LF Models 1/72nd Sikorsky S-51 + Arctic Decals

 

 

 

(The step-by step post that can be found here:

https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2023/12/sikorsky-s-51-lf-short-run-12nd-kit.html

Here is the completed Sikorsky S-51 in British guise, one of five sent to England to promote the ensuing Westland production under license of the same helicopter. This one ended up on the hands of an agricultural company. 

The build of this little helicopter was hindered by some issues like poor fit, a not really practical engineering and of course -as it is a short-run kit- the lack of locating devices. You need to acquire separately the vinyl masks (from the same manufacturer, mind you) to be able to paint the color schemes included in the kit instructions. Extra spending. They were off in size and shape compared to photos and unable to follow well the curvatures of the model. Upon removal they took some paint off, perhaps due to some stubborn molding residue under the paint even if they really had a poor adhesive (I carefully washed the parts before starting assembly and after completion of it before priming).

I was so frustrated with this kit that I removed the initial building posting and pondered chucking it to the bin, but later decided for another go aiming for a no-masks, one-color scheme with commissioned decals. 

Pay attention to the P.E. details in the kit, as not all choppers had those elements the same way for the schemes given in the instructions. 

You get two sets of blades, earlier and later styles. Again, check your references.

Besides paying extra for the useless vinyl masks I had to also pay for the transparencies masks (both times adding S&H). The latter fortunately were “kabuki” paper masks, which is the way to go, manufacturers, when you have curved surfaces!

Ranting aside, here is a beautiful, insect-like chopper, one of the first such machines to spread far and wide for practical use. My thanks to Arctic Decals for the markings, which allowed me to complete the model.