Ok, so this must be todays bonkers post . I have spent all the last week working on one model to add to my Vietnam collection. We did a big game that JamesM and MartinC played in after Xmas where we used our full complement of US air assets - 4 Huey Slicks and a Skyraider and we (well maybe just me!) still want more -go big or go home being the group motto . Over the last year I have picked up a range of larger scale aircraft models one of which was an Italieri early model Chinook used in Vietnam . It’s a big beastie . I get these over my house and you always hear them before you see them .
With these 1/48th kits it’s a balance between full on scale model nerdery and making it more wargame suitable where it needs to be stored , transportable and gameable . To do this the rotors and 20mm cannon have been magnetised so are removable for storage and transport. The tail door opens and closes with magnets . It has a 50 cal and gunner added to the tail door again it can be removed when needed. There are two metal door /window gunners added. The kit came with plastic 50 cals for those and these were switched out for metal M60s (less likely to break} and gunners from The Assault Group helicopter crew set . This also supplied the two figures for pilot and co pilot figures. As ever doing these 1/48th kits I continue to learn and improve - its a bit of a different skill set , with more patience required .
You can just about make out the crew behind the windscreen
As this wasn’t going to be a model that just sits on the ground I needed a heavy duty flight stand solution (it’s going to be needed for another of the stash too - no it’s not a B52 honest ) - this was created from an old metal shower rail tube and wall fixing that can be pushed up into the model and comes out of the base. There will be 3 height option , very low, medium (as shown) and high that will be cut from the tube . The base is made from MDF from the stash and some milliput at the moment .I still need to add a load of extra weight to the base and then texture and foliage etc - but as that’s not being used for scoring I will catch up on it when they arrive.
the rotors and guns removed and tail door closed for transportation
It will soon be seen over one of our large tables - of course Bob from the group says I need to do a shot down version ! Jeez -it never ends
Points :-
1/48th vehicle - 30 points I have gone for a 54mm sized vehicle for this as it’s mahoosive!
5 crew they are all full figures - 25 points
I couldn’t fund a planet with big machines drat!
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Wow! That is a tremendous bit of kit, Dave! After reading your description of its build and various modifications, I have to take my hat off to you mate. I like your specially designed flight stand for this beast, but you and the missus must hate the lack of privacy and all the water on the floor. :) I'm also admiring the shots with all the lovely terrain - that is some fabulous work by you and your crew.
Aaand, it's in proper 1:48 scale (y'know, just sayin').
I'm going to give you an extra 10 points for the extra work you've put into the build, Dave. Brilliant stuff!
Now, you just need to mock up a crashed version...
- Curt
What an absolute beauty Dave! I’ll bet seeing one of these coming over the jungle was quite the sight. Excellent work on all of the extra details, do a beast like this it’s totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteCheers - I did enjoy doing it
DeleteNice Chinook, Dave! It's certainly a big beast. :)
ReplyDeletePretty sure it will be the biggest one for the collection
DeleteNow that's a monster! Well done Dave!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray
DeleteVery cool. Been wanting to do one of these myself in 1:100.
ReplyDeleteCheers
DeleteAwesome, but you are a bloody fool
ReplyDeleteIndeed !
DeleteYes but you all will have fun flying it and shooting it down.
Deleteoh they will indeed Peter
DeleteHaving watched you in the midst of constructing the stand, it is nice to see the completed project. Excellent work!
ReplyDeleteThanks - it’s always good to have company on the chats - helps to while away the hard hours
DeleteThat is a pretty big pretty beast! Noe I'm waiting for that B52...
ReplyDelete"i must not buy a B52"
Delete"i must not buy a B52"
"i must not buy a B52"
"i must not buy a B52"
Bonkers piece of work Dave. If it requires patience count me out! Love the extra bits that you added to the base kit.
ReplyDeletecheers!
DeleteAn impressive bit of kit, I can just hear the whoom, whoom, of the those rotor blades going round.
ReplyDeletethanks - yup so can i!
DeleteSpectacular! As is your game table- wonderful looking terrain.
ReplyDeletethanks - its been fun
DeleteJust great photography shots David and that table is huge!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
CHEERS - oh thats not that big! we can and will go bigger
DeleteThat is seriously impressive
ReplyDeletecheers
DeleteWow! Seriously good work and what a layout!
ReplyDeletethanks
DeleteCongrats Dave - and also, well done for making sure the vehicle is in the proper scale :)
ReplyDeleteindeed - it just looks the part
DeleteImpressive... most impressive! Nice work!
ReplyDeletethanks
DeleteThat's a great looking helicopter mate
ReplyDeleteRegards KenR
it wont be alone either .. mmwwaaahhaaa
DeleteAwesome work on the Chinook and a superb looking (and huuuuuuuge) table
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely awesome Chinnock ! B 52 would be great!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
fantastic Dave, great looking build
ReplyDeletecheers
matt
cheers
DeleteSuper stuff. I've got one in 15mm I'm afraid to put together....
ReplyDeletecrack on!!
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