Italeri 1:48 CH-47D Chinook

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:39 am

Here goes with a couple of firsts for me, my first non-AFV model and my first GB, so I'm not too sure how any of this is going to turn out. But I was once told that it is better to try and fail than to not try at all - so here goes!

I actually bought this particular model with half-a-mind (my wife would argue that's all I have!

) to enter the Cold War GB, but the decals that came in the box are technically all too late and I wasn't confident that I had the necessary skills to convert it to an earlier version. When low-and-behold the Whilybird SIG came along - it must be fate, so I had to enter! My knowledge of all things that fly is pretty limited, but even someone who has spent their life living in a dark cave will recognise the unmistakable silhouette of the twin rotor Chinook. First a bit of background on the iconic bird........

MISSION
Transport ground forces, supplies, ammunition and other battle-critical cargo in support of worldwide combat and contingency operations.

ENTERED ARMY SERVICE
1962

DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
The venerable twin-engine, tandem rotor Chinook helicopter has undergone numerous upgrades since the first CH-47A model was delivered to the Army for use in Vietnam. Beginning in 1982 and ending in 1994, all CH-47A, B and C models were upgraded to the CH-47D version, which remains the U.S. Army standard and features composite rotor blades, an improved electrical system, modularized hydraulics, triple cargo hooks, avionics and communication improvements, and more powerful engines that can handle a 19,500 lb load – nearly twice the Chinook’s original lift capacity. An upgrade program exists to remanufacture 300 of the current fleet of 425 CH-47D’s to the CH-47F standard. The MH-47E is the Special Forces variant of the Chinook and will be remanufactured to the MH-47G.
The Chinook’s cockpit accommodates two pilots and an observer. The communications suite includes jam resistant HF and UHF radio systems and the helicopter is equipped with an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator. Three machine guns can be mounted on the helicopter, two in the crew door on the starboard side and one window-mounted on the port side. Additionally, the helicopter is equipped with a suite of countermeasure systems, which could include one or more of the following: a missile approach warner, jammers, radar warner, and chaff and flare dispensers.
The Chinook has a triple hook system, which provides stability to large external loads or the capacity for multiple external loads. Large external loads such as 155mm howitzers can be transported at speeds up to 260km/h using the triple hook load configuration. Multiple external loads can be delivered to two or three separate destinations in one sortie.
The cabin provides 42 cubic meters of cargo space and 21 square meters of cargo floor area and can accommodate two HMMWVs (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) or a HMMWV together with 105mm howitzer and gun crew. The main cabin can hold up to 33 fully-equipped troops. For medical evacuation, the cabin can accommodate 24 litters (stretchers).
Ramp operations can be carried out on water using an optional power-down ramp and water dam configuration.
The Chinook is equipped with two T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines, which are pod-mounted on either side of the rear pylon under the rear rotor blades. The self-sealing fuel tanks are mounted in external fairings on the sides of the fuselage. The fixed tanks hold 1,030 gallons of fuel. Three additional fuel tanks can be carried in the cargo area. In-flight refueling can extend the range of the MH-47 helicopter.
The CH-47F upgrade program involves the installation of a new digital cockpit and modifications to the airframe to reduce vibration. The upgraded cockpit will provide future growth potential and will include a digital data bus that permits installation of enhanced communications and navigation equipment for improved situational awareness, mission performance, and survivability. Airframe structural modifications will reduce harmful vibrations, reducing operations and support (O&S) costs and improving crew endurance. Other airframe modifications will reduce by approximately 60% the time required for aircraft tear down and build-up after deployment on a C-5 or C-17. These modifications will significantly enhance the Chinook’s strategic deployment capability. First Unit Equipped (FUE) date for the CH-47F is September 2004.
A separate but complementary effort involves the installation of more powerful and reliable T55-GA-714A engines that improve fuel efficiency and enhance lift performance by approximately 3,900 lbs (enabling it to carry the M198 155mm towed howitzer). Installation of an improved crashworthy extended range fuel system (ERFS II) will enable Chinook self-deployment and extend the operational radius of all other missions. A program is also underway to reduce O&S costs through the joint development with the United Kingdom of a low-maintenance rotor hub.

MAX GROSS WEIGHT: 50,000 lbs
EMPTY WEIGHT: 23,401 lbs
MAX SPEED: 170 knots / 184 mph
NORMAL CRUISE SPEED: 130 knots / 149 mph
RATE OF CLIMB: 1,522 ft/min
ROTOR SYSTEM: three manual-folding blades per hub (two hubs); 225 revolutions per minute; 60-ft rotor span
TROOP CAPACITY: 36 (33 troops plus 3 crew members)
LITTER CAPACITY: 24
SLING-LOAD CAPACITY: 26,000 lb center hook; 17,000 lb forward/aft hook; 25,000 lb tandem
MINIMUM CREW: 3 (pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer)

MANUFACTURER
Aircraft - Boeing (Philadelphia, PA); Cockpit Upgrade - Rockwell Collins (Cedar Rapids, IA); Engine Upgrade - Honeywell (Phoenix, AZ); ERFS II - Robertson Aviation (Tempe, AZ)

Box art front and back

And the sprues all tucked up safely in their bags.

And liberated from their bags, ready to be coerced into something that hopefully resembles the picture on the box!

The instructions are nice and clear and seem quite straightforward. A very nice change after the eye-straining confusion that are Dragon's instructions!

And the decals. Having only built armour, these came as a shock!

The kit as a whole looks very good with no flash and any injector marks seem to be in places that will be hidden away. The detail seems very good, but not having too much to compare it to I will let others be the judge of that. I deliberately didn't seek out reviews of this kit before buying it as I think this can prejudice your opinion before you start. Whilst I haven't built that many models, I have yet to build one that doesn't have it's challenges somewhere down the line. Also, what may be a challenge for one person is actually a breeze for others - and what's life without a challenge!

So there it is, my first toe in the water of a GB, so please be patient and all feedback will be greatly appreciated as I need ALL the help I can get. I have sometimes felt quite intimidated at the sheer skill of the many great modelers on this great forum, but I have also firmly believed that in order to get better at anything, you have to learn from the best - and that's you lot!!

Post by **Tonygol** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:41 am

Good luck with dipping your toes in. Kit looks really good. Have fun.

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:46 am

Thanks Tony, can't wait to make a start!

Post by **Tonygol** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:47 am

This kit looks like another one I will have to get.

Post by **Radzy** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:51 am

Nice choice for build Alex.
I wish you good luck with it.
And I'm unpacking another pack of...

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:04 am

Thanks Radzy.

Think you might need plenty of

- I'm not very quick!

Post by **Radzy** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:35 am

alextheblue wrote:Thanks Radzy.

Think you might need plenty of - I'm not very quick!

And I'm not on diet (although my friends state I should be...), so no worries

Post by **Daimyo** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:45 am

Good luck with the model and your first GB

I will add this model to my "Need to buy" list

So it will be very interesting to watch how you build

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 11:04 am

Thanks Daimyo.

That's the only downside with the GB's - everyone's "must buy" lists just keep getting longer!!

Post by **Bridon** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 11:12 am

Nice subject...a real one overflew our town two days ago...we could hear it about 5 minutes before we could see it! Then it appeared at fairly low level thumping away to wherever it was going. Occasionally hear them at night as well...as sound travels better in still night air it becomes audible for ages gradually getting louder and louder it is often several minutes hearing that to when it recedes!

Brian

http://m.youtube.com/user/MrBobsBuilds · Post by **Rob** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 11:43 am

Great choice. Looking forward to seeing it come together

Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 3:18 pm

Big girl ! I could go for one !!! and make it Pre-1992 before we sold ours !

now we bought them back ! LOL from the same guys we sold them to !

LOL

Weird Gov. decisions !

Thanks for sharing this build with us !

It looks like a Scaled up version of their 1/72... which are very good to !

You take care buddy !

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:12 pm

Thanks for the posts guys, going to try and at least get some plastic off the sprues later on tonight and will hopefully have some pics up by morning - well, that's the plan!

Post by **gosselin2112** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 5:21 pm

I know what you mean about the aircraft decals. I, too, am mostly a armor dude. Have any idea of nationality you will be building. Is the cover art depicting a Russian model?

Russ

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 5:31 pm

gosselin2112 wrote:I know what you mean about the aircraft decals. I, too, am mostly a armor dude. Have any idea of nationality you will be building. Is the cover art depicting a Russian model?

Russ

I panic if I get a dozen decals with an armour kit!

Might go for the US version, need to give that one a bit of thought.

Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 7:26 pm

gosselin2112 wrote:I know what you mean about the aircraft decals. I, too, am mostly a armor dude. Have any idea of nationality you will be building. Is the cover art depicting a Russian model?

Russ

Russian ?

Dutch Air Force my friend ! LOL

its all ok !

Post by **alextheblue** » Fri Oct 18, 2013 9:17 am

First update and unfortunately I didn't get anywhere near as much done as I had hoped. Mainly due to being late home thanks to our national network of car-parks, or motorways as they are sometimes referred to!! I'm aiming to do an OOB build with this one as I think this is going to stretch me enough, but some of the details are a little disappointing so I'm not ruling aftermarket bits out.

Onto step one and lets get cutting and gluing! First up is the compartment wall for the cockpit and there's some nice detailing here. There's decals for the instrument panels, but I'll probably paint in the details - will have a closer look at the decals concerned.

With a bit of glue on. Notice the gratuitous product placement for Ultimate sanders!!

Some nice details on the reverse side.

One of the instrument panels in question.

Seats and frame.

At this point the dinner gong went for my evening repast (correction, my wife hollered DINNER!) and so came an end to my first session with the Chinook. Quite straightforward and everything so far (albeit not a lot) has gone together nicely. A couple of strange labeling issues with certain parts being on random sprues, but compared to some instruction sheets I could mention it's been fine.

Many thanks for taking a look and all comments will be greatly appreciated.

Post by **ThomasBrown** » Fri Oct 18, 2013 1:07 pm

I've had my eye on this kit myself. Love the Chinook. Workhorse of the military. Can't wait to see the final build Alex. :heli:

Post by **spruecutter** » Fri Oct 18, 2013 10:59 pm

Nice detail on those cockpit parts and overall looks like a great kit.

Post by **gosselin2112** » Sat Oct 19, 2013 1:57 am

schweinhund227 wrote:
gosselin2112 wrote:I know what you mean about the aircraft decals. I, too, am mostly a armor dude. Have any idea of nationality you will be building. Is the cover art depicting a Russian model?

Russ

Russian ?

Dutch Air Force my friend ! LOL

its all ok !

This is why I stay with WWII subjects or earlier. LOL!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 10:22 pm

Great progress!

As for the decals.... Hope your not using the Dutch airforce ones...
I'm Dutch and can tell you there is a major spelling error in the Decals.

It says: KONINLLIJKE LUCHTMACH

It should say: KONINKLIJKE LUCHTMACHT

Even the boxart has it wrong....

Post by **chief5437** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 12:52 am

This looks like it'll be massive! Does it say how big it will be when finished?

Cockpit looks like it's got some nice details.

Good luck with the rest of it!

Post by **alextheblue** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:07 am

Thanks Chief. I'll check on the box later to see if the dimensions are on there, but she's a big bird alright! I was going to take a pic next to a 1/35 Panzer III I'm buiilding to give a comparison - but forgot!

FD - thanks for the tip on the decals. I'm leaning towards the US scheme - at least they spell things wrong on purpose!! Only kidding!!!

Post by **alextheblue** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:39 am

With the rain coming down by the bucket-load over the weekend I managed to get a bit more done to the Chinook, but I must say, it's slower going than I had first thought. The nice thing about armour is you can throw them all together and then paint it once it's virtually done, but I've noticed that with "flighty" things, this just ain't going to work. I can see that some degree of patience is going to pay off with this build - unfortunately, I have the patience of a struck-off doctor!

The deck has been drilled ready for the seating and and the said seats and cockpit are ready for painting and priming prior to assemlby.

Dry fitted the cock-pit area to get an idea of what can be painted in-situ and what I will need to paint and then add. You also get some idea of looking through to the back of the copter through the cock-pit door.

Primed with Vallejo grey primer - must say, have been a bit nervous about using this after the problems that some of the guys have been experiencing. It seems to have gone down ok, but I don't know if I'm just being over critical after all the comments on Paul's thread, but it didn't seem to adhere quite as well as normal, plus the drying time in between coats seemed to be longer. Again, this might be me just being over critical - a watched pot and all that!

And with the first coat of top coat - ended up using Tamiya's Medium Grey mixed 50/50 with Ultimate Products airbrush thinner. Definitely preferred it to X20A and this is the third brand of acrylic paint I've used this thinner with and it's been spot-on each time!!

Well, that's the first coat done and drying and I had a bit of time left before calling it a day, so I decided to get the top coat down on a half-track I'm in the middle of. Nothing to do with the Chinook, but I can't be away from my AFV's for too long!!!

Again, not the most amazing of progress, but It has been good fun so far, with no problems. I'm sure there are one or two challenges ahead being a new genre for me, but I've been itching to try something different after seeing all the great planes, ships, cars, and bikes etc. that I've followed over the weeks.

Thanks for checking-in and taking a look. Please feel free to leave any comments as all advice and help is very much welcomed!!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:43 am

alextheblue wrote:FD - thanks for the tip on the decals. I'm leaning towards the US scheme - at least they spell things wrong on purpose!! Only kidding!!!

.

Post by **chief5437** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:26 am

Lots of work done there mate. It might not seem like much but on something that big it must take a lot of time! Sounds like the ultimate thinner is the way ahead. I'll get some soon, but I've only just opened a new bottle of x20a.

Keep up the good work dude!

Post by **alextheblue** » Wed Oct 23, 2013 11:10 am

Managed to get a small amount done and thought I'd get some pics up now as I'm not sure when I'll get to do some more on this old bird. Apologies for the poor quality of pics, the lighting is ok for working in, but not ideal for photography. Although it has been said that my models are better appreciated in the dark!!

With a coat of Tamiya medium grey on the deck I made a start on the masking to paint in the darker anti-slip strips. I decided to take the easier route and mask it in sections rather than do the whole lot in one go. The surface of the deck is quite textured and contoured and I felt it might be easier to prevent any potential bleeding by doing it in steps - well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

With the first section of the deck masked, sprayed and drying, time to turn my attention to the rear "wall" and paint in some detail. My first thought was to just give an impression of the detail as it will be difficult to see once assembled, but the little voice in my head kept nagging at me, "don't be lazy, do it properly!"

I decided to compromise and give it some detail with minimal weathering and wear - just in case someone wants to examine it from the rear with a magnifying glass and torch!!

Gingerly pulled the masking tape away and was fairly pleased with the result. A little bit has bled here and there but it will be easy to clear up. Just need to mask off the last section and we're about there. Putting the cockpit wall onto the deck gives some impression of the sheer size of this beast.

And that's about it for now. Just need to get the final bit of anti-slip masked and painted and finish up some detailing on the rear wall. I keep ;looking at it and thinking it's missing something, but can't quite put my finger on it. I've got an idea of something that I can add from another site (who shan't be mentioned!), but I'm just weighing up how well it will be seen once assembled - decisions, decisions!! Want it to look a bit "busier".

Thanks again for stopping by and taking a look and please feel free to leave a comment - as always, any help and advice is greatly appreciated.

Post by **Nige201980** » Wed Oct 23, 2013 6:45 pm

looking great mate

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:15 am

Nige201980 wrote:looking great mate

Thanks Nige, slow progress, but's there's no prize in finishing first!

Post by **Paul** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:35 am

Nice work Alex, great weathering

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:04 am

Looking good!

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:12 am

Thanks Paul, FD, appreciate the feedback.

Post by **Jamesday1998** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:20 pm

Looks awsesome! The work on the cockpit is amazing!

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:15 pm

Thanks Jamesday""

Post by **alextheblue** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 3:37 pm

I decided to take the plunge and buy the detail kit for the Chinook - I just couldn't use the decal seat-belts. I never used resin parts before, but I've really bought it for the PE more than anything.

Here's what's involved..........

Some nice pre-painted PE, which feels a little like cheating, but will look nice once in place. Not sure about the resin seats though, I think the standard ones in the kit actually look better with more detail. Before I paint them up I'll take a couple of photos and see what you guys think.

Anyways, managed to get some more done on the interior and put some paint on the seating. As tempting as it was to leave the seating an overall red colour, I really wanted to paint in the metal struts and frame. They're not really going to be seen, but at least I know they've been done! The seats look quite red in the picture, but in reality they're more orangey. I mixed VA light red and fire red at a ratio of 3:1 and was quite pleased with the result.

Managed to get two sections completely finished and couldn't help dry-fitting them to give an idea of how it will look.

And that's about it, remaining seating sections need detailing and the belts need painting in - time consuming, but worth it once its done. Thanks again for checking in and I'm really enjoying everyone else's build threads - first GB for me and I can't believe I haven't joined one earlier!!

Post by **Radzy** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 3:42 pm

Oh that's gonna add some additional level of detail to this whirly bird!
Great purchase and great update mate!

Post by **chief5437** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 4:14 pm

Looks great so far mate, that detail set looks sweet!

Post by **alextheblue** » Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:04 am

Thanks Radzy, Chief, appreciate the feedback!

https://www.youtube.com/user/bnealuk · Post by **T3hGuppy** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 8:28 pm

Great work dude.

I've been thinking of getting this kit and watching you do such a great job Ill have to get this soonish.

Post by **alextheblue** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 4:12 pm

Thanks Gups, it's a great kit and I'm enjoying building something other than armour - might even have a go at one of those thingie-me-jigs with wings!!

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 9:29 am

Another update, and have I mentioned this before..........it's slow going! But as they say, the best way to move a mountain is one shovel-full at a time.

Moved on to the cockpit back-wall as painting the metal framework on the seating has made me go cross-eyed.

Paint colour was Vallejo Air Interior Green - not quite as per the colour call-outs, but looking at reference pictures, I felt happier with this. I'm working on the basis that using slightly "brighter" colours on the interior will help them to be seen better in the final model as they will appear darker once enclosed. I had actually painted this piece up before deciding to buy the detail kit and as you can see there is some detail there.

The layout of the buttons seems a little too uniform for my liking, whereas the PE looks more realistic. However, as the colour is basically black and silver, I was tempted to paint these details in. Opted for the PE, which meant taking back all of those details.

A little flat once fixed in place, but as you're hardly going to see the instrumentation on the underside of the cowling above the door, I didn't think it did too bad a job. As scale modelers, are we a little bit too anal about these things!!

Back to the seating and it's just the belts to paint in and then I can fit them in place. A bit confused as to what colour to paint them as there's no reference in the instructions. Looking at some pictures, the belts appear to be a browny colour, so I opted for Hobby Colour Wood Brown - almost got carried away and dry-brushed some grain effect in there!!

And after a dry run.............

.......the final fit.

Took a lot longer to fit the seating than I first thought as lining them all up was a bit of a pain. It was literally a case of gluing in the first section, wait for the glue to cure before adding the second section. If you tried to line up two sections with too much "movement", they just wouldn't stay in the right position. So, just the two single seats to add to the back and it's back to the cockpit.

As always, thanks for taking a peek at my meagre efforts and please leave any advice/comments as you see fit. I always say it, but it's always meant. any and all help is greatly appreciate.

Post by **gosselin2112** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 5:43 pm

The interior is coming along well. These new kits certainly provide the model builder with a lot of detail. Great job!

RTG

Post by **Lysion** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 6:47 pm

Coming along nicely

Post by **spruecutter** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 8:33 pm

A nice neat job.

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 9:18 pm

Thanks guys, appreciate the comments.

Post by **alextheblue** » Mon Nov 04, 2013 10:27 am

Got some more done over the weekend, but came to the conclusion that I'm going to have to get a macro lens for my DSLR and also find somewhere with better light to take some of the pics - the old smart phone just doesn't cut it.

With the seating now down, I need to get the interior "walls" primed and ready for paint. The instructions dictate that the panels should be painted medium green, as per the back wall of the cockpit, but all the pics that I have seen, these are painted the same colour as the deck floor. So here are the pieces in question.

And there's some quite good detail that will show through.

Those following the thread will know that I bought the detail kit of the Chinook and their are some resin parts that replace their standard kit equivalents. The first pieces are the seats - but on closer inspection I think I prefer the detail on the standard ones. Also, the resin ones seem a little too large and this is even more emphasized when placed in position.

So, I decided to stick with the ones out of the box and put the resin ones in the spares box. The problem I have now is that the PE belts that come with the detail kit are designed to fit with the resin seats and are a little too big for the kit ones - ho hum!! Plus the seats need a bit of trimming here and there. I don't have a huge amount of experience with PE and having never worked on a chopper before (oo-er missus!), I thought I had better take my time. An hour and a half later!!!

Not great, but practice will make perfect - i hope!! There's a certain fellow modeler from the Netherlands that I have even MORE respect for - FD that's you!!

Thought I would quickly pop them in place to get an idea of what they will look like and I'm kinda glad I stuck with the OOB seats. The belts look a little cramped on the seats, but I think it would be a tight fit for the other control gear if I had used the resin seats.

I did get a bit more done, but as I'm putting this post up from work, I better crack on and earn some pennies to pay for the modelling stuff!!

Hoping to get some more pics up later.

Post by **Paul** » Mon Nov 04, 2013 10:33 am

Nice progress Alex.

I agree those resin seats looks a bit crap coma pared to the kit ones

Great job with the pe seat belts, not always easy to work with them at all.

Did you anneal them as that's makes them much easier to work with.

Post by **alextheblue** » Mon Nov 04, 2013 10:39 am

Funny you should ask that Paul, but I didn't anneal them first. It was only after I had finished that I suddenly remembered that I had only just recently watched one of your vids where you gave this very useful piece of advice!

I'll definitely remember next time!

Post by **DC87** » Mon Nov 04, 2013 11:01 am

Looking better and better every post

, the resin seat does look bad compared to the kit part.

Post by **UKscalemodeller** » Mon Nov 04, 2013 11:08 am

This thing looks amazing already, the red seats are great.