Finalized the basic fuselage shapes. Adding details…
Due to a fair number of problematic areas, I had doubts about the accuracy of my work. I saw a 3D scan of an OH-6A helicopter for sale on FAB and decided to purchase the model for a cross-check. The quality is terrible, but even a model like this helped me a lot. Yes, it’s a much older variant, but the key fuselage elements are the same.
The scan confirmed the problematic areas.
The 3D scan allowed me to trace the key lines on the model more precisely and correct the ones I had made based on photos. This is quite important because when working with such curved shapes, you need to keep an eye on the key lines to ensure they remain straight in the necessary planes. I ‘traced out’ the hatches, doors, and skin panels.
The tail turned out to be completely crooked, which the photos also confirmed. When the helicopter sits on the ground, it tilts back slightly. This creates additional problems during modeling.
The photo shown below helped me verify the width of my model. It shows a bare fuselage, and I was able to place control points at the corners of the right and left doors.
After all these hellish manipulations (which are also described in previous posts), I finally achieved a more or less decent shape.
Next, I’m starting work on the details and mounted equipment. I started with the landing gear struts. There is a nuance with these ‘legs’ that adds trouble when working with photos. They have shock absorption, so the angle of the struts differs between when the aircraft is on the ground and when it’s in flight. It also varies depending on the load—more modern variants of the helicopter may carry more weight, plus the presence or absence of weaponry affects the compression.
These ‘legs’ themselves also differ depending on the helicopter variant.
Here is the Landing Gear configuration for the A/MH-6J.
Modern and relatively modern variants have quite a few antennas and sensors. The manual helped me figure out what they are, at least a little bit. Various items like the APX antenna, altimeter antenna, radar sensors, TACAN, and other complex terms. Having the specific names, I was able to search for more detailed photos of each device.
Here is what the antennas and my model in general look like at the moment.
To be continued…
