Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave. 1/72 . U.S. ARMY

[Pete in a shed]

Hello from the shed. As the model I'm making at the moment is a big one and will take some time to finish, I've decided to show a few of my older builds while I continue with it. 

I made this Special Hobby CH-37 a few years back. It appealed because of its insect like appearence.

The kit does not have any internal detailing other than the cockpit and as I wanted to cut the front doors off to display in the open position I raided the spares box for some troop seats. These constituted a rudimentry cabin interior. I also replaced the moulded grills in the engine cowlings with fine metal mesh. I had read that the tanks provided in the kit were the wrong shape and size so purchased aftermarket items from Rotorcraft.  The doors were detailed using plastic card and items from the spares box . The rotor head recieved a bit of detailing as well. The side door was cut in half and displayed in the open position.

A thoroughly enjoyable build. Such a shame the cargo doors are not supplied separated from the fuselage sides as the gaping front end is one of the main features of this aircraft.

 

Its finished using Xrtracolor enamals and varnishes, with a little Flory wash to bring out the panel details. Decals from the kit.

 

The CH-37 was in service for ten years and saw active duty in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, It was also one of the last in service piston engined helicopters.

 

Here's a few Pics, Hope you like it

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking.

Pete

[Pete in a shed]

Lordy! how did it get in here.

If a moderator could put it in the Aircraft RFI I would be most grateful.

Pete

[Peter2]

You learn something new every day: I never knew anyone had made a helicopter which could transport a vehicle inside it; slung beneath it, yes - we've all seen, say, a jeep or an artillery piece dangling from a chopper - but this whirlybird could carry both together as internal cargo; there's a novelty I wouldn't have expected. I wonder is there a modern equivalent of the CH-37 in any nation's arsenal today or on the drawing board? Must look this up further. Lovely model creation, by the way.

[Patton gunner]

I built the Marine version last year and I fully agree with you it is a most enjoyable built. Basically I did the same things to the model you did , but your front end does look much better . Nice model of the great Mojave !

 

Walter

[Dennis_C]

A great model with all the necessary updates to make a basic Special Hobby kit really stand out! And not much seen assembled so great to see it!

5 hours ago, Peter2 said:

I wonder is there a modern equivalent of the CH-37 in any nation's arsenal today or on the drawing board?

Mi-26 of course. It can carry Mi-24 helicopter inside (with removed rotor, wings, and tail).

[Farmerboy]

Brilliant work, very nice model.

[kapam]

Great job!  Just brilliant!

I read reviews of the SH kit with great interest, motivated to learn more about the copter itself.  I still can’t quite work out how the radial engines fit in their farings and how the torque is transferred to the rotor in the centre.  Anyway, that’s a spectacular model! 👏👏👏

[RidgeRunner]

Now, thats a …. Er ….. beauty ;). Seriously, a great build

 

Martin

[AlxBNE]

I agree with all of the above compliments 

Lovely work adding some nice internal details so that the open doors can be shown off on this unusual subject.

[Drakendk]

It looks amazing 🙂

[keefr22]

Lovely job, really interesting looking thing! Like the base too!

 

17 hours ago, Peter2 said:

I wonder is there a modern equivalent of the CH-37 in any nation's arsenal today or on the drawing board?

 

Chinook can carry vehicles internally including Range Rovers (RAF display team get loaned brand new ones for use in their role demos...!!)

 

Keith

 

 

[CH-53D]

On 9/18/2024 at 6:38 PM, Peter2 said:

I wonder is there a modern equivalent of the CH-37

Peter, the CH-37 was replaced in US Marine service by the CH-53.  We routinely carried Mules and M151 jeeps with trailers/mortars/light guns inside my baby, the CH-53D. 

The latest version, the CH-53K, is wide enough to carry a Humvee inside.

 

There are a lot of aerodynamic advantages to carrying the vehicles inside, rather than as a big pendulum swinging underneath.

 

[Donald]

Magnificent rendition of a less often modelled helicopter. Good work on the open front end.

[russ c]

Great looking Mojave there Pete and superb job opening the front end

[bentwaters81tfw]

That's really nice. I bought one this summer for my Vietnam collection. Good to see how they turn out.

[Mig88]

Fantastic! Well done!

 

Miguel

[fernandocouto]

Great scratch build! I bought this kit when it was re-released, then kept it on shelf.🤣

Special Hobby should had done a basic cabin....

[corsaircorp]

Great Mojave Sir !!

I've heard that it is not an easy kit to build !!

That add to your merits !!

Congratulations Sir !!

Sincerely.

CC

[Pete in Lincs]

A fabulous build. Well done Pete

[MrB17]

Really nice work on this Mojave Pete. Having the front opened up and the mesh on the nacelles is very impressive. I got one for my birthday this year, so your build will be most helpful. Very nice finish and the display is excellent.

 

Cheers

 

Jeff