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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images below to see larger images
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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images below to see larger images
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