1:48 Bell OH-13 Sioux

The real subject

The Bell OH-13 Sioux is the military guise of the light Bell 47 helicopter, one of the first mass-produced helicopters in the world. You will recognize it by its spherical glazed cabin, its exposed lattice tail section and skids instead of wheels. It was flown mainly for observation and casualty evacuation, that is for tasks where agility and the ability to land practically anywhere decided everything.

What photo-etched parts add

Photo-etched sheet is an order of magnitude thinner than a plastic part of the same shape. That is exactly why photo-etched parts replace elements that are thin in reality too: belts, frames, grilles, linkages and plates. On a model with a structure as open as the Sioux the difference shows particularly well, because through the glazing and the lattice boom there is a view into the machine from both sides. The exact make-up of the fret is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

• a photo-etched set in 1:48 scale
• the subject is the Bell OH-13 Sioux helicopter
• photo-etched sheet is markedly thinner than a plastic part
• glued with cyanoacrylate or two-part glue
• an accessory for a build, not a stand-alone model

Working with photo-etched parts

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface and do not break them off by twisting, otherwise they will bend. Make the bends over a sharp edge or in an etch bender, and rather in one movement than by pressing gradually. Glue with cyanoacrylate or two-part glue; cement for polystyrene does not hold on metal. Before painting, degrease the parts and use a primer suitable for metal, otherwise the finish will peel during handling.

Terms of supply

The photo-etched fret is supplied. Paints, primer and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.