Italeri

1/72 HH-53C

Kit Number: 1035

Reviewed by  Phil Peterson, IPMS# 8739

MSRP: $20.00 The HH-53 was designed as a heavy lifter but probably is best recognized as the Super Jolly Green Giant used during the Vietnam War to rescue pilots behind enemy lines. It also has been used by many nations around the world and there are several variants out there. Italeri's kit comes with the USAF SEA scheme used in Vietnam and with Israeli markings for the latest camoflage they use. The kit is molded in tan plastic and has a decent amount of detail, except for the fuselage interior, which is totally lacking. This will be especially noticeable if you leave the rear doors open. The cockpit has a fair amount of detail, but trying to decide where to place the collective sticks is difficult. The instructions give an idea but if you look at photos of the cockpit, they don't agree with the parts. I made them fit as best I could. Because of the lack of interior detail and the fact I was making this OOB, I decided early on to close all the doors. I also picked the Israeli markings as the paint scheme is only one color and I like Israeli aircraft. That also meant I could keep the miniguns provided for another project I have in mind. When I test fitted the fuselage it seemed to line up pretty good, but after putting in the floor and gluing it together, the fit was definitely not the best. This may have been my fault and if I had concentrated more, I may have gotten a better fit. The rest of the build was pretty straight forward. I used Tamiya Clear Green to paint the visor windows. This works really well and definitely adds to the look of the completed kit. I used liquid vinyl to mask the windows and a rattle can of Testors 1954 Light Earth (FS 30140) for the color scheme. A little Future was painted in the areas the decals would go. I try to make this cover an area of panels. Then when I spray the dull coat over it, it adds a little variation to the look of the kit, especially when using a one color paint scheme. The decals went on well with no bleed through in the white or yellow. I used Micro Set and Micro Sol to get them to tuck down into the details. I built the main rotor and left it free spinning. This allows me to remove it when I take it places and the inevitable person who just has to spin it will get their thrill instead of breaking my kit. Overall, not a bad kit but watch your fit and placement of the details. Wish it came with a more detailed interior but that is what the aftermarket or scratchbuilding are for. Thanks to Italeri for the review kit.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.