Merlin 1/48 Helicopter : Afganistan Mode

[Laurie]

Massive effort for me and the first model with detailed weathering.

Very nice model to build and well done Airfix. Some very intricate pieces which seem to defy on first look going together but 95% did without any major problem. The cockpit was a problem and I think all builders would have problems here one way or another. But they are solvable.

Antennae on the front suffered war damage during photography.

Laurie

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[john i am]

Choppers are not my usual thing Laurie but it as to be said your merlin looks magic. nicely done and displayed backdrop really brings the scene to life well done

 

[eddiesolo]

Outstanding work Laurie, this took some time to build but was well worth it. That last picture looks real! Great modelling all round.

Si

 

[noble]

Excellent work Laurie the back drop is fantastic and really shows the merlin off.

scott

 

[Graham D]

Nice helicopter, I like the lighting.

 

[Ian M]

Well it was a battle, what with all the issues with the canopy and the cockpit, but it has turned out exceptionally well. Great work Laurie.

Gong well earned.

Good base as well.

Ian M

 

[Gern]

Beautiful.

PS I know what you mean by war damage during photography. My scout ship suffered the same problem. That great, clumsy oaf Kay Tee bumped into it when I was trying to get him to pose for his photo!

 

[daveb257]

Fantastic result

 

[papa 695]

Great work Laurie it looks stunning. I must get me one of these

 

[monica]

Excellent work Laurie ,real like the back drop is fantastic and really shows the merlin off,and do like the use

of the led,s as well ,very nice all round , :D

 

[Caledonia]

Superb work Laurie, you managed to capture the dusty atmosphere exactly, internal lighting an added bonus. Derek

 

[Polux]

This is a great build Laurie. Magnificent in all the senses. And the light is the perfect touch

Cheers

Polux

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Looks great Laurie!

 

[Laurie]

Thank for all your thoughts very nice of you.

Thanks Derek for your help along the way. I used all the info you gave me with some dollops of "Laurie" input. I also found my way or was it pushed by what I wanted to achieve into airbrushing on level 2. Never imagined I would be airbrushing 5mm from the model with an air pressure of 6psi. All the weathering was in Life Colour mixed with Vallejo glaze Medium. Also entailed huge moments of drastic frustration including using Vallejo thinners next morning to remove much disappointed work of the night before.

Thanks to you all it does mean a lot.

Laurie

 

[Snowman]

Ooh, I do like the lighting!

Nice touch!

 

[flyjoe180]

Beautifully done Laurie. A marathon build which has resulted in a top model. Very nicely presented and photographed also. The lighting turned out nicely, gives a nice effect in the low light. Great build.

 

[Dazaiki]

Wow excellent, definitely a model on my wishlist . More so after seeing yours. Think I'll give it a while until my experience level builds up to do it that kind of justice.

So what's next ? Lol I'm looking at the sh-60 seahawk . Not to sure yet some reviews say the canopy is a pain seem to be a theme for helicopters.

I would be non the wiser you had issues if you hadn't mentioned it .

Daz

 

[colin m]

Great one Laurie. Brilliant 'dusty' weathering and the paint is particularly top notch.

Colin M............

 

[Peej]

Great build Laurie. Love it all! :D

 

[bluebottle]

Nice one , Laurie!