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Scott Snow
13 articles

1/48th MH-53E Sea Dragon

April 7, 2020 · in Aviation · · 6 · 3.3K

The is a beast whether you see the real thing up close, or like myself, you build the 1/48th scale version. And, I don't mean beast as in difficult to build. Quite the opposite, this kit is exquisite, both in fit and in fidelity. In model form it only retains its "beast" status because it is such a large and detailed model. You have to admit though, the Engine Gray paint scheme does add significantly to its menacing appearance. I built the kit pretty much out of the box, even though, I was a little concerned that the lightly colored decals wouldn't be opaque enough to cover the dark gray. Turns out, the decals were more than up to the task, as you can clearly see (very impressive). The only modification I made to the kit was to add Bare-Metal Foil (chrome) to the faces of the rear-view mirrors, as they were molded in the same blue-gray styrene as the rest of the parts. Fully assembled, this model takes up a lot of room in my display case. I actually waffled back and forth whether to build it secured for flight-deck storage, which would have minimized the amount of real estate it would occupy after completion, but in the end, I just felt it needed to be displayed with its feathers fully spread and ready for action.

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6 responses

  1. Impressive job, Scott! I love this beast. In those colors even more.
    I've built a revell 1/48 CH-53 in SEA and have another one to build (want to finish it in the early Israeli camo).
    All the best!

  2. Nicely done, great scheme and yes the real thing is a beast, I was a passenger in one, flying from NAS Sigonella in Sicily on to the Nimitz in the Med. I don't how many of us that they crammed in to in those jump seats , in addition to our gear.
    ,

  3. Impressive build

  4. Nice work on that big, beautiful whirly-bird. I hope someday a kit of the 'K' variant will come out.

  5. Good work Scott...I agree a helo looks best in all it's glory with the blades outstreched. I enjoy painting modern aircraft in grey tones as well, apart from being easier for me by limiting masking 🙂 i think it focuses the eye on the simple attractive geometry of the airframe itself...which I love about modern jets...
    More "choppers" please Scott...

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