1:48 MQ-8B Fire Scout

MQ-8B Fire Scout in 1:48 scale — a resin kit from Brengun

A resin kit of the Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter in 1:48 scale from the Czech maker Brengun. It is a kit for experienced modelers — parts cast in resin call for a different working technique from ordinary injection-molded plastic, but the reward is an unusual subject you will not find among the large makers.

The real subject

The MQ-8B Fire Scout is an unmanned helicopter developed for the US Navy on the basis of a light civil helicopter. It flies autonomously along a planned mission and serves above all for reconnaissance, surface surveillance and target assessment from the decks of warships. Its characteristic features are a fuselage with no crew cabin, a spherical sensor turret and a four-blade main rotor.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in warm soapy water to remove any mold release agent. Cut off the casting blocks with a modeling saw or a scalpel, sand the marks down and use respiratory protection while sanding resin. Glue the joints with super glue (cyanoacrylate). Apply a primer coat before painting; the naval gray scheme is brought to life by a fine wash around the covers and the riveting and by discreet dust on the landing gear.

Who the model is for

• experienced modelers with an interest in modern unmanned systems
• collectors of US Navy equipment in 1:48 scale
• builders of ship deck dioramas, where the machine rounds out a scene superbly

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted as a resin kit. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.