1:35 Sikorsky CH-54A

The real subject

The Sikorsky CH-54A is a heavy-lift crane helicopter, known by the nickname Skycrane. It has no conventional fuselage with a cargo hold: the load-bearing structure is a narrow boom, under which the load itself or a detachable transport pod is slung. The landing gear is tall and widely splayed, so that the machine can settle over a load and lift again. At the rear of the cabin there is usually an aft-facing operator's station, from which the slung load is in view. The helicopter served with the army for carrying heavy loads and for recovering damaged machines from the field.

What the item is

An add-on set for the CH-54A model in 1:35 scale. It is an accessory for helicopter models, so it assumes a base model under construction. The extent of the parts, their placement and the order of assembly are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

The parts are not polystyrene and ordinary cement for plastic has no effect on them; use super glue. Cut away the excess material and the traces of production with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and sand the rest down carefully, so that the shape of the part stays intact. Before painting, wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water and let them dry, because paint will not hold on an ungreased surface. Before you glue anything, try the fit dry; on a machine this large a deviation in angle is obvious at first glance on the finished model.

Who it is for

For modelers who are building the CH-54A in 1:35 scale and want to take the model further than the kit alone will carry it. Paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.