Bell 47 H-13S model + 3D Attack Squadron tail boom

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Piotr Dmitruk has built H-13S from Italeri with drukowaną 3D kratownicą from Attack Squadron. Model  1/72 scale is very impressive. See how using Attack Squadron accessories an old kit turns to miniature replica with plenty of detail.

Model of small helicopter

Building a replica of early aviation subject is usually struggle with some very fragile structure. It is hard to make it realistic, with details exactly in scale.

Model from Italeri  1/72

Model from Italeri was in my stash waiting long time to complete. When  3D printed tailboom became available I decided to return to started project. 3D print from Attack Squadron really improves what we find in box. Price of set is  high, but it is avalable to dedicated modeler. Parta photoetched parts were used to further improvement of the kit.

Problem with building plastic kit of H-13 is assembly and aligment of tail boom as well as clean up of thick parts. Attack Squadron set is great relief for such problems. It is durable enough to handle in assembly, but more fragile than plastic or resin. Careless modeler can break it. It glues easily with small drop of superglue..

Using magnifier you can see printing layers, but very small. There is no necessary to polish them, they are almost invisible for naked eye. Manufacturer mentioned about clean up parts from supporting wax residues. I did not seen any of them. Anyway parts were washed with white spirit and brush for sure. Test fits gone well so assembly was started.

Most visible feature of helicopter is glass bulb over cockpit. It was nice in kit, but I decided to vacuform my wn.

Assemblyof H-13 model with 3D tail boom

Assembly was almost straightforward. Two problems appeared. Tail propeller shaft is slightly to low, what causes assembly problems with fuel pipes. It would be solved with slightly lowering engine. If the shaft was be made separately, it would be easier to work, especially when it is hard tom paint.

Second problem is with parts No 36 and 37, the “piramide” above engine. Kit parts are awful thick and do not fit well. Maybe it would be better to have them made from 3d print?

Photos of build Bell 47 H-13S Sioux model 1/72