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I'm having to take a break from modelling due to eye strain. (Yep, from modelling, yep that's what you get for doing 1/144 scale) I thought I would show what I've been working on for a while.

hi all, As this is my first WIP report., i thought that i would start with something a little bit different, namely the Academy 1/48 MH-53 Sea Dragon. I managed to pick up the kit itself very cheaply on a trip to Heiden model show in Germany. Then along came some help from an under-the-table Big Ed set from Eduard at a Cosford model show and the update set from Wolfpack, mainly for the seamless exhausts. The only thing that was lacking was some decent markings for a Japanese helicopter based at Iwakuni in the minesweeping role. Wolfpack did an extremely over-priced special edition of the decals and kit (which of course i didn't need), so it was a case of waiting patiently until the decals were released separately, which happened just recently. This event was combined with some fantastic walkaround photos of a JMSDF MH-53 from a Japanese modelling friend and i found myself unable to put off the build any longer. So here goes.................. A very big box The contents The only reference book i could find The decal sheet I had already started the rotor head and added some extra detailing before i decided to do the work in progress report, so here are the photos so far. The kit doesn't include any extra pipework and the rotor head is quite bare, so something needs to be added. All good fun but taxing on the eyes and patience even with a large magnifier and good light. The colours on the rotors are used to code each blade to each arm. The red one has no hydraulics as it doesn't fold, so at least you only have to repeat the pipework six times! A bit more painting and weathering, then it's on to the tail rotor Andy

Really nice kit and perfect decal as you can see.A little trouble in cockpit fitting,hatch door is 0.5mm wider.The rest of the kit is fine.

This is my 1/72 Gyrodyne QH-50C DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) 3D printed by Shapways. My understanding is that these were used as anti-submarine homing torpedo delivery devices for ships had sonar and other submarine sensors but that were too small to carry a full size helicopter such as a SH-3 Sea King. As anyone that has tried to fly an RC helicopter can attest they were very hard to fly, especially with 1960's technology, so they were somewhat dangerous and accident prone and were eventually replaced by SH-2 Seasprites. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrodyne_QH-50_DASH for more information. It comes from Shapeways as a 3d printed block: with an instruction sheet The block also has a template for the wire used for struts, and the landing gear You just need to supply the .02 wire, .01 wire and decals. I could not find any suitable .01 wire so I either left it out or used the .02 wire. Once separated from the block you have the following parts Because of the way the 3D printing process works all of the hole for the wires are "printed" into the pieces and just need to be cleaned out of the printing powder with a small drill bit. Also because of the printing process the parts have some striations and are little grainy. After printing they tumble them to clean and polish them smooth but this doesn't get into all the nooks and crannies of the block so some clean up is required. Because of this I used Eduard Brassin Mk. 44 torpedoes rather end the one supplied. Assembly was straight forward. I used CAA glue and epoxy. And hear is the results. Here it is between an SH-3 and SH-2 for size comparison Next up is the Olimp/ProResin Edo OSE-1 floatplane. Enjoy

Based on the Italeri kit for the Bell OH-13S, I build the H-13E used in Korea almost exclusively for MedEvac applications. For this purpose, the engine and tank had to be modified, the entire grid frame shortened, baffles attached to the tail fin, the instrumentation modified and of course the distinctive stretchers with the protective hoods on the outriggers had to be built. Also the engine had to be modified, because early models were not equipped with Lycomings, let alone turbo engines. After all a wild mix comprising of a detail set from CMK, a small set of etched parts from JADAR-Model, parts from the Pavla kit, a 3D printing as well as self-build parts from thin sheet metal, medical supplies, finest nylon yarn, lead wire, rod and sheet were used for the model. The whole misery is described here in this build report in the German "Flugzeugforum". (You need to be logged-in to see the pictures, unfortunately.) But it is worth it… Since the helicopter was in massive use in the Korea-war, there are no well documented individual models, which were flown by a later known pilot, for example. My H-13 is a typical representative of these helicopters, which were memorialized in the film and the TV series M*A*S*H. I have built an average type from all available picture material. Not even a list of assignable serial numbers could be found, and I actually even bothered the manufacturer Bell (now Textron) with it, but they say that they have nothing to do with the old military models anymore. It was the first time ever that I took part in a competition with this model and actually made second place in 1/72 against very good modellers in 2017… But you better form your own opinion.

Here is my Dragon 1:144 Changhe (CAIC) WZ-10 attack helicopter which I built back in 2012. It represents LH95112, one of the prototypes, People's Republic of China, from 2004 onwards. Information then was sketchy and different prototypes had some different configurations. The only alteration I did was re-shape the tips of the main rotor blades from square to curved. The tail rotor is wrong. It should be an "X" rather than a cross but I left it as it came. The kit lacked a cockpit and I used a Matador Models white metal Mi-28 cockpit which fitted perfectly. The kit was fully painted with brush and only the final matt coat was airbrushed. Thanks for looking Miguel

Im About to start the Hobbyboss WZ-10, I Will be posting pictures of it WIP and when its done. P

Da Vinci's Aerial Screw (00515) 1:48 Revell Leonardo Da Vinci was a genius in no uncertain terms and his creations still provoke interest and admiration even today some 500 years later. He is primarily known as an artist of the high renaissance, although he often wasn't too keen on finishing his works so much of his output remained as sketches, which are just as amazing as his finished work such as the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper. He was also intrigued by human anatomy and was a keen engineer and inventor, with quite a few amazing designs to his name, one of which bears a striking resemblance to an early attempt at creating a helicopter. His sketches were highly inventive, and although unlikely to have worked using technology of the day in some cases, they are still impressive even when viewed through modern eyes. The Kit Designed as a tribute to his original drawings and as a multimedia construction kit that can be built reasonably quickly by anyone from child upward, although with young ones a parent's supervision will result in a much better model. The set arrives in a black box with the finished model and a drawing of Leonardo (we're on first name terms) on the front. Inside is a double-layer plastic tray that is supported by a card frame inside which the instruction booklet, information booklet, material "sails", a themed A4 print, a three-sheet set of plans and a bag containing glue, cord and a small piece of sandpaper are held. The tray holds the laser-cut wooden parts in depressions and the two layers stick together using friction fit pegs moulded into them. Take care when you open the tray however, as it has a habit of trying to launch the parts into space or the jaws of the carpet monster. The instructions and the information booklet have been designed to resemble an ancient document, and are written in Italian, English, German, French and Spanish, although you won't need a mirror to be able to read them as the designers weren't as security conscious as the great painter. The larger of the two booklets contains the instructions, which have a multi-lingual first page and the rest is pictorial so no special language skills are required. Or mirrors. Construction begins with the platform that is made of a circular base and a two part second layer plus a vertical post that terminates in a point at the upper end. The turning mechanism is next to be made with pegs for the crew to push on installed in the upper half. This slides over the central pole/axle and is trapped in place by another ring and is braced with four diagonal struts, then the supports for the screw are glued into place in the slots cut into the ring and top cap, all of which is left to rotate around the axle when the outer floor ring is rotated. The long curved supports are then added to join up the "branches" and form the screw-shaped external edge of the sail. The three part material sail is glued around these rails and later trimmed neatly once the glue has dried, then a needle will be required to thread the bracing cords through the sails and tie them down onto the bases of the struts and eyes in the outer floor ring. A small wooden plaque is installed at the front with the name and date of the design. Conclusion I love these wooden construction toys/models and also have a fondness for Mr Da Vinci's work from my school days in A Level art classes. The parts are quite delicate even though they are made of thin plywood, so allowing an unsupervised child (recommended for 10+) to attempt assembly is perhaps not the best idea, especially as wood glue requires a fair bit of patience. Take a bit of time between sessions and things should go well, and ensure that you have a needle with a suitably large eyed to hand, as the cord is much thicker than cotton. Do a good job though, and it will look awesome in the cabinet, and at a price that isn't likely to break the bank. Very highly recommended. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit or

Hi everyone, This kit was given to me by my brother in law for Christmas, it is going to be air ambulance as I have a soft spot for these choppers seeing that I am a Paramedic, Helimed have helped me out more than once on a bad job. So I'm quite keen to try and do a decent job of this kit.First update is going to be the usual box, instructions, decals and sprue shots:The box with a nice piece of artwork:IMG_1061 by Neal, on FlickrInstructions in the usual Revell layout and their normal pain in the backside paint call outs:IMG_1062 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1063 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1064 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1065 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1066 by Neal, on FlickrA small sheet of decals:IMG_1067 by Neal, on FlickrThe sprue, not much flash on this kit compared to my previous EC-135, nice level of detail too for a small scale:IMG_1068 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1069 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1070 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1071 by Neal, on FlickrSo I've already made a start on the build but will wait a bit to an update as I really need to finish my "Planes on a pole" sig entry before getting carried away with new builds.Take it easy guys.Neal

This was a quick project, I wanted something easy before tackling another helicopter project that's going to require quite a bit of work. It's the only 1/48th RAH-66 out there that I know of and (therefore great) it's got more right about it than wrong and with a real effort it could be made into a great model. Basically I made what I figured a third prototype might look like adding more details I noticed the 2 prototypes eventually received, external vents, aerials, steps, modified the tail planes, improved the oversimplified cockpit and instrument panels, filled in some inappropriate panel lines and added some better decals, thereby spending twice the time I had planned on but got something a little better than just straight from the box. Painted it with various shades of Testors US Helicopter Drab.

Just finished this, the 1/72 Attack Squadron resin kit of the autonomous Fire Scout helicopter. It's small in this scale but really well cast with PE for some of the smaller parts. The kit is now sold under the Brengun label.

hi all, This is the 1/48 Academy MH-53E Sea Dragon using Wolfpack decals and after eleven months, it's finally finished. The work in progress is here if you want to see everything that's inside (that you can't really see on the finished thing!). As you can see from the pictures, it's a bit too big to take decent images of, but at least they give you an idea. Hope you like it Andy

I have a Mil Mi-26 Halo which will be wearing Aeroflot colours in the stash and I have started to think about getting something fixed wing to use as a size comparison. Any ideas? Preferably something civvy as the Halo will be in civvy colours.

I have seen several photos of both Sikorsky Hoverfly and Westland Dragonfly on the HMS Vanguard foredeck, but could anybody put more light on this subject? Were they the only helicopter types operating from Britain's last battleship or can also the Whirlwind be shortlisted there? And still more - was there at any time any chopper based on the HMS Vanguard as the ship equipment or were they only the "visiting guests"? Cheers Michael

A build from 10 years ago, and please blame "Head in the clouds" and "Pete in Lincs", who made me do it: Somebody made a flying egg-beater? Not at all. Since the beginnings of the rotary wing design, inventors realized that a twin rotor solved torque and stability problems. Well, some of them anyway. Mr. Landgraf, from Los Angeles perpetrated this beauty. The Landgraf H-2 rotors were overlapped and for that reason by force synchronized. The blades were not hinged but could vary pitch, while little “ailerons” provided cyclic control. The rudder was fixed, so for yaw it was stated that differential torque was supplied to the individual rotors –how was this done is for me a mystery, since they were coupled. The one-person machine was aimed to be easy to fly, which apparently accomplished. The “wings” were only streamlined pods, since they reputedly did not contribute to lift, being the CG far ahead them –for which they would have created a negative pitch force in case they did generate any lift in forward motion. The model: Two (upper and lower) halves were Mattel-formed on a previously Sculpey-made plug; the upper one in clear styrene. The 85 hp Pobjoy engine and front wheel are Aeroclub items, the other two wheels were scratched, since I couldn’t find ones of a suitable size. Interior structure and diverse elements were created, and for the rotor blades Contrail styrene “struts” were used -but the process of converting the raw airfoiled strip to a blade took some patience. Each blade has a tiny “aileron” that was engraved. Since the original aircraft had retractable landing gear, recesses can be seen on the fuselage photos through which you can have a glimpse of the innards, thence the decision of putting the engine, some structure and the fuel tank in the model. The white metal engine also helped to balance the model avoiding any shameful tail-sitting. The stubby “no-wings” were made of airfoiled styrene sheet as well as the rudder. All in all about 80 parts were fabricated, perhaps a bit on the high side considering the minute dimensions of this windmilled tadpole. Colors were applied as per a Mechanix Illustrated magazine color photo. In one photo on the Flight archives a beautiful female model appears posing aside the aircraft, but my intents to get a model to pose with the model were in vain. Doesn’t somehow remind you of the Jetsons?

Second finish in 2019. Pretty nice little kit. Good fit and detail. My first time to use vinyl tape as framing. I did have one small issue with the instructions - they showed installing ram jet impellers/blades after closing the engine housings, but it would have been so much easier before closing the pods. Feel free to comment or ask questions

I wasn’t on the list, but am sticking my foot through the door with this beauty from 1975, only 1 year older than yours truly The previous owner has glued in the windows, but that’s as far as they got. The front glazing is cracked and I have emailed Airfix about a possible replacement, decals have yellowed and are in the sun as we speak, hopefully this will save them as aftermarket ones are silly money. Hope to crack on with this whily bird giggery pokery soon.

This is Miniart's new FL 282 V-6 Kolibri (Hummingbird). A very nice, albeit extremely fiddly kit to put together. It's also an incurable tailsitter, with nowhere much to add any weight up front, which is why it's on a base (pinned via the nose wheel). The kit's very well detailed and, as far as I can tell, pretty accurate. It's a straight OOB build apart from the seat harness, where the PE belts supplied with the kit were substituted for some HGW fabric ones. Thanks for looking Andy

Hi this is my pic of N171AC operated by Erickson as firefighter. "Annie" started as a CH-54B "Tarhe" (s/n 64-090) in the US Army. When it was acquired by Eriksson it was redesigned as S-64F. I took this picture in the last FIDAE Air Show held last April in Santiago de Chile, Chile.

Hello folks. Today i introduce my new model, was built in this year. Best regards. Michael.

A recently-completed pair of Italeri's very build-friendly 1/72 AB-204B/UH-1F, built pretty much out-of-box. The Dutch Navy markings were courtesy of the kit's decal sheet. The Swedish 'air ambulance' markings were based on a photo of a preserved museum aircraft, made up with Internet images and printed as home-made decals from my PC. And my sleek Swedish beauty: A very clean and trouble-free little kit, great fun to build. Hope you enjoy!

Forgive me if these ideas are old news but have I missed the boat on B-29 or Lancaster STGB or a rotary wing GB?

From the Matchbox Group Build A straightforward kit made needlessly complicated by me overthinking it - aftermarket decals, marines and a plywood/sandpaper base

Over in diorama land I've made a start on this As I want the door open and crew looking out I've broken with my normal practice and gotten hold of a resin crew which are coming together nicely Unfortunately the kit interior (test run just so I could figure out the positions on the diorama) looks rubbish and the instruction colours seem really wierd (flouro orange seats and an emerald floor anyone?) Guided by the thread below and some of the current beautiful WIPs of Sea Kings I'm going to try and smarten this up a bit so that posing it with the door open doesn't expose a blank cavern

Hello Chaps, I completely forgot to write this one up in the Work in Progress section, but here's my pretty much completed 1/72 Ka-27 Helix-A, a Russian Navy ASW helicopter which sits somewhere between a Wildcat and a Merlin in modern RN parlance. The kit is from Zvezda - it fitted together pretty well, but it's littered with inaccuracies and came with 4 useable decals. I'm not a big fan of a million tiny decals, but this is very much the other extreme. So all in all it was a pretty average kit in terms of recommendations, but would greatly benefit from another look at aerials and appendages, and especially those little hand rails on either side of the aircraft which are way, way off. Anyhow, here's Russia's entry for the Ugliest Aircraft of All Time: