**************This was listed as 1/48 – Turns out the model is actually a 1/32 scale. Testors mis-printed their box as 1/48!********************
This build is using an old kit made by Testors. Testors was known for doing some of the unique subjects over the years. This is their 1/32 scale H-43B Huskie helicopter. It was originally released in 1961 and re-issued in 1967 to include Viet Nam Era parts. This version I am building is the final release of the kit in 1998. The Kaman Aircraft H-43B Huskie is a very distinctive helicopter. It uses twin main intermeshing rotors. These were counter-rotating so a tail rotor was not required. It was first flown in 1953 and was in service until the early 1970’s. During the Viet Nam War it was utilized as an Air Rescue and Recovery helicopter which were part of the Pacific Air Rescue Center.
The start of this build has begun. I am starting off with the cockpit and crew area. The kit itself does not have any details, just the basic layout of the interior. This build will require a lot of scratch building to detail the interior. This past week I was able to detail most of the cockpit and some details to the fuselage. Next I will be working on the overhead console for the cockpit and detailing the interior of the fuselage halves.
You can see all the photos and details from the start in the build log at: 1/32 Kaman H-43B Huskie Helicopter