Dream Models 1:72 Dauphin SA.365

[BKirwan]

Hi 

I managed some time ago to pick up a copy of the Dream Models  Z-9 WA as a basis for a 1:72 SA.365Fi  Dauphin II. I will be building it as an Irish Air Corps a/c with Maxdecals. Have yet to decide the particulars as to which a/c but  we will see. Am using various Internet sources for photos and Joe Maxwell's "The Irish Air Corps an illustrated guide". I also have an old resin update set made for the Matchbox kit by Roy Kinsella. Not sure yet if it will fit as the Dream Model kit has more girth than the old Matchbox. It is also a dam sight better detailed.

 

 

 

I couldn't get the dedicated Sa 365F version of the kit and had to settle on the Z-9 WA Chinese attack helicopter. The only shortcomings of the kit is that it has no rear door, no seating inside the main cabin and the ventral surfaces are nearly devoid of detailling. This latter is an area where there is a lot going on so it will have to be scratch-built using photos and the 1:48 Kittyhawk kit as a guide.  I started by chopping off the nose of the Z-9. 

 

 

Then marking out the rear door; these differ from the modern French and Israeli ones so get a good photo. You will also find photos of ex- IAC Dauphin's in Chile Navy service these are a good source as well.  

 

 

 

 

Addition of interior rear door detail

 

 

Interior was filled with extra detailling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then testfitting 

 

More to follow ….

Edited March 16, 2020 by BKirwan