1/48 CH-34 Choctaw – Remembering Operation Hunger (1959)
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This 1/48 CH-34 Choctaw was completed in the mid-summer of 2022. It remains one of my most meaningful helicopter projects—technically satisfying and emotionally resonant.
During Operation Hunger in 1959, 21 CH-34s from the US Marine Corps HMR(L)-261 Squadron were deployed to Taiwan for disaster relief after the devastating August 7 flood.
My father, a semi-professional photographer, once shared a photo of one of these helicopters landing near our village. The crew brought rice and essential supplies to the locals, including my own family. That moment, though the photo is lost, remains vivid in memory and inspired this build.
Build Notes:
- Panel lines were carefully deepened to emphasize the structure's age and service wear.
- The bold orange nose dome was reshaped and repainted to mimic the rubbery texture that often weathers and dulls over time.
- Aftermarket rivet heads were selectively added to enhance surface realism and break up larger flat areas.
- The Inca-style, I named it, hand-painting technique was applied on the side panels to express subtle warping and curvature caused by long-term operational stress.
- Engine cowlings and adjacent panels received layered chipping and oil streaks, created using sponge dabbing and fine brushwork.
- Dust accumulation and faded tones were built up using a mix of airbrush-filter layers and dry pastels for a sun-bleached, field-worn look.
Really nice
Fantastic result, Alex @superdad1688
The creation of those surface dents makes it look even more realistic.
That’s what I had in mind.
Agreed -those dents and warps add enormously..
Alex,
I had not heard of Operation Hunger. Thanks for bringing that personal note into your post. The CH-34 looks amazing. Is it the Gallery Models or Trumpeter product.
It could be a Trumpet kit.
Excellent result, Alex!
Very realistic!
Excellent build Alex! Love the weathering!
Amazing work, and great result
Fantastic work, simply marvellous...!
Great looking model with all the appropriate weathering.
Really excellent work and a very nice result.
Beautifully rendered!
Well done!
Excellent work! She is a beauty!
Very impressive!
Nicely done, thank you for sharing your story.
ni