I have alot of scratchbuilding ahead of me (Academy CH-53E) FINISHED!

ridleusmc wrote:

Thanks for following the build Avus.  To answer your question, the soundproofing and the rest of the interior walls are molded as seperate pieces.  Academy calls it their 2nd skin.  I did get something done on the job hunt today.  I got permission from the FAA to take my Airframes and Powerplants test.  Another step closer.  Unfortunately, I didn't get anything done of the 53 today, and I don't think I will have a chance. Semper Fi, Chris

Chris;

Getting the authorization to test is normally the most time consuming and frustrating part because you have to deal with a government agency.

Because you worked as an Airframes/Sheetmetal and Hydraulics tech and because you have some expeirence as a 6113, you should have no problems with the hands on part of the exam.

I went to a "quickie" course in Southern Alabama that basically preps people for taking the exams, it wasn't too expensive but it did get me in the right frame of mind for the written and oral exams. I had the option of taking the written at the place that gave the course or going to a Sylvan Learning Center which also administered the exam.  I chose the former and made sure that I took the practice exams enough times that I covered all possible questions.

The oral and practical exams were a piece of cake, espeically after working on '46s and '47s. As was mentioned before you should be able to pick up some of the study material fairly easily and if you can get to the point where you can answer the sample questions in the back of the books, you wont have any problems with the written exams.

Anyway, great work on the build and good luck in getting your A&P. It wont be as hard as you might think and you will probably wonder why you didn't get it sooner, (I did, when I got mine), it will make a big difference when looking for a job.

Jonathan Primm

Youngsville, LA

Hello Chris,

When stationed at Tustin I had a neighbor (CH-53D&E Crew Chief Dan Hammer) who built

great looking -53 models.[I believe Revell's -53 line continued only due to him building, minimum,

of six kitso a year for each of the three years that I lived there] Dan, not only built great looking

kits but they looked so realistic from the way they sat. Dan always started with the main rotor.

When the MRH was complete he would:1) take a metal trash can lid and invert it,2)place MRH

inverted into can lid,centered, and maybe put a light weigth onto the swashplate/hub, 3)only when

the rest of build was complete would he remove the MRH and place onto the kit. During the build

the shape of the trash can lid, the weight, and heat within the garage put in such a true blade

droop that I try to mimick that practice as well.

...on another note...

I, as well, wish you success with the FAA tests. If you don't have, I hope the FAA rep suggested

getting a... Airframes section textbook, as well as the Airframes section workbook to bone-up on

possible questions. These manuals should be available at any GPO (government printing office) or

local municipal airport..pilots shop.

Brian  

Thanks for following the build Avus.  To answer your question, the soundproofing and the rest of the interior walls are molded as seperate pieces.  Academy calls it their 2nd skin. 

I did get something done on the job hunt today.  I got permission from the FAA to take my Airframes and Powerplants test.  Another step closer. 

Unfortunately, I didn't get anything done of the 53 today, and I don't think I will have a chance.

Semper Fi,

Chris  

I've been watching this threa a while and I must say ... WOW you're doing a great job detailing your helo!
I really love how the interior looks. Was the sound proofing molded on or did you add it?

Good luck on your job hunt, too.

Thanks JH Primm,

I've looked through the site alittle, and I found some useful stuff.  My MOS was 6153 Airframes and Hydraulics, but I had  some cross training in the 6113 MOS.  Thankfully, it's all documented.  I'm going to talk to the local FAA flight standard guy on Thursday.  They'll let me know what tests I'm qualified to take. 

I found another easily fixed problem with the kit.  Academy molded the bottom piece of the tail section to fit with a gap where the part meets the sides of the tail.  This gap shouldn't be there, but the bottom piece needs to be installed with it to ensure the proper fit of the tail section bulkhead.  Therefore, I'm just going to fill the gap with putty.      

Semper Fi,

Chris

ridleusmc wrote:

Hey Melgyver, I'm glad you got your kit for cheap.  The prices of kits nowadays can be insane.  I bought mine at full price, but I didn't care.  It was that "Must Have" subject for me.  That is a good friend.  I'm glad to know that my pics help.  I have more referance shots at my photobucket account, which is at http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/ridleusmc/ CHRH53D had some trouble posting on this forum, but he sent me a message about seeing more of the .50's I bought for this kit.  I didn't get anything done on the 53 today.  I dedicated the day to finding a job.  Is there anybody hiring helicopter/aircraft mechanics in Northeast Ohio.  Semper Fi, Chris

You might start by looking here;

http://www.justhelicopters.com/

I can't remember what you said your MOS was but if you were a 6153 (sheet metal) you shouldn't have any problems getting a job on ANY type of aircraft, fixed or rotary wing... as a 6113 it would help tremendously if you had an A&P License, but jobs for A&Ps can be a little harder to find if your concentration wasn't in sheet metal.

There is a narrow minded bias against helo mechs in the fixed wing world, especially when it comes to large aircraft. Namely  that if a person had experience working on helicopters then they wouldn't know their way around  fixed wing, which is a crock of crap, especially when a person has worked on larger helos (53's, 47s, and 46s).

As a matter of fact I found that working on C-130s, Boeing 727s, 757s, and 767s was a piece of cake compared to working on on CH-46s, CH-47s and Boeing 234s.

The place I work has plenty of work for sheet metal, avionics, and A&Ps...as long as you don't mind only two seasons...Summer and February!

Jonathan Primm

Youngsville, LA

Hey Melgyver,

I'm glad you got your kit for cheap.  The prices of kits nowadays can be insane.  I bought mine at full price, but I didn't care.  It was that "Must Have" subject for me.  That is a good friend.  I'm glad to know that my pics help.  I have more referance shots at my photobucket account, which is at

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

CHRH53D had some trouble posting on this forum, but he sent me a message about seeing more of the .50's I bought for this kit. 

I didn't get anything done on the 53 today.  I dedicated the day to finding a job.  Is there anybody hiring helicopter/aircraft mechanics in Northeast Ohio. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

I just got my hands on the Academy CH-53E kit today.  Looks nice!  A buddy of mine picked one up for me real cheap!  It would make you sick to know!  Heh, heh!  He doesn't build helicopters but when he saw the price he thought of me and bought it.  What a great friend!  The main rotor head looks to be a complicated mess of tubing on the real thing.  The amount of extra detail you added was just enough to look more convincing but not a builders nightmare to add more.  Thanks for posting the pictures they will help me in my build, one of these years!   

SSgt, Thanks for sending those pics over.  I enjoyed them. 

Dubua and Oldhooker, Thanks for the kind words. 

I've spent the last couple of days working on the engine nacelles and EAPS (Engine Air Particle Seperators).  The EAPS work by drawing air in through the Strata-tubes (the small black circles).  The airflow through the cavity forces the particles outward, then the particulate is blown out of the exhaust fan.  The exhaust fan is that thing that looks like a coffee can. The doors at the front of the EAPS open automatically at certain airspeeds and altitudes AGL.    

I added a stip of plastic for the fairing that covers the wires that run from the front of the EAPS back to the exhaust fan.  The cool thing is that the plastic I added covers an ugly seam. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

Hi Chris,

Outstanding work!     Have been following your progress with interest, and seeing all the fun you're having, makes me want to slide on down to Hobby Lobby and get me one!

Looking forward to your next update, thanks!

Take care,

Frank

WOW that looks GREAT so for. Keep it up

Bud

Thanks SSgt.

Semper Fi,

Chris

ridleusmc wrote:

They charged me $15 per set, and $30 total for the decals that I specified (I bought 2 sets).  I had to supply them with reference photos and the deminsions of the markings.  I sent my first email to them 1 week ago.  I already have my decals, so I'm pretty happy with their service.  They sent me a proof pdf file to ensure that the fonts and artwork were the right size.  Here's a pic of the finished decal sheet.   And here's a link to their site. http://www.customhobbydecals.com/ I originally saw them advertised on the decal section of this forum. Hey SSgt, do you have online photo acount like photobucket?  I've seen your F-4 and F-18 on an aircraft thread, can I see some of your other work? Semper Fi, Chris

I use, ImageShack. I do not think you can look at them like you can in photobucket. I just started posting all my work, I'll put them in a P.M. for you in the some time on Sat.  Was it my 242 or 323 F-18, that your talking about? So I know what to give you.

They charged me $15 per set, and $30 total for the decals that I specified (I bought 2 sets).  I had to supply them with reference photos and the deminsions of the markings.  I sent my first email to them 1 week ago.  I already have my decals, so I'm pretty happy with their service.  They sent me a proof pdf file to ensure that the fonts and artwork were the right size.  Here's a pic of the finished decal sheet.

And here's a link to their site.

http://www.customhobbydecals.com/

I originally saw them advertised on the decal section of this forum.

Hey SSgt, do you have online photo acount like photobucket?  I've seen your F-4 and F-18 on an aircraft thread, can I see some of your other work?

Semper Fi,

Chris

ridleusmc wrote:

I've spent the last few days just piecing stuff together.  The sponsons are on and the Aux tanks are ready, but they aren't going on until after painting.  The #1 and #3 engines are also going to stay off until painting is complete.  I bought Verlinden's US WWII Aircraft Guns in 1:48 #1267.  The old .50's for the waist guns of a B-17 will look nice in the windows of a modern CH-53.  I ordered some custom decals from Custom Hobby Decals.  Their service was great and the decals are in the mail.  I can't wait to see them.  There's going to be a nice piece of crew door art with some unique squadron markings.   I'll keep ya'll posted. I may have to tweak a couple more parts, but I think the hard part is over. UPDATE: The mail guy came.  I have my decals, and they look great.  Semper Fi, Chris

Dog, how much did they charge you to make them? I need some made for my VMGR-352 KC-130J.

I've spent the last few days just piecing stuff together.  The sponsons are on and the Aux tanks are ready, but they aren't going on until after painting.  The #1 and #3 engines are also going to stay off until painting is complete.  I bought Verlinden's US WWII Aircraft Guns in 1:48 #1267.  The old .50's for the waist guns of a B-17 will look nice in the windows of a modern CH-53.  I ordered some custom decals from Custom Hobby Decals.  Their service was great and the decals are in the mail.  I can't wait to see them.  There's going to be a nice piece of crew door art with some unique squadron markings.

I'll keep ya'll posted. I may have to tweak a couple more parts, but I think the hard part is over.

UPDATE: The mail guy came.  I have my decals, and they look great. 

Semper Fi,

Chris  

I got 2 things done today.  I finished the cabin with a liberal weathering treatment.  It really looks messy.  I also fixed the 2 fuselage halves together.  My major mistake was not taking pics of the completed and weathered interior sections. 

This pic doesn't do my weathering justice.  The angle and the flash doesn't show the wonderful heavy black wash I used to grime up the cabin.  The cabins are grimy. 

Here is the fuselage finally fixed together.  The fit was very good for 5  14" pieces of plastic (left fuselage, right fuselage, cabin ceiling, cabin floor/cockpit, and belly).   However, nothings perfect, and I'll be spending some time tomorrow sanding and shaping the seams. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

Thanks for the tip.  There are a couple of craft stores around here that I can try.  I'm glad you like the work I've done so far.  Last night I test fitted the cabin floor and cieling and I enjoyed what I saw. 

I'll keep posting,

Semper Fi,

Chris 

I got a little bit more done today, but not much.  The most important thing I did was order some new .50 cals at my LHS.  I ordered a Verlinden 1/48 scale WWII machine gun set.  It includes enough guns for a B-17.  They looked identicle to the modern XM218's on todays choppers, but I was looking at a rather small catalogue picture.  They may take some adjusting, but I think they'll work. 

This kit's rotor head support assembly only represents 2 Main Rotor Servos, when it should have 3.  These main rotor servos are hydraulically operated and they control the swashplate, which controls the pitch of the blades.  I consider it an important detail, so I"m going to have add a 3rd one.  This is where I cut the space for the new servo. 

I made a couple of "litters" for the aft sections of the cabin.  One is for the right and one is for the left.  The left side litter is used to store emergency MRE's, Water, cranials, and floatation devices for passengers.  The right side litters are used to store a big heavy raft.  The storage isn't made yet, but the litters are.  Here's a pic. 

Dual point external load pendants are usually stored on the aft cabin floor, under the seats.  These pendants are attached to the dual point hooks to lift loads externally.  The pendants are slung beneith the aircraft until they are attached to the load (M198 Howitzers, Hummers, etc).  I'm modelling them as they'd be stored in the cabin.  The hooks are actually trailer hitches taken from 1/35 shermans.  I love my parts box.  The sleeve is just evergreen styrene, and the canvas covered cable is just tissue paper.  I need to scrape away a CA buger, but that can wait until tomorrow. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

Thanks guys,

I'll keep the progress pics coming.  It may be time to close up the fuselage soon. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

Outstanding work, Chris!

Thank you for letting us see your progress shots of this great, and long awaited model!   Will be following your updates!

Take care,

Frank

The Hyd fluid used is Mil-PRF-83282, I think.  I left the Marine Corps 4 months ago.  Some things I have forgotten.  I don't remember the engine or gear box oil Mil-specs, but I'm sure they still leak.  The Hyd leak on my 1/72 scale CH-53E is meant to represent a rotor positioner leak.  The night I added the finishing touches on my CH-53E there was a rotor positioner leak on an A/C we were trying to push out of phase.  It kept us at work for an extra couple of hours, so I had to include it on the model. 

I just keep chugging away at the 1/48 scale kit.  I hope that I'll be able to close up the fuselage soon, but It all depends on the upper sound-proofing and little things like the upper crew door/AO window, and other cabin details.  (I need to add the guns, and I think they'll need to detailed a bit.) 

I considered cutting the 1st Stage Hydraulic compartment/Main Gear Box Oil Cooler Compartment open.  However, I decided that there was enough work to do on this model without cutting open compartments.  (The 1st Stg Hyd compartment is located aft of the Main rotor head on the upper right side of the aircraft, opposite the #2 engine). 

Good luck to you on your 53D.  The Forward Hyd compartment on a 53D has 3 hyd systems as opposed to the 53E's 2.  I Couldn't cut open a Forward Hyd compartment.  There are just too many lines and components to scratchbuild.  It'd keep my busy to 2010, and I can't go 4 years without adding anything new to my shelf. 

I'm going to have to make some of my own decals for this project, which I'm sure will be fun.  The thing I hate about making decals is the time spent sorting stuff on the computer.  I'm not looking forward to that process, but I'll burn that bridge when I come to it. 

I'll keep updating my battle with the Academey 53E.  The Academy 53E isn't as frustrating as the Sikorsky 53E, but it still has me cursing form time to time. 

I added some seats to the cabin.  It's a better representation of the cabin, but it's not exactly perfect. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

well alright, Chris,

way to go on the /72 53e, most of my kits are this scale and they can be trying at times.nice use of the real stuff 23699 and 5606(are those still the oil and hyd fluids used there?)

i've had ngb's leak just the same; i'd be having words with hyd shop with a rotor brake [better not be a aft servo]  leak like that!...but, realistic...

nice job are the /48 53e, hope you don'get tired of adding more and more detail. looks like you'll be adding the .50cals with the bulkhead mount brackets

installed on the no.1 side. do you still carry the kit2alphas in the cabin or up front somewhere? ya gotta be happy that igor never made a erh for your E model

exspecially since academy seems to have really gotten down the wet head here.

after watching you all here i need to pull out my /48 53d and finish ribbing the interior(i'm over half way  installing..all..the ribs and stringers.

i cut apart the upstairs and am trying to make cast masters for the mgb,agb and mgb oil cooler/blower assy's. i've gone through my old(antique now) bhc,rotors

and related,and my erh books trying to get references for all those parts..wish my wife would locate an old natops to help with the app/heater compartment.

thank goodness for copying machines and their ability to increase/decrease sizes.

brian 

I found a few things to fix on this kit.  I added a "Hook Box" made from evergreen plastic sheet.  This box is used to hold the single point pendant for external loads.  The box behind the copilot's (left) seat is a winshield washer reservoir.  The windshield wipers and washer fluid are never used.  The smaller box attached to it is a peice of avionics gear which adjusts the instuments to light levels appropriate for night vision goggles. I fashioned this piece out of an .50 cal ammo box from a 1/35 tank kit.        

I added cushons made from tissue paper to the pilots' seats.  My best attempt at a five point harnes is masking tape with flattened solder buckles.  I have to give Academy credit on the instument panels.  They are dead-on down to the circuit breakers.   

The cabin troop seats are lacking.  The seat supports do not go into the floor as indicated by the kit.  The seat supports go to the side of the cabin.  I used .020 brass rod to make the proper seat supports, but I'll have to scratchbuild more seats.  There should be a shorter seat section forward of the last seat for both the right and left sides of the cabin.  There should also be another section of seats aft of the crew door (right side) and the A/O window (left side). 

It's a great kit, and it's well worth the money.  However, it could be more accurate with a little tweaking. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

I do remember cutting the rotor head down a little bit on my 1/72 scale CH-53E, but I wasn't very happy with the detail on it.  That's why I'm determinted to fix up the Academy kit.  Lately, I've been working on the cabin and the cockpit of the Academy 1/48  kit.  The detail is good OOTB, but it's not quite 100%.  I'm adding tweaks here and there to spiffy it up a bit.  The solder works great for hydraulic lines.  I'll have to use something else for the insulated wire harnesses. 

I never had very much to do with HMH-461, but I got to know some of the guys over there.  464 and 461 are neighbors.  I have some good reference pics on my photobucket site.  I also have some pics of the 1/72 scale CH-53E and some progress pics of my current project. 

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

Semper Fi,

Chris

hey chris,

sorry, one more idea.

i read once where a fellow used old watch gears to make to blade fold

gears on the sleeve and spindles.

[i can't remember how your 1/72 e model looked] after seeing all the

pictures of other 1/72 mh-53e's and the new 1/48 ch-53e isn't everyone

building theirs with the rotor head standing too tall(cut the mast down easily

a quater inch) and the landing gear struts extended as if not a gallon of fuel

onboard?

do a spiral auto for me,brian

hope you won't mind me adding something in here,Chris.

some of my local shops carry...plastruct products...and i have seen round rod pieces as

small as .010in(or 3mm). in the railroad side  i  have seen...detail associates.. model supplies

with brass wire as small as .006in.

i was  with -461 from '76-'80 and '81-84, did you have a relative there then?