It's begun!

[Guest]

The long deliberated Huey Diorama has begun. I considered doing it all, then putting the finished pics up, but where's the fun in that? :wink:

Some man hours have already been spent. Fettling has happened. I'm trying to stay true to the iconic design of the Huey but have had to tweak some bits for aesthetic reasons.

Here are some pics, with some of the reference material too. Is that dangerous? Showing you what it's meant to look like?

The plan is to model the Huey "Dumping ass in a hot LZ". The base will be too small to include any VC/NVA as it has to be 1:1 uPVC scale ie.windowsill width!

Bring on the rotor wash!

Tony B

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[Guest]

That's coming together really well Tony-you've got that worn look spot on. Good level of detail in the kit too.

Thats an advantage of Vietnam & post dios coz you get a lot of good pics-and in colour too!

Patrick

[Guest]

Yeah, but I'm having timeline issues. Me and my dad have a long running argument, about his model railway. He doesn't weather his buildings. I say it looks odd, he points out that in 1920 they were brand new. Same with the Huey. The walkaround is nearly 40 years old. Huey's were put into service for Vietnam. I figure the Air Cav gave 'em a bit of stick!

Cheers for the nice words. Had to take a break from photo-etch cramp! Some details I added, cables for pedals, dash mouldings etc. I butchered the seats to make them look folded away, as there's massive variation in the references about whether to remove them or not. I figured folded up would give more room for the GI's, but more details for me!

[Guest]

This s going to be interesting. Great idea for the action diorama. there really is some stunning ground work going on around here.

[Gern]

Hi Tony,

This is looking good so far. What scale is it?

Gern

PS If this is going on the window sill, mind out for the curtains! I've had repairs to do in the past 'cos I've left bits drying in the sun and SWMBO hasn't noticed! It's amazing how far the bits travel when they've hit the floor and bounced.

[Guest]

Good point Gern. Scale is 1:35. Overall model should be about half a metre when done. Don't worry, I got no curtains. I'm already regreting not scratch building the seats out of stretched balloons! Save that for after the inevitable nose dive.

[Centurion3RTR]

Looking forward seeing this one done Tony, love the UH-1. From the looks of the pics so far it's going to be great, weathering is spot on too.

Have fun, John

[Guest]

Cheers John. Faux blood stains looked ok wet, but have dried to ribena. Will have to darken down abit. Have become a bit obsessed with UH-1's recently. Sinced I moved in next to the army base. :BoomSmilie_anim:

[yak face]

hi tony this looks great,cant wait to see the dio progress , ill be glued to the screen. (really must be more careful with the superglue!!) cheers tony

[Guest]

Paintus Pilot

OK, this is how I started painting the pilots.

First, airbrushed base coat of black.

Then, blocked in the main colours with Tamiya and Citadel acrylics.

Couple of quick washes, mostly blacky-browns.

Bit of detail work to shadows on faces and picked out some details on figures.

Put them back in the helicopter where they will be safe to dry overnight and I'll start some highlighting next time.

Couple of extra references for you. Such iconic images.

Those of you paying attention will notice the canvas seats in the back of the chopper now have "creases" added with paint and a steady hand!

Cheers for looking, comments please.

Tony B

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[Guest]

Alright Tony

I'm impressed with your work. You have the colours and contrast spot on and you can see you've put a lot of work into your project. Am looking forward to the finished peice.

Cheers

Paul

[Guest]

Thanks for the nice comments Paul. Good to have you back.

[Guest]

Slow Progress

Managed another session tonight. Added some highlights to the pilots and some details (boom mics, tattoos, sleeve insignia, helmet graffiti etc.). They are becoming real characters now. The senior guy doing the tricky drop in the hot LZ with the cocky jockey spotting for muzzle flashes in the tree line.

Also had my first outing with PE harnesses. Only managed the one. Can't believe that took ten pieces of brass! Fiddly bugger. Quick first aid tip! If you slip and put your scalpel into your thumb, don't mess around with big ugly plasters, just pop a drop of superglue on it. It's what it was designed for you know.

Anyway, took a few snaps before I put them to bed,see what you think:

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[Guest]

BTW have now found Super Macro mode on the camera, which is showing up flaws that I can't see with my eyes! I'm off to sand down those canvas seat backs.

Tony B

[Guest]

Don`t know how I missed this one , looking superb Tony the weathering is spot on mate

Vietnam dio - I like it

Richy