Build Log: 1/32 UH-34D Conversion

Work has continued...slowly. 

I have applied the decals and sealed them down. I used a set of decals from Heli-Scale Quality out of Germany for the USMC and YN19-specific markings. The Heli-Scale Quality decals snugged down really well and came out looking nicely. No issues with them at all. The rest of the stencils and aircraft placards are from the Fly Models kit. I also got her up on her wheels, no issues there either.

Here she is so far.

Next up is some weathering and deciding on a crew or not. I still need to make the exhausts and build the rotors as well.

That is looking very sharp now! 

I am calling this one done. I built the main and tail rotors. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pics before painting them. They each had a bunch of plastic, resin, and PE parts.

I washed the whole thing with a couple coats of dirty brown and black acrylic colors. Then picked out some selected parts for a dirt-colored drybrushing.

Here it is.

IMG_1837480×640 62.3 KB

I added Dragon Vietnam Helo crew figures with their torsos swapped out with the correct USMC flak vests. I also swapped their heads out with some resin ones from Verlinden helo pilots. I also added PE boom mikes to them. I used Quinta 3-D/resin seat belt decals for a 1/32 B-17 on them as well.

It actually is still waiting on one part. Did anyone catch it? I am still waiting on the 3D printed exhaust parts from Adriatic Models out of Italy. They will be slid into place once I receive them.

Excellent work!  Everything about this build just "clicks".  The construction/conversion,painting, subtle weathering, and the crew figures all help this build to be over the top.  It's too build that no mainstream manufacturer has made this helo in a larger scale. Once again marvelous work!

TJS

Wow. That is fantastic. Great detail work.

Thanks Gents. It has been a long journey, but a fun one. I have really enjoyed this build.

Excellent as always and congrats on extending the Army tradition.

Thanks Glenn.

Nice job on one of my favorite helos.  That era of rotary engine, bulbous noses certainly are easy to pick out!  The crew looks great and are a perfect compliment to the kit.  I've got two of these in 1/48 in the stash - the old Revell Wessex and the Trumpter arctic seahorse.  Your's is an inspiration!

Excellent as always and congrats on extending the Army tradition.

OK, so it is really finally done now. I received the exhaust parts from Adriatic Models, which are very nice. They were originally shipped from Italy on Dec 13, and I just got the small padded envelope yesterday. Man, international shipping is hosed right now.

The actual exhausts.

The parts I needed were mainly the tips for the exhausts which have a double pipe (inner and outer). I added the flat clamps and bolts from wine bottle foil and 1/35 bolt heads.

I think they came out looking great.

Fine’.

Worth the wait!  Looks sharp

Thanks keavdog. It was a fun build.

Wonderful Build of an overlooked subject.  One of my favorite helos though I never cared for the look of the British version.  Wasn't one of these used in a detective drama from the 1980s called "Riptide"?  

TJS

Thanks Tom.  I have always loved the UH-34D as well.  I have wanted to do one for a long time.

MR TOM SCHRY

 Wasn't one of these used in a detective drama from the 1980s called "Riptide"?  

TJS

Sort of, the "Screaming Mimi" was a later, civilian S-58T with a turbine engine.