Bell UH-1D SAR

This is the second kit that I posting on here. This time talking more photos as I go and the steps I am doing.

08/07/2020
Today was the start of the project, starting off with the unboxing and then checking the parts and reading through the instructions. The main choice that I had to make straight away, was which option I was going to choose. The transport version or the stretcher version. Since I choose the stretcher version last rime, so this time around I am making the transport version.
The first thing that I did was drill the holes into the base of the interior, which I found difficult on my model since the part didn't have clear markings for where the holes needed to go. Most of them are in the correct place and fitted later on when I started building, but I think I were to do it again, then I think I would do them a bit later on so I can line up the holes better.
Then I started painting all of the interior parts on the sprue, then touched up all the parts when they went together to form the interior.
For the base part of the unit, I used Revell Aqua 9 for the whole base. Then dry brushed Revell Aqua 6 and 91, to create a bit of worn away metal look.
Then for the interior walls and seat frames, I used Revell Aqua 76. Then to colour the seat in the back, I used Tamiya XF-58 and then XF-85 on the pilot seats.
the last thing for the interior was to add the singe decal for the instrument panel, which is not actually quoted in the instructions. It doesn't actually say to add it. The only thing that happened to mine, was that got a small amount of poly liquid on it, thankfully it hasn't ruined the decal, but it has had a small effect.
The last thing that I have done today, has been to paint the inside of the body parts and the side doors with Revell Aqua 76, then I have done a few light coats of Revell Aqua 25 on the outsides of the door (they still need a few more layers). Then just used Revell Aqua 6 and 9 to paint the main and tail rotors, then Revell Aqua 91 to paint the engine section of the main rotor.
Hopefully in the next few days, I can start putting to the to body halves together. I test fitted the to halves, and I am hopeful that I can get them together with no filler. Just using a few clamps and bands.
I have built this kit before, so I have an idea of what I am doing, so I am hopeful that it will only take a few days to complete the whole kit.
I am still undecided about which decal option I am going to choose, but I know it will be one with the bright orange doors.

Updated chosen LTG 63 70+70.

12/07/2020
Over the last few days, I haven't done too much to the model or taken any more pictures. Over the later few days, I have just glued the two main parts of the body together with the inside in the middle. I did this on the 09/07/2020, then left the two parts to set and then let the glue fully set. Then yesterday on the 11/09/2020, I started to smooth the bonding points. Sanding down the seems.
Then after that, I started to add a selection of the smaller parts that go around the body. Then I started to give the whole model a base layer of Revell Aqua 65. Which is the dark green part of the camo.
Which leads me to where I am currently. Today I am hoping to continue with that colour and give the smooth base coat, then start adding the lighter green colour part of the camo, which is a mix of colours. So I am not looking forward to that too much, I am hoping that the two colours will go together fine and I will be able to keep making the same colour. I may just mix too much, to just play it safe.
Then hopefully give it a clear coat, then start doing the decals, then give the model a flat clear coat. Which should be the end of the kit and it finished. Then the last thing that I want to try is using some Tamyia Clear Green, to create the green tint of the to top clear parts, but I am still unsure at this point on how well that will work, so I am going to have a try on a few spare clear parts I have.

That is the plan, and I am hoping that I will be able to do this in the next day or two.

14/07/2020
Well, the kit is now finished. It has been quite a fun kit and it has allowed me to try out a few new techniques and skill which I am going to be using again in the future.