1/35 Dragon TH-6B "Navy Cayuse"

Gallery Article by Thomas Neuss on Aug 6 2009

 

TH-6B "Navy Cayuse" in 1/35 

As I took a look at the fireball decals of the TH-6B I wanted to build one – I like this small helo in the USNTPS paint scheme, with test equipment and "long legs".

Starting with the Dragon kit of the OH-6A I used an Eduard-PE-set (35123) and resin skids. 

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For the interior plastic sheet, wire and magic sculp was used to add some details, like the “test equipment” in the rear or some pouches and of course some wires in the cockpit.

Somewhat tricky was the attachment of the clear canopy, as it would only fit “under pressure” to bring the small frame into form and I had to take ca-glue for it.

The skids are from the Sky Models Hughes HN500MD conversion set – unfortunately it seems that this set is no longer available. On the other hand, the skids where pure pain. Not one straight part on them and a lot of patience and hot water was necessary to bring them in a nearly correct form and the USNTPS helos where also seen with the short skids.

Painting was done with Gunze acrylics and the decals where perfect to work with.

The last steps where the different antennas and of course the test boom. The boom was made from different diameter steel rods and bent into shape.

The very last act was the display, as usual on a wooden board with a patch and a type sign.

All in all it was a small and nice to build project, and the finished helo looks great in the showcase between the more sinister looking military choppers.

Thomas Neuss

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Photos and text © by Thomas Neuss