Kit: No. BA103
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Model Rectifier Corp., 200 Carter Drive, Edison, NJ 08817, 908-248-0730
Price: $26.98
Comments: Injection molded, 225 parts (1 vinyl), decals.
THE ULTIMATE military development of the popular Bell Jet Ranger business helicopter is the OH-58D observation/light attack ship. More powerful and faster than its predecessor, the D model features a four-blade main rotor, enhanced infrared suppressors, and the curious mast-mounted sight (MMS) housing electro-optical and infrared sensors. This chopper can carry Hellfire and Stinger missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 50-caliber machine gun.
The molding of MRC’s parts is superb, with delicate recessed panel lines. Two crew figures, Hellfire missiles, and a caged 50-cal. gun are provided.
MRC’s instructions are the wordiest I’ve seen. This removes all doubt on which part is which and when it should be installed. Brief historical facts and modeling tidbits are scattered around the illustrations. However, finding certain parts in the complicated drawings in steps 4, 8, and 9 is tricky. A nice feature is the paint-before-assembly list in each step. In step 1, the cyclic sticks are numbered C-3 — they are B-3 on the sprue.
Overall, construction went well but there are a few problems in step four. It’s better to install the transmission assembly (B35 and B36) to the deck before installing the transmission mounts (B31 and B32). I had to pry off the mounts and reattach them later so the assembly would fit between. Mount the engine compressor (B21) to the gear box half (B26) and then mount both to the forward fire wall (B28). Installing the engine mount (B16) before the aft engine fire wall (B30) will give you more room to maneuver.
I couldn’t get my windscreen to fit perfectly onto the fuselage, so I used Micro Kristal-Kleer to fill the gap at the top and painted over it.
The instructions call for painting the model a deep brownish green (FS 34031). Polly S makes it (500848), but I mixed mine with several shades of Testor Model Master. I followed that with Polly S clear gloss before applying the decals.
The decals provide one choice of markings. They were well printed and went on perfectly with a little setting solution. A coat of Polly S clear flat finished the model.
I spent only 10 hours on my OH-58D — surprisingly few compared with other kits this size. A little more time could be devoted to fixing the fit of the windscreen, but modelers with average skills and experience will enjoy it. The finished model looks good compared with photos in Motorbooks’ Advanced Combat Helicopters.
Phil Kirchmeier