Sikorsky S-51 Helicopter
in RAAF Service

Red Roo Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Eduard's 1/72 Avia B.534 IV serie Weekend Edition is available online from Squadron.com

The Sikorsky S-51 was a helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. It was used by the United States Air Force, and its predecessor, the United States Army Air Forces, as well as the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard. It was also used by the United States Post Office Departmen and other countries including Australia.

The civilian version was the first helicopter to be operated commercially, commencing in 1946.

In December 1946, an agreement was signed between the British company Westland Aircraft and Sikorsky to produce a British version of the S-51, to be manufactured under license in Britain as the Westland-Sikorsky WS-51 Dragonfly. By the time production ceased in 1951, more than 300 examples of all types of the H-5 had been built.

There have been a couple of 1/48 scale S-51s available before now from Fonderie Miniature and Mach 2, but these were released around 20 years ago and were typical (i.e. quite rough) limited run kits of their time.

In 2017, Ukranian company AMP released a new limited run S-51 helicopter. I believe that the LF Models and Beaver Corporation kits have reboxed versions of the AMP release too.

Red Roo Models has also based their new 1/48 scale "Sikorsky S-51 Helicopter in RAAF Service" on the same AMP contents, but they have added new resin parts, decals and their typically comprehensive instructions to the mix.

Red Roo's "Sikorsky S-51 Helicopter in RAAF Service" comprises 63 parts in grey injection moulded plastic; five parts in clear injection moulded plastic; four parts in black resin; two parts in grey resin; 45 parts on one photo-etched metal fret; seven metal parts; webbing printed on clear film; markings for four subjects on four decal sheets; detailed instructions.

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Thumbnail panels:

The plastic parts are limited run, which means that the sprue attachments are thick on the fine parts, there is a bit of fine flash here and there, and you won't find little luxuries such as locating pins.

That said however, the detail of the plastic parts is good and surface textures on the fuselage are very nice indeed, with fine recessed panel lines and rivets supplemented with raised features where appropriate.

The photo-etched fret adds detail to the cockpit with harness straps, instrument panel and more. The rotor and tail rotor also benefit from photo-etched detail.

The entire forward fuelage and nose are made up from clear parts. These are fairly thin and free from distortion. The areas that are not actually windows are very slightly frosted to assist the modeller when painting.

Red Roo Models has included new resin parts to represent wooden rotor blades. These apply to one of the Australian options and the two US Navy subjects. The kit's three-blade tail rotor should be used for these three aircraft.

The other subjects were fitted with metal main rotor blades. These are included on the plastic sprues. These aircraft were also fitted with a two-blade rotor. Red Roo has supplied a resin part for this. A staple is also included to represent the tail rotor pitch control.

Red Roo has also replaced the kit's rear seat with a sling-type seat with a webbing backrest. This is printed onto clear acetate. It is translucent, so some careful painting might be useful before fitting it to the model. A spare is supplied in case of slip ups.

Instructions are printed as a 16 page A4-sized booklet. As usual for Red Roo, the instructions are a highlight of the kit with plenty of helpful illustrations, scrap views and text to supplement the basic assembly instructions.

Markings

Red Roo Model has supplied markings for six schemes. Four are RAAF and two are US Navy subjects.

The markings are divided between four digitally printed decal sheets. One sheet includes all the coloured markings and the other three are white and backing decals.

Carrier film covers the entire sheets so you will need to carefully cut out each individual marking.

Red Roo Models has added detail and modified the subject with their 1/48 scale S-51 Helicopter in RAAF Service.

This kit will be welcomed by experienced modellers who are fans of Australian aviation.

Thanks to Red Roo Models for the review samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2019 by Brett Green
Page Created 21 October, 2019
Last updated 22 October, 2019

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