Tips for newbie on Helicopters

[Steveo535]

Hi All

Just got myself a 1/35 Academy MD 530G (MMS). It is my first helicopter model as I've always done Tanks and Military Vehicles and just looking for any tips on the build.

Cheers in advance Steven.

[Augustus]

Hi All

Just got myself a 1/35 Academy MD 530G (MMS). It is my first helicopter model as I've always done Tanks and Military Vehicles and just looking for any tips on the build.

Cheers in advance Steven.

My only advise would be to stick to armour! Sorry.
I'm interested in any answers too. I'd like to do a heli but there's soo much clear plastic for me.

[MarkVerploeg]

I would say keep the main rotor seperate as long as possible
That tends to get stuck on clothing and everything else it can hit
Other then that masking can be a lot of work
Mainly when you keep doors open or the helicopter doesn't have doors at all like the Little birds used by special forces
Doors that are open are easier to paint when they aren't glued on the rest
Unless you don't mind painting it step by step

[Steveo535]

Thanks for the replies.

May seem a stupid question so please be kind but like I said I'm new to helicopter modelling, do you paint the interior of the clear parts or just the exterior?

Cheers Steven.

[digger303]

I have a mask for a stukka that has both an interior and exterior set. So if possible I guess you should do both as you can see the inside of the opposite side as you look in. I should imagine masking that will be painful. I didn't do mine as I didn't fully understand what was required....still it is a first for me and I'm not totally unhappy with it so far. I may change my mind on that when I unmask.

[MarkVerploeg]

Thanks for the replies.

May seem a stupid question so please be kind but like I said I'm new to helicopter modelling, do you paint the interior of the clear parts or just the exterior?

Cheers Steven.

For me it depends on the clear part
If it has interior detail , so the edge of the window then yes
On helicopters like Cobra's and Apache's i would try it
Those have large canopies so in those cases.you can see the inside fairly easy
If you can't mask it then you could spray or paint the interior on the outside and then cover that with the exterior color

[digger303]

If you can't mask it then you could spray or paint the interior on the outside and then cover that with the exterior color

Sorry I'm about as bright as 2 inch rivet, but I am not understanding what you say here.

[MarkVerploeg]

If you can't mask it then you could spray or paint the interior on the outside and then cover that with the exterior color

Sorry I'm about as bright as 2 inch rivet, but I am not understanding what you say here.

It seems i forgot the word color
What i mean is :
If you can't mask the interior side of the clear part then you could mask the outside and first paint that in the interior color
Then you can go over it with the exterior color
That way you still get the impression the interior side is painted

I guess i wasn't fully awake when i wrote the first post

[Steveo535]

Hi All

Once again thanks for all the replies.

Just going off topic a little what do you guys use to glue the clear parts, just a little dubious about super glue.

[MarkVerploeg]

Usually i use either Tamiya extra thin applied in a corner of the window
It will go through the entire gap for the window in 1 or 2 applications or i use a couple of small dots of Colle 21 CA glue if the clear part has large edges that need to be painted
But Microscale Kristal clear is a very good option too
It dries up to a clear finish but it takes longer then TET or CA glue
But you have very little risk of stains from the glue on the parts

[digger303]

If you can't mask it then you could spray or paint the interior on the outside and then cover that with the exterior color

Sorry I'm about as bright as 2 inch rivet, but I am not understanding what you say here.

It seems i forgot the word color
What i mean is :
If you can't mask the interior side of the clear part then you could mask the outside and first paint that in the interior color
Then you can go over it with the exterior color
That way you still get the impression the interior side is painted

I guess i wasn't fully awake when i wrote the first post

Gotcha now !

[schweinhund227]

If you can't mask it then you could spray or paint the interior on the outside and then cover that with the exterior color

Sorry I'm about as bright as 2 inch rivet, but I am not understanding what you say here.

yup ! easiest way... as he said, mask the clear parts... spray the interior colour of the canopy ribs... let dry... then paint the ribs with the final exterior colour and there ... done ! from the inside you will see the interior colour and from the outside you will see the camo or top coat colour... just don't lay it too thick thou ! ( all work is done from the outside )

Take care.