1:50 SA 342 L Gazelle

The SA 342L Gazelle in 1:48 scale

A kit of the Gazelle light multipurpose helicopter in the SA 342L version, 1:48 scale. The diameter of the main rotor works out at around twenty centimeters in this scale, so a finished model takes up noticeably less room on a shelf than an aircraft of the same class. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted.

The real subject

The Gazelle is a light helicopter of French origin, driven by a single turboshaft engine. The most conspicuous element of the machine is the tail rotor shrouded inside the vertical tail: the airflow passes through a ring and the blades stay protected. The machine stands on skids, the cockpit is deeply glazed and the crew sits side by side in it. The combination of low drag and light construction made the Gazelle one of the fastest helicopters of its class, used by armies and in civilian service alike. The designation SA 342L belongs to the later production forms of the type.

• A plastic kit in 1:48 scale
• The real subject is the SA 342L Gazelle light helicopter
• A tail rotor shrouded in the vertical tail
• A skid landing gear and a deeply glazed cockpit
• The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted

Building and painting tips

On the Gazelle the glazing is visible from both sides, so fit out and paint the cockpit before you close it up. Mask the frames of the canopy with tape or stencils before spraying, because once the paint has dried a clean transition can no longer be had. Paint the inside of the ring around the tail rotor beforehand as well, because after gluing it is hard to get into with a brush. Glue the main rotor blades on at the very end, otherwise you will keep catching on them during the work. Finally stand the skids on a flat board so that the model does not stand crooked.

Paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.