Kits are Italeri
USAF H-19B and Revell Germany H-19A converted to the VNAF H-19C. What makes an
H-19A into a C model? Externally they are almost identical. The A
model had a smaller diameter exhaust stack and, I believe, a slightly smaller
rotor diameter. Both the B and C have identical specs and flight
characteristics. The H-19B represents the USAF helicopter school livery in
1959. The H-19C represents the VNAF helicopter school livery in 1963.
The kit
construction is virtually identical. On both kits, the left side (excluding the
exhaust stack) is molded the same as the right. As a result, the oil
filler cap and dipstick had to be removed from the left side. Both kits were
equally difficult and frustrating to build because of the scale. Many parts
disappeared into the carpet and had to be scratch rebuilt. The nose gear are
very fragile. Plenty of weight went into the engine compartments to prevent tail
sitting. The blades on both kits were nicely "drooped".
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images below to see larger images
Scratch built on both
models is the aft fuel tank cap, MLG brake lines, pitot tube, right
hand access step, wire antenna, opened left side inspection stand,
rescue hoist and loop antenna on the B model.
Decals are a mix of
kit and inkjet made, with the VNAF roundels kindly provided by ARCer Danny Dinh.
Both kits were sprayed using Testors enamels.
Lou Anatrella
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images below to see larger images
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