EC-225LP "Special Transport Helicopter Unit"
Only two AS332 kits were available, so a hard-line approach was taken to disconnect and extend the fuselage.
I like the monocoque construction look of these Italeri helicopter kits.
The installation was a hassle and the project had been neglected for two years, but on a recent trip away, I was fortunate enough to find an AS532 kit!
Work resumed!
Work resumed!
The EC-225 has an extended aft fuselage compared to the AS332.
Therefore, the tail boom is extended and epoxy putty is applied to recreate the extended section.
Therefore, the tail boom is extended and epoxy putty is applied to recreate the extended section.
Rough shape.
From here it's a long struggle.
From here it's a long struggle.
Filled window frames and other required areas with polyester putty.
Unlike the assault type, the door cum boarding step is smaller in the VIP type.
Unlike the assault type, the door cum boarding step is smaller in the VIP type.
Photographs of the inside of a JGSDF EC-225 aircraft are classified and therefore not available to the public.
Therefore, the backrests, which can be seen in the exterior photos, and photos of other VIP EC-225s produced outside of Japan were used as reference to imagine the interior.
Therefore, the backrests, which can be seen in the exterior photos, and photos of other VIP EC-225s produced outside of Japan were used as reference to imagine the interior.
(Probably) a comfortable chair
Seating installed at the rear of the VIP salon.
Glued fuselage!
Reproduced with epoxy putty on the fuselage extension.
And what a surprise, the cabin of the EC-225LP was unveiled at the Spring Festival at Atsugi Air Base today! The fuselage is already closed!
And what a surprise, the cabin of the EC-225LP was unveiled at the Spring Festival at Atsugi Air Base today! The fuselage is already closed!
The heaped epoxy putty is scraped down to the desired shape.
My hands are sore!
My hands are sore!
Moderately close to the EC-225LP shape.
The HF antenna at the rear is processed using muscle power.
Paint and reveal... inadequate filing points!
I have no choice but to heap on the polyester putty and re-scrape it again.
Paint and scrape with Tamiya surfacer, checking the surface condition.
As there are many modification parts in this work, the surface texture is different in each part. Therefore, the surfacer is painted over the entire surface to unify the texture!
It also makes it easier to apply white paint, which can be a bit tricky to apply.
It also makes it easier to apply white paint, which can be a bit tricky to apply.
Emergency exit areas are painted over.
Parts that fly somewhere when cut from the sprue, paint that spills over when it should have been masked well...
Someone's curse?
Someone's curse?
Mission complete!
Commenti
54 5 August 2021, 15:30
Tyson TuNice job shaping and detailing! Any pics of the planned exterior paint scheme?
1 May 2023, 17:22
yamawasabi>>Tyson Tu
I've never taken any photos of the actual EC-225LP, so I'll leave the Wikipedia link here.
[img1]#mw-jump-to-license
2 May 2023, 02:23
FreakWhat a beautiful build! No effort spared and it shows. I am sure the end result will be amazing, despite the JGSDF's terrible timing of the interior unveil.
3 May 2023, 21:01
Michael KohlThis is a special model of an unusual subject. You went the extra mile to perfect the exterior and it shows. Well done.
The paint job looks very clean and uniform, giving the model a slightly toy-like appearance. Maybe a slight weathering or toning down of some panels will ameliorate that.
9 May 2023, 19:47
CortexHow was the 'Eurocopter AS.332 Super Puma' kit?
I have the exact same kit that I was thinking of selling, but I'm kinda changing my mind seeing your build : )
Did canopy fit fuselage well?
9 May 2023, 22:20
