This is Italeri's
latest offering of the Iroquois. The kit is #849 and while the detail on the
mouldings was excellent, this kit wasn't the best for fit. There were some spots
where I used a bit of bog, as well as some parts not wanting to fit together at
all. The only kit decals I used were the turn-pull markings for the doors. I
used Hawkeye Models UH-1H decal sheet, as well as their tropical filter resin
kit. This had very fine detail in the intake section, unfortunately this was
lost after I painted it.
The smaller pictures
below highlight the main problems I had with the kit and are self-explanatory.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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I had a couple of
issues with the decals. Firstly, the kangaroos were too big, I sourced mine from
Aussie Decals Black Roo sheet (No 704). Secondly there needs to be extra 16
& 17 decals. The airframe has two pairs of these markings, the sheet only
supplied one of each. They mark the steps on the outside rear of the airframe,
which for me wasn't a problem as the sliding doors are open. If you wanted the
cabin doors shut you will need the extra decals. Lastly, both Hawkeye and
Italeri missed the red line that goes over the engine cowling, I painted mine
on.
The paint used was all Humbrol,
FS 30219 and FS 34127. The colour scheme called for FS 34082 for the green, but
I couldn't find this shade made by any manufacturer's. Asking around on the
internet, David Edwards suggested FS 34127, which I eventually went with.
Looking at it now, it doesn't look much different at all, so thanks David!
Click on
images below to see larger images
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I made a bad error of judgement
on this kit when it came to the clear matt coat. I had the main sliding doors
on, but left the smaller doors off, as that was how I wanted to display the kit.
When I sprayed the coat on, some spray got onto the inside of the windscreen and
front doors. D'oh! I'll definitely know for next time!
The represented aircraft was part
of the ADF's package to help in Banda Aceh after the tsunami devastated the area
last year. This was the main reason why I chose to model this aircraft, as well
as the excuse to put a bit of mud in the cabin! This was achieved via a simple
chalk wash.
Lastly, references came from
David Edwards and Dave Harvey (thanks guys!), as well as the ADF online media
room.
All in all, the kit turned out alright, but not without its teething problems.
Definitely not a shake and bake kit, unless you like a challenge.
Andrew
Click on
images below to see larger images
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