbelts.  I have applied Zap CA glue to make them smoother.

More to come... spent few more hours at the workbench today but I haven't taken pictures.  Thanks for looking!

deafpanzer

 

Gene, thanks for the link!  I overlooked last time I was here.  I loved the displayment case.  This is something I can look into and get a copy of his unit insignia too.  What a great idea!  Thanks again!

Andy;

 The display case was hand made by my brother himself after I gave him the model. He does woodworking in his garage. He made me one too  What kind of copy of the insignia do you need? There are several places that can do those, but it could get expensive. You could do a decal of it yourself if that's what you want. Anyway, let me know. Almost forgot, the foot pedals are slightly wrong. One should say BELL as they have, but the other should say HUEY. Left pedal BELL right HUEY.

Gene 

Gene- Thank you so much for the information about the foot pedals.  Jeez, Dragon never gets everything right.  I wonder how visible will they be?  If so, then I will try to sand down two pedals to remove 'Bell'. 

Good news, I was able to order an insignia via eBay for less than $5 including shipping.  I will post when I get it... Hobby Lobby and Michael's sell many displayment cases so maybe one fits.  I know there is a football case but it may be too small.  I have to see if the wife is willing to cough more money.  I think she will...

I have been looking for 1:35 decals... there are not many choices.  Liked a set from Fireball but they want $15!  I only need few decals not the whole set representing six different units.  Do you have a suggestion where I can find good decals at reasonable prices? 

It is coming along well. 

I highly recommend the Fireball Modelworks decals.  I think the $15 is very reasonable and cheaper than most decal sets.  They are really nice and look great when applied.  You won't find any better.

Gene- I don't think the foot petals are visible once they are inside.  I went ahead and put them on.  Again, thanks for letting me know. 

Gino- Thanks!  OK I will go ahead and order the decals set.  Who knows I will build another helicopter?  I always wanted to build one from Vietnam War with 1st Air Cavalry decal which the set has and a figure from Apocalypse Now... one with the cowboy hat. 

Guys- Another update...

Most of the interior is complete except for the seat belts which I will add after they all are painted.  I have ordered M60 upgrade set from Cobra Company and I hope it arrives soon...

Pilot seats... sawed off the molded box and replaced with PE box.

My first error... I cut the holes before I glued the seats in.  The holes are too far inside so the seatbelts may not go thru.    Another reason why Dragon should come up with second set of seats for those who want to use PE instead.

I am trying to figure what are those tan/brown planks.  Are they wood or leather?  Instructions show they will be attached under one side of the seatbelts. 

Below- That cap is supposed to be glued at the bottom of the rod to hold the rotor.  BUT I think I will leave it off so that way the blades & rotor can be removed for travel purpose.  Is that a bad idea?  I'd rather for it to fall off than snap off breaking it... what you guys usually do?

Again, thanks for looking and helping!

I am trying to figure what are those tan/brown planks.  Are they wood or leather?  Instructions show they will be attached under one side of the seatbelts. 

It is a leather pad that goes under the latch om the seatbelt to keep it from cutting into the wearer.

I always leave the rotors loose/removable by leaving the little cap off the bottom of the mast.  It makes transport easy as you say.

Looking good so far, keep it up.  You won't be disappointed by the decals.

HeavyArty

I am trying to figure what are those tan/brown planks.  Are they wood or leather?  Instructions show they will be attached under one side of the seatbelts. 

It is a leather pad that goes under the latch om the seatbelt to keep it from cutting into the wearer.

I always leave the rotors loose/removable by leaving the little cap off the bottom of the mast.  It makes transport easy as you say.

Looking good so far, keep it up.  You won't be disappointed by the decals.

 I agree totally! It's really starting to look good. The leather pads on the seat belts also helped spread the weight of the armor "chicken plate" for guys like me who wouldn't wear the hot cumbersome carrier meant to hold it.

 The only reason I see to mount the rotor permanently is if you want to mount it on a rod like my brothers is. To do that you have to mount the metal "tube" the rod goes into on the bottom of the transmission, and it has to be a very solid mount. On my brother’s model, the same tube also replaces the rotor mast as well.

 Seats are another issue. The rearward facing seats were often removed, but that was sometimes on an "as needed" basis so it's your call. The armored pilot seats are also not really correct if you want to be accurate. They probably were used in some aircraft he flew, what I mean is that the outside armor panels, nearest the door on each side, was not part of the rear panel. It was movable for easier entry/exit. Take a look at this thread for some really good pictures of the armored seats:
/forums/t/143140.aspx?PageIndex=2
They also show the colors for the seats can vary quite a bit, but still get classified as OD.

The unit he was with in Germany was one of the few that had "tactical nuclear" weapons which is most likely the reason for the black markings. They were also very high on the Soviet target list!

Gene

Gino- Thank you for the info about the leather pads!   I thought they were oversized but I guess not.  I figured it is best not to attach the rotor permanently or it will increase the chance of breaking.  I looked at your earlier builds again... it really helps too.

Gene- Thanks again!  I thought about using a metal rod like I did for my earlier helicopter build for my son when I first returned to modeling after 25+ years of break.  But I am afraid I don't have much time and it will be strictly out of box build except for the M 60 upgrades and aftermarket decals.  In my future helicopter builds I will definitely do that...

Guys- Only one question I need to ask this time... I am learning so much about this Huey I swear.  By any chance you have good pictures of Huey in 'BLACK'?  I googled and looked everywhere... no luck! 

I was at hobby shop and I brought this paint... Model Master Aircraft International Black.  It seems to be less black than MM Flat Black.  I usually do pre-shading job and I doubt it will work so I will have to use the post-shading method this time. 

Again, thank you guys for your support.  I am starting to have fun with this Huey.  I hope to finish all of the build by tomorrow so I can have them primed soon.

Is this a Huey or a blackhawk? 

getasset.aspx?ItemID=26217

  Sorry, no pictures of the "black" hueys. Black helicopters have become almost legend with conspiracy theorists, but his wasn't what they talk about. All I can really say is that from what I once saw, they were flat black overall with, maybe, U.S. ARMY no the tail boom also in black (simi gloss), and tail numbers in either yellow or subdued white, and little or nothing else. But again, remember that my information is often well before your friend flew his. I'll also remind you that you need to scratch build the wire cutters, since those would have been on his aircraft for sure. Hope this helps.

Gene

 PS the international black may be about right for the color, it wasn't a real deep black like regular MM flat balck.

the real red baron

Is this a Huey or a blackhawk? 

 

getasset.aspx?ItemID=26217

Your picture link is a of a UH-60A Blackhawk.

Only one question I need to ask this time... I am learning so much about this Huey I swear.  By any chance you have good pictures of Huey in 'BLACK'?  I googled and looked everywhere... no luck! 

I have never seen a black Huey.  There were dark gloss green Hueys from the early '60s with yellow/white full color stencils.  But they were not black.  That is really just conspiracy theory B.S.

For the later Hueys from the mid-late '60s through the late '70s to early '80s the Huey's were in a light OD Green color.  Testors Model Master OD Green is a good match for it.  The interiors were all medium gray at this time too.  Markings were mostly black.

In the late '70s to early '80s, as helos went through rebuild, they were repainted Helo Drab Green (also from Testors Model Master), which is a dark green that is still on current US Army helos.  Also, at the same time, the cockpit was painted flat black for NVG compatability.  The markings are still mostly in black.

For a '80s-'90s bird as your friend flew, I would go with the helo drab green with black cockpit and wire cutters, toilet bowl exhaust, heat shields, etc., as shown above.  You can get the Fireball Modelworks ASE (Aircraft Survivability Equipment) set that includes all the extra parts an '80s - '90s bird most likely had on it.  The 1/32 set fits on the Dragon 1/35 kit just fine.  I used it on my WSMR SAR bird. 

I brought this paint... Model Master Aircraft International Black. 

As to the paint you bought, are you sure it isn't Aircraft Interior Black?  It is used on cockpit interiors in concert with flat black and saitn black to give some definition between flat panels and black plastic gauges and such.  It is less black than flat black and slightly more satin than flat.

Oh, well I wasnt surprised I was wrong. I don't know much about heli 's

HeavyArty

For a '80s-'90s bird as your friend flew, I would go with the helo drab green with black cockpit and wire cutters, toilet bowl exhaust, heat shields, etc., as shown above.  You can get the Fireball Modelworks ASE (Aircraft Survivability Equipment) set that includes all the extra parts an '80s - '90s bird most likely had on it.  The 1/32 set fits on the Dragon 1/35 kit just fine.  I used it on my WSMR SAR bird. 

I brought this paint... Model Master Aircraft International Black. 

As to the paint you bought, are you sure it isn't Aircraft Interior Black?  It is used on cockpit interiors in concert with flat black and saitn black to give some definition between flat panels and black plastic gauges and such.  It is less black than flat black and slightly more satin than flat.

 As usual, great info there Gino! But wasn't the "tolet bowl" replaced by the IR strobe device by the 80s? Since I was long gone by that time, I can't remember. Your probably right about the friends aircraft in Germany being the dark OD and not really black. The one actual black one I knew of was in S.E. Asia over 40 years ago, but that's another story.

Gene