Vintage Sikorsky CH-54 Skycrane – 1/72 Revell
This post is about the Sikorsky CH-54 Skycrane, an American twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter designed for the United States Army. I keep in mind my project to build or restore some old models that could bring me some memories. I restored the Revell kit in 1/72 scale, which I had first built in the early 1980s, first released in Brazil by A. Kikoler in 1962.
The kit was complete although with some damages. The hospital unit and howitzer were unbuilt. But the job was not easy:
Scribing the side doors so it didn't have them.
New clear windscreen and crane winch operator glass from acetate stretching.
All side steps made of wire.
All lights made of clear sprue and glue, and
Some small improvements: collective pitch levers, seat belts, dashboard cover, door handles, windshield wipers, etc.
Finishing materials:
Squadron Signal and Tamiya putties.
Automotive polyester primer and all colors.
Decals from spare box.
Acrilex clear coat and
Oils for weathering.
Finally, another interesting and unusual model in my collection, which brings me great memories and highlights the Revell presence in Brazil.
https://www.scalemates.com/pt/kits/revell-h-258-sikorsky-ch-54a-skycrane--120475
A great restoration ! looks great.
Thank you, Royes.
Nice save! These things get used for firefighting now - there are two of them based over at Van Nuys Airport these days. Weird looking flying machine for sure!
Thank you, Tom.
Really weird. The firefighting ones could be a good theme to modeling.
Nicely done Roberto.
Great restoration job.
What a beautiful resurrection project, Roberto!
Looks fantastic, even more so as it was "saved", now proudly resting in diorama style.
"Georgia Peach" and (not shown) "Marty" are on-alert for firefighting half a mile away from my office: a beautiful sight undoubtedly; I thought to share those snapshots here, hoping you like them, to accompany your great build pics.
Conratulations again! I love seiing "old and tired" kits pumped with new life!
Thank you, Spiros, for your coments, encouragement and good photos.
I intend to put some figures around the models to improve the diorama appearence.