ITALERI 1:72 H-13 SIOUX

Reviewer: Craig Caldwell  (rec.models.scale)

The Bell Model 47 chopper is best known for its appearance in the hit TV series "MASH". It is also the same helicopter used in the Aussie kid's TV series "Skippy"! The H-13 is very distinctive by its 'bubble' or 'goldfish bowl' cockpit and has proven to be a very versatile aircraft used by a number of air arms around the world.  It is still in service with a number of smaller air arms.

On opening the box you are greeted with a nice looking crisp kit that is typical of Italeri quality. The 'scaffolding' effect of the rear beam - essentially a framework is actually done quite well, split into three main sections, the roof and two sides.  The 'floor' of the framework is split into two halves.  Looking top down it promotes a zigzagging effect which is something I hadn't seen before (as only the sideview is the only profile I have witnessed).

I read a review of this kit sometime ago in a magazine and the reviewer said that he decided to the framework first, rather than the traditional commencement with the cockpit. There was no real logic in this other than to get one of the main fiddly bits out of the way. I followed his lead.  I put the beam together which wasn't as fiddly as anticipated, but you need to keep your wits about you because a couple of parts need to be inserted first (have a read of the instructions first to see what I mean) or be aware that they have to be included later in the construction process.  In hindsight, I would recommend following the instructions logically to ensure that these bits are not overlooked.  The benefits of doing it this way first, however, is that you can get the main construction over with and start painting parts of the model before you go to work on the cockpit and attaching the canopy.

The engine component was then assembled separately and made ready for insertion into the end of the framework.  The main rotor is warped in the box and needs to be straightened. I checked reference photos before doing this and you will find that some pictures show a more pronounced "droop" than others, depending on which example you wish to ultimately replicate. I will leave this up to you to check when doing your model but if you are producing one of the versions offered by the kit, then the rotors definitely need flattening out.  Some extra attention is also recommended for the rotor head as the kit is very basic in this regard, and this can be enhanced by the use of a little stretched sprue.

Next came the cockpit and the rear bulkhead was put into place to keep the framework steady and encase the engine.  The kit supplies some basic replication of controls but if you want anything that looks decent (remember that this chopper has such a large canopy) then a bit of scratchbuilding wouldn't go astray.  I used some spare brass etched detail to replicate some seat harnesses - they are not authentic - but do the job okay. 

Attaching the landing skids was not as easy as hoped, the front locations for the skids were longer than they should be. A slight trim will help out here and a drop of super glue to strengthen the bond was what the doctor ordered.  I left the skids to dry properly before taking on the next step.

Attaching the canopy, as expected, is a bit problematic, but with a bit of care and test fitting it will affix quite well.  You need to lean on one side of the canopy and then press down on the other - a bit like closing a cockpit canopy on a real aircraft that is hinged to the side (when you start playing around with the test dry fitting, you should understand what I mean).  The canopy is very nice, albeit a touch distorted (I don't think you can possibly have a real clear canopy like this fish bowl anyway) and shows off all your handiwork in the cockpit - hence the recommendation of spending at least a little bit of effort on it.

The versions produced by this kit are essentially Casevac versions, but you will need to make a few conversions for a H-13E model if you wish to produce one to replicate the "MASH" chopper.  I chose to do a US Army Casevac model as directed by the kit and the decals went on quite nicely.

Overall this is a nice kit.  It is not a tough build but it is a bit fiddly in parts. I would recommend it to most modelling skills without any hesitation.

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This is artwork for an AB-47 (Agusta-Bell) version produced by Italeri
but it still shows the distinctive lines of the H-13 for the purposes of visualising the chopper!

This is also not the exact kit that is reviewed above but shows yet another Sioux on the market as produced by Italeri