1/48 Italeri UH-1H Iroquois

by Andrew George

--------------------

 

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

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

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

Photos and text © by Andrew George