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Ramon R. Lomeli
49 articles

1/35 MRC/Academy OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

December 20, 2013 · in Aviation · · 16 · 4.5K

Hello All!
My name is Ramon, and this is my first article on iModeler! I present to you MRC/'s 1/35th scale OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, which I modified to represent the aircraft my friend Jon Hulse was a crew chief on back in the 90's. We were assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Jon was in Troop Q, while I was assigned to Troop R, the UH-60 troop. Jon is now a pilot, and I got out and am now a 3d animator. Building this kit was a nice trip back in time...

Anyways, about the model! I had to scratch build the skids to represent the MPLH rapid deployment skids that our little birds had, added wine-foil seat belts in the cockpit, wiring harnesses for the weapons pylons and created my own custom decals to represent his particular aircraft, including putting his name in the crew box next to the windshield. I weathered it with lots of layers of different shades shot through my airbrush and soft pastels.

Although not perfect, I did have fun finishing this kit after carrying it around for more than a decade. I learned quite a bit about the aircraft itself and there are a few things I would do different if I were to build this again, but overall it was a good experience and I recommend this kit to anyone!

Thanks for viewing - Cheers!

-Ramon

Reader reactions:
3  Awesome

13 additional images. Click to enlarge.


16 responses

  1. Great Warrior. Nice work there, Ramon.

  2. An excellent build, sir...well done.

  3. Looks ready to roll……..nice work on the finish and really nice detail.

  4. Very reallistic indeed Ramon,
    Welcome to the fold.
    Well done sir.

  5. Welcome aboard. Your first post is a good one. Having built a different MRC 1/35 helicopter I know they don't just fall together especially around the glass area.
    Yours captures "The Look" Well done.

  6. Thanks for the comments, everybody - i feel honored to be a part of such a talented community!

  7. Excellent work. Welcome.

  8. Hi Ramon. I am fairly new to iModeler as well, so welcome from a fellow newcomer! The detail you put in really paid off and adds a lot of personal meaning to the model. I like the outdoor shots as well with the natural perspective it adds. Please post more photos of other builds if you have them.

  9. Hi Ramon, welcome aboard. This looks really nice, subtle weathering, the right amount of extra detailing (no doubt helped by your exclusive knowledge), and the outdoor photographs really set it off.

  10. 1st off Ramon welcome aboard. Well done 1st subject on the Kiowa, Good briefing on the history of your subject. Nice images as well. Now can't wait to see some more of your builds. Thanks for sharing

    Chuck
    Fly Navy

  11. fine looking model...i all ways loved this beast with it's all seeing eye

  12. Ramon,
    All that needs to be said about this model has already been said. I will merely add to it by saying it looks absolutely great. Most of all, thank you for your service to our Country.

  13. @Bob - Thanks, us in the Black Hawk troop always had sibling rivalry with that little one-eyed monster, but at the end of the day we were all on the same team and accomplished many great things together!
    @Frank - Thanks, and thank you for your service as well brother!

  14. Hi mate. very nice build. I love the large scale helicopters and this is a fine example. You obviously have talent!

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