1/72 Hobbycraft CH113A Labrador

by Derek Derks

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History:
Between 1962 and 1967 the Canadian Ministry of Defence acquired 18 medium weight tandem rotor helicopters used primarily for search and rescue (SAR) operations. (Total prize: 25.500.000 USD) The twin gas turbine engine multi-purpose helicopter is suitable for take-off under minimum IFR conditions.  Besides the SAR mission, it performed medical evacuations (MEDECAC), training, passenger transport and transport missions.
The most famous rescue mission was performed on the 3rd of October.  The Dutch luxury liner "Prinsendam", on fire and positioned 170 miles out, in the frigid waters of the Gulf of Alaska signalled an SOS.  It had left Vancouver three days earlier with 510 souls on board.  Amongst the passengers were also some German.
This large American-Canadian rescue effort resulted in all passengers being safe and well.  To be mentioned here is the use of the supertanker "Williamsburg" as a floating landing platform.  The supertanker crew and rescue crewmembers did sterling service
In 2002 the helicopters were replaced by the Cormorant.  The helicopters were for sale for USD 158.300 a piece.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

The Model:
Years ago I selected the Hobbycraft 1/72 model.  I think the boxart made me buy it.  To complete the model I acquired Belcher Bits decals and the Eduard cockpit set.  Paints came from Xtra color and the bright red was from Testors.
Construction was, with the exception of the cockpit glass no problems.  Most difficult was the "paint" job. Especially the red band over the side of the helicopter.  Yellow is already difficult to spray on primer, but red on yellow is a challenge.  The cockpit glass was taped for many times to get everything covered in a nice rescue yellow color.
The paintjob finished I tackled the decals.  With micro set and sol the decals were put in place.  The lightning bolt was cut into pieces to cover the open hatch on the starboard side.
Own construction:
Searchlight
Sight mounted HF antenna
Landing lights /anti collision lights
Crash Transmitting Locators
Rotating rescue hoist complete (From Micron Masking Tape 4mm /  Hobby Link Japan)
Next project:
The Lockheed Neptune from the Dutch Naval Air Arm.
 
Pictures were taken with a simple Ricoh Caplio 28mm wide zoom lens.
Derek

Photos and text © by Derek Derks