Bell HTL-4

[digger303]

Academy rolled this line of kits out to the general public in 1994 with this one being boxed in 2002.



This is a h-13 variant of which 46 were built in 1950. These Bell helicopters were a bit basic, no air con so they removed the doors in the summer.
There was no balance indicator for level flight so some pilots used to tie a bit of cloth to a aerial to see which way it streamed. It was also a bit under powered and couldn't carry much. Still it did stirling service through the Korean and Vietnam war and served as a training aid during the Apollo space program. You might wonder a bit about that. It was because it's auto rotation characteristics closely mimicked the space capsules descent rate in landing on the moon.

I started this after lunch Sunday.

The tail has progressed a bit further, but it is close to being able to be assembled. However I think I might paint the engine first.



PS....YEP I know I've got the others I haven't finished...

[RangerNeil]

Nice choice Digger. Just need a figure of Radar O'Reilly to go with it... Or Margaret Hoolihan.....

[digger303]

Nice choice Digger. Just need a figure of Radar O'Reilly to go with it... Or Margaret Hoolihan.....

Wrong model of chopper for that. I did want to do a Bell 47 in Aussie colours for the Vietnam war, but alas no. I have the decals for it, but trying to get the right kit is tricky. I really need the Revell kit.

[krusty69]

[Stokesy44]

Blimey, someone's not hanging about

[DRUMS01]

Way to go digger, now lets finish this one (we're pulling for you)

The figure looks nicely detailed for the scale and the instrument panel looks as though it can really pop with detailed gauges if thats what your after. The engine from what I can see looks a bit basic (no nuts, bolts, wires, hoses, or clamps, etc.) but I bet you may have a plan for that, right?

So far so good

Are you making it like the box top or do you have something else in mind?

[digger303]

Way to go digger, now lets finish this one (we're pulling for you)

The figure looks nicely detailed for the scale and the instrument panel looks as though it can really pop with detailed gauges if thats what your after. The engine from what I can see looks a bit basic (no nuts, bolts, wires, hoses, or clamps, etc.) but I bet you may have a plan for that, right?

So far so good

Are you making it like the box top or do you have something else in mind?

I'll get them done....
No plan atm for detailing except to make sure the fuel hose is connected. I might have been thinking about hose clamps and instrument panel wiring...
I do like the depicted coast guard on the box top so yes I'll do that. Later on I'll park a military Aussie version next to it.

[digger303]

Floats needed some seem work, but I think it's all good now.


Unfortunately the sprue attachment points on the canopy wrap around the edge and removal still managed to shatter right through the plastic. Despite trying to be careful and aware of these problems before I removed it.


I sandpapered and polished away and all I could do was reduce the overall size of the problem.


I'm hoping a coat of varnish on the plastic will further reduce the size of the issue. I don't think it will totally remove or hid it, but I won't do that until I'm further along the build.
I also grabed a old can of Tamiya primer I wonted to use up and I think that will prove to be a mistake as it didn't spray well and came out rather thick.
I may have to strip it off....

[DRUMS01]

I really hate when stuff like this happens. The extra work to correct it sometimes sours a build for me. You would think that manufacturers would design the sprue points on clear better than that.

Yes sir, always on the clear parts and in a visible location. Good luck with the filling and polishing.

[digger303]

I really hate when stuff like this happens. The extra work to correct it sometimes sours a build for me. You would think that manufacturers would design the sprue points on clear better than that.

Yes sir, always on the clear parts and in a visible location. Good luck with the filling and polishing.

That's a before and pic's .....after the polishing. Yeah looks crap, but it has reduced the overall size of it. I don't see a way to make it go away, but maybe the Gauzy might hid it a bit more.

[Garion77]

That's a nicely detailed kit for it's age ! A shame about the clear part. But I'm sure that as always you'll make it look good

[ForeverPlasticKits]

Vintage movies of the 60's and even the 70's used this helicopter (like in James BOND), i'm happy to follow your build because it's vintage too (21 years)!

[smokeriderdon]

Digger, I did the Bell 47D by MRC a while back. Academy has reboxed it as well. That would likely do you up well for your Aussie bird.

https://www.scalemates.com/profiles/mat ... 0401&i=2#2

Interesting version here!

[digger303]

Digger, I did the Bell 47D by MRC a while back. Academy has reboxed it as well. That would likely do you up well for your Aussie bird.

https://www.scalemates.com/profiles/mat ... 0401&i=2#2

Interesting version here!

That's the one I'm building now except it's a different boxing. It's got the single fuel tank across the back of the cabin. Where as far as I know VN versions had twin tanks and is very noticeable.
Both versions served in the Korean war, but they up gunned the engine for Vietnam with a complete replacement as far as I know.

[smokeriderdon]

You are correct sir, they did indeed. Total brain fart there on my part. Yep, the Revell kit would be the one you need. Though Italeri did it in 1/72 I believe.

[digger303]

Getting the engine done.
Doesn't look too colourful here.


Not too many wires or details added, just the one.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Bummer on the bubble
You could do a thin strip of styrene and make it wrap the bottom of the bubble with a little styrene tab up to cover the defect.
This would make it look like a canopy framework, paint it drab green and entire thing disappears.
If you use thin enough styrene sheet it bends super easy to shape.

I did it here on this tail bubble for the Short Sterling



Just a thought

[digger303]

Bummer on the bubble
You could do a thin strip of styrene and make it wrap the bottom of the bubble with a little styrene tab up to cover the defect.
This would make it look like a canopy framework, paint it drab green and entire thing disappears.
If you use thin enough styrene sheet it bends super easy to shape.

I did it here on this tail bubble for the Short Sterling



Just a thought

Given this post followed straight after the engine post. I was thinking BUBBLE what BUBBLE I can't see any damn bubble in the engine. The it dawned on me, it's the canopy...
That's actually a pretty good idea and I've kept some left over PE scraps thinking the long trips might be useful one day.
Thanks mate.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Bummer on the bubble
You could do a thin strip of styrene and make it wrap the bottom of the bubble with a little styrene tab up to cover the defect.
This would make it look like a canopy framework, paint it drab green and entire thing disappears.
If you use thin enough styrene sheet it bends super easy to shape.

I did it here on this tail bubble for the Short Sterling



Just a thought

Given this post followed straight after the engine post. I was thinking BUBBLE what BUBBLE I can't see any damn bubble in the engine. The it dawned on me, it's the canopy...
That's actually a pretty good idea and I've kept some left over PE scraps thinking the long trips might be useful one day.
Thanks mate.

Perfect use for the PE metal
The engine looks absolutely fine

[DRUMS01]

Looks good so far, looking forward to the next update.

[digger303]

Bummer on the bubble
You could do a thin strip of styrene and make it wrap the bottom of the bubble with a little styrene tab up to cover the defect.
This would make it look like a canopy framework, paint it drab green and entire thing disappears.
If you use thin enough styrene sheet it bends super easy to shape.

I did it here on this tail bubble for the Short Sterling



Just a thought

Given this post followed straight after the engine post. I was thinking BUBBLE what BUBBLE I can't see any damn bubble in the engine. The it dawned on me, it's the canopy...
That's actually a pretty good idea and I've kept some left over PE scraps thinking the long trips might be useful one day.
Thanks mate.

Perfect use for the PE metal
The engine looks absolutely fine

Looks good so far, looking forward to the next update.

Thanks guys.
I wasn't happy so I changed a couple of colours still within reality , but the added plumbing is definitely not right. However it looks good enough.
All the sub assemblies are only just sitting there with nothing solidly glued. So much to do yet with only the engine almost done. I didn't get much done today despite plans to do so. The wife wanted to go for coffee/ muffin and a drive around the district.


Not sure how I'm going to get a continuous strip of straight PE to go around that canopy curve...

[Twokidsnosleep]

It won’t have to be one continuous length.
You could just do the top and bottom and leave the sides. But do them in sections
PE metal can be a pain. Thin styrene should be warming up in the background

[Parker]

love it.

[digger303]

I'm having some decal issues.



The surface is smooth enough, Micro set applied to the surface before decal, applied decal, smoothed the decal down . It looked good and then to make sure I applied a strong decal solution over the top. Once it dried it was evident it hadn't sat down, applied more solution and it's still a problem.
Maybe I can keep doing that, maybe sharp pointy thing the decal in a few places first. We shall see I guess.

Engine is installed, some plumbing to connect and cockpit to do too.

[RangerNeil]

I'm having some decal issues.



The surface is smooth enough, Micro set applied to the surface before decal, applied decal, smoothed the decal down . It looked good and then to make sure I applied a strong decal solution over the top. Once it dried it was evident it hadn't sat down, applied more solution and it's still a problem.
Maybe I can keep doing that, maybe sharp pointy thing the decal in a few places first. We shall see I guess.

Engine is installed, some plumbing to connect and cockpit to do too.

Silly question - but - how did you smooth it down? I found for long decals like that the best solution was get it in place then gently lift one end on a knife blade till half the decal is off the surface then rub whats left down with a cotton bud squeezing the moisture and air out then progressively working the rest of the decal back down, topping up the Microsol till its all down.

[digger303]

I'm having some decal issues.

Silly question - but - how did you smooth it down? I found for long decals like that the best solution was get it in place then gently lift one end on a knife blade till half the decal is off the surface then rub whats left down with a cotton bud squeezing the moisture and air out then progressively working the rest of the decal back down, topping up the Microsol till its all down.

I smoothed it with a brush then went back and smoothed it with a cotton bud ( q tip ) quite firmly then decal solution on top and removed excess solution from the surrounding paint. When I smoothed it I worked from the centre out towards the edges.
I didn't lift it and work from one end to the other as you suggest.

[digger303]

I didn't really apply myself to the bench this weekend, however I did manage to recreate the spiky knobby thing on the rotor head that I had mange to knock off and lose.


The cockpit received some attention. I added some cables on the left side of the console which I've just noticed I haven't painted yet.


The damn decals continue to be a pain. Too much solution ruined the paint so I masked off and repainted below them.I was thinking that might serve as a waterline. Even after using detacked tap I still managed to remove some of the decals....weathering !


The engine as a little plumbing added that is more imagination than replication. There is lots of stuff missing from around the engine so it is going to be good enough.


Oh another problem I'm no longer a fan of AK gauzy looking like glass product. Crap settles and becomes solid then upon dipping ends up stuck to the canopy and from previous experience removing this stuff is another problem which leads to a lot more work.
I'm beginning to see the merits of "FUTURE"

Till next time.

[Tomcat64]

Just doing some catching up - that bubble canopy is a helluva lot of clear in one place, it's a real shame about that bite out of the edge as the rest of it looks really nice & clear.

I had major problems with Academy decals on a past build (think it was the A-10) and they were overly thick & just wouldn't conform using the usual solutions - if I remember rightly they were the reason I ended up with bottles of Solavaset and Daco Red on the shelf; I don't know how easy it'd be to try and pick up either of those down there but might be worth a try?

[digger303]

Just doing some catching up - that bubble canopy is a helluva lot of clear in one place, it's a real shame about that bite out of the edge as the rest of it looks really nice & clear.

I had major problems with Academy decals on a past build (think it was the A-10) and they were overly thick & just wouldn't conform using the usual solutions - if I remember rightly they were the reason I ended up with bottles of Solavaset and Daco Red on the shelf; I don't know how easy it'd be to try and pick up either of those down there but might be worth a try?

I've got VMS, Solver set and they set it down some more , but not all the way.
I then went the extreme solution and used Tamiya extra thin and it hardly wrinkled them at all. At that point I gave up thinking if I did any more it
would probably properly ruin them. As it was I discoloured the surface on the bottom edge of the paint which I sanded and repainted.
Really pee-ed about the gauzy agent though. Last night I scratched the lumps off with my finger nail and I intend today to re dip the canopy. Hoping any lumps still in the solution may have sunk to the bottom of the bottle. It is awfully thick solution though and it might still be holding any lumps in suspension. Rule is never shake this stuff up even though I left it for a day for the bubbles to dissipate before I used it.

[digger303]

I spent some time fixing things on the decal front....not 100% maybe not even 80%, but it's looking better than it was. I'll have another go at it soon as a lot of the other areas are progressing. As you can see it ain't pretty, but I might be able to get it to flatten somewhat. It's a 3 foot model atm...



I've added some more plumbing , painted the tail rotor, cabling for the controls on the side of the console.



Next big thing, which is really just a small detail is adding the silver to the dials without getting it everywhere. I can see stuff ups galore coming . Then gloss coating before adding some wash.

Damn I chopped off the tail in the pic's....I actually have done it I swear. Have to be in the next pic

[smokeriderdon]

Gotta love uncooperative decals.

[Tomcat64]

Nice work putting them in their place mate - they look a damn sight better in those photos than the ones you showed previously

Not sure I believe you about the tail tho...

[digger303]

Nice work putting them in their place mate - they look a damn sight better in those photos than the ones you showed previously

Not sure I believe you about the tail tho...

Called me out huh!





The canopy is still giving me problems after that gunky stuff I tried to clear coat it with.
This after I picked off the previous lumps and I re-dipped it and picked it off again...



I'm thinking there is no short cut here and the varnish has to come off. Preferably without damaging the clear plastic. I tried this once before
and it didn't come easy. So the question I like to put to everyone is how to safely remove the clear coat.
The clear coat for those that came in late is Glass Coat GAUZY agent made by AK.

[smokeriderdon]

Soak in alcohol perhaps?

[Tomcat64]

Nice work putting them in their place mate - they look a damn sight better in those photos than the ones you showed previously

Not sure I believe you about the tail tho...

Called me out huh!

Awesome job with all the stripes - that looks spot on mate

The canopy is still giving me problems after that gunky stuff I tried to clear coat it with.
This after I picked off the previous lumps and I re-dipped it and picked it off again...



I'm thinking there is no short cut here and the varnish has to come off. Preferably without damaging the clear plastic. I tried this once before
and it didn't come easy. So the question I like to put to everyone is how to safely remove the clear coat.
The clear coat for those that came in late is Glass Coat GAUZY agent made by AK.

Sorry I can't help with this bit - I'm always a scaredy cat when it comes to trying to clean up clear parts

[digger303]

Nice work putting them in their place mate - they look a damn sight better in those photos than the ones you showed previously

Not sure I believe you about the tail tho...

Called me out huh!

Awesome job with all the stripes - that looks spot on mate

The canopy is still giving me problems after that gunky stuff I tried to clear coat it with.
This after I picked off the previous lumps and I re-dipped it and picked it off again...



I'm thinking there is no short cut here and the varnish has to come off. Preferably without damaging the clear plastic. I tried this once before
and it didn't come easy. So the question I like to put to everyone is how to safely remove the clear coat.
The clear coat for those that came in late is Glass Coat GAUZY agent made by AK.

Sorry I can't help with this bit - I'm always a scaredy cat when it comes to trying to clean up clear parts

I had a scout around online and 2 suggestions form others who needed to strip it back.
1. Use tape to tear it off.......nope that was a dismal failure.
2. Use windex original formulation......Yep that was the gem.

After 10 minutes this is the result. It's only a shallow bottle lid and being a tight A.s. I didn't want to waste too much and was going to flip it over to do the dry areas. However even the fumes were reacting high up on the inside and it has this smoke type pattern of material sloughing off......very pretty . It was worth it just to be slightly amazed.



QUESTION is now do I not bother with the glass like coating or do I try again....

[DRUMS01]

I think only you can answer that question my friend.

How is the cockpit gauge panel looking?

[digger303]

I think only you can answer that question my friend.

How is the cockpit gauge panel looking?

No gauges as yet, been looking to see if I can rob something from another kit and fudge it.
I don't really have to worry about highlighting the bezels as the army ones were black and coast guard got hand me downs. So much so that they did operate some choppers with the boom still having Olive drab.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Sorry I was late to reading...windex takes it off, ammonia if you feel risky
Wish we were closer proximity, I could Future it for you.
I found the Gauzy pretty thick and stupid bubbly too.
Maybe Aquagloss??

[digger303]

Sorry I was late to reading...windex takes it off, ammonia if you feel risky
Wish we were closer proximity, I could Future it for you.
I found the Gauzy pretty thick and stupid bubbly too.
Maybe Aquagloss??

I tried it again and as they said it could be sprayed or brushed I brushed some on ....Yeah that didn't work either. Couldn't get it even enough coat and it was drying at different rates. So a lumpy result. Like you I think it is too thick and needs to be thinned or tossed.

[Tomcat64]

Man, what a pain in the butt this is being - do you think it actually needs dipping, or can you live with any blemishes in the thing?

I'd love to figure out how to recreate this effect for jewelry on figures tho...

[smokeriderdon]

Tamiya polishing compound and buff it out. Gives a beautiful clear piece.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203982896279?e ... BMtume5b5i

[digger303]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I've cheated a bit , but the bad decals are still in evidence if not slightly hidden with a dried salty look.
Plus don't know why , but I miss placed some of the other small decals. I mean literally placed them in the wrong place...


I scoured through what Archer decal sets I had to use a few of those dials for the console here. My gorilla glue went hard so I resorted to some VMS varnish to try to put some glass on those dials. It's on the shopping list though.


The canopy had those scars from when I removed it from the sprues. NB...... I must be more careful instead of blundering ahead so much.
Any way I discarded the scrap Pe idea due to it being a bit hard to work with and being somewaht over scale. In favour of sticky ali tape.
Now I knew this was going to be a problem too before I started. It won't stretch much and will tear......maybe I can hide that is the reasoning.
Yep it did tear and trying to keep it centre, not tear it nor get it creased is hards work. One 2 hr session devoted to that.


I have faith though.

[Twokidsnosleep]

That's perfect

[digger303]

That's perfect

Nah , but thanks for saying. You should see the other side...
I neglected to say I dipped the canopy for the third and finial time and it's still got the lumps from the product. A lot settled to the bottom of the bottle, but a few lighter ones are still in suspension. I doubt I will buy this stuff again unless I can use it all up relatively quickly.

Tip.... For cutting the tape with a knife I put a strip of cello-tape over it first. It doesn't tear so much then. Bit of a bugger to get off but it does remove .

[Parker]

a whirlybird sent to test you!

[digger303]

a whirlybird sent to test you!

Decals are fragile, will come off the sheet OK, but as soon as you try to manipulate them they crack.
At least 50% self inflicted, but yeah testing. One day I'll learn ....or maybe not....

[ForeverPlasticKits]

What a build on this early model of helicopter, even if there is some problems you seems to have pleasure with this kit!

I can't wait to see the next steps and the solution of your problems.

[RangerNeil]

a whirlybird sent to test you!

Decals are fragile, will come off the sheet OK, but as soon as you try to manipulate them they crack.
At least 50% self inflicted, but yeah testing. One day I'll learn ....or maybe not....

All part of the fun Digger, all part of the fun....

[DRUMS01]

Nice cockpit and good recovery on the glass. It fought you some, but I think you tamed it. Looks like your turning the final corner on this build.

Ben