Revell 1/32 UH-1D Huey tribute build

[Nanook]

So, I wrapped up the Huey on Thursday night. I used Verlinden dry transfers for the tail codes and I had lost/misplaced the helmet for Mr. Best (the gent standing) but found it and was able to place it in the cargo area near his gun. I was able to show it at the IPMS Cincy show on Saturday. Alas, the competition was stiff and I did not place. It's being presented to Mr. Best this afternoon for his birthday. There is a very good chance that this will be his last birthday before the cancer wins out.

 

For those that have not followed along on the In Progress post, here's the lowdown. My best/closest friend, Wayne Best, asked me to build a replica of the UH-1D that his father was CC on in Vietnam with Company A/501st Transportation Division, Rattlers 10/64 - 10/65. They later became 71st Assault Helicopter Company stationed in Bien Hoa. 

 

I used the old Revell UH-1 Huey. This is the 1982 release. I used a combination of three different Revell decal sheets for this kit to get it all in place. The tail codes are Verlinden dry transfers and the 'Rattlers' logo was custom made by a local car modeler. Paints used were Testors Olive Drab, Glosscote and Testors Dullcote right of the rattle cans. The other colors were Tamiya, Model Master and Vallejo. The three crew figures are from Dragon and the standing figure of Don Best (my friend's father) is a modified Academy figure. The gear is assorted Tamiya, Academy and Verlinden pieces, The clipboard I made on my own. I applied a pin wash using AMMO Oilbrushers and Abteilung 502 oils. The figures were painted with Vallejo and Andrea paints. The base is a picture frame with an old Verlinden card stock applique. I used K&S aluminum tubing for the cargo area bars and ground out the molded-in engine cover screens and replaced them with brass mesh.

 

Overall, I am pleased with the build. There are a few things I would/could have done differently (or done better). However, I think I captured what my friend wanted to have in place for his father's memory of his time in Vietnam. It's a bit of a bugger of a kit but patience, sanding, filler and more sanding will yield a nice looking Huey IMHO.

 

Thanks for letting me share my journey on this build with you all.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee

Edited October 21, 2018 by Nanook

[LSP_Kevin]

Lovely work, Lee!

 

Kev

[Gazzas]

Great job!

 

[Out2gtcha]

Nice tribute work Lee!  I think its very fitting 

[Nanook]

Thank you all for your kind words! I appreciate that very much. I'm also grateful for your advice and support during the build itself!

 

Sincerely,

 

Lee Fogel

[themongoose]

I got to check it out in person. Every figure has some character, you can interpret their expressions. Very nice work and I bet Mr Best is thrilled with it!