ICM 1/35th scale CH-54A

[bradley25mm]

Greetings
      I’ve been wanting to build an Erickson Air Crane for the longest time. I’ve been waiting for this kit to be released. First off, let me say that the kit is very detailed. When it is complete, it’s light in weight for a model its size. My only complaint is the landing gear as many of you already know about this. Metal aftermarket gear is available, and will fix the issue. 
         I reached out to Erickson Air Crane prior to the build to see what information, if any, that they could provide me. To my surprise, they provided me with the necessary photos to scratch build the items that are currently not available in the model community. 
           Those items are; the tool chest that is mounted forward of the Fire Tank. The entire Fire Tank itself, the steps that are mounted on the tail Boom to reach the tail rotor gearbox,
and the correct Landing Gear legs for a S-64F model, which is the model that Bubba is. (which I just completed this morning.)
              The Fire Tank was the most challenging item to scratch build. I ended up rebuilding it twice because I was unsatisfied with the original tank. 
Erickson was even kind enough to provide me the actual paint code for their orange. 
               I actually repainted the model twice. The first coat of orange went on great, but as soon as I put clearcoat over top of it, it ruined it. And yes, they were two different companies that made the paint and the clearcoat. That was a very hard lesson to learn, but I will not make that mistake again. I ended up completely stripping the model and repainting it. 
         It was a very fun build. I did more scratch building on this model than I would normally do. I think it turned out OK with the components I had to scratch build. The photos that I’ve posted our photos of what the Model actually looks like right now. If there’s anything that anyone notices that is out of place, please let me know so that I may try and fix it.

Regards
Christoher

, 

[406 Silverado]

I'm not sure I can find what's out of place on this because everything looks perfectly IN place!! That's how it's done right there!!!

[stikpusher]

Wow! What a stunning build! Now this kit just came out not long ago at all... and you finished this with a conversion in a short time. That is very impressive!

[keavdog]

Wow wow wow! I've been waiting to build this for ages. Did ICM release the Erikson version? I've been waiting on the Lonestar conversion in 1/72 for ages. This looks fantastic. Having lived in a super fire heavy area, I'm a big fan of all the fire birds and have done a couple. What a beauty!

[bradley25mm]

Jul 15, 2023 19:32:24 GMT -5 keavdog said:

Wow wow wow! I've been waiting to build this for ages. Did ICM release the Erikson version? I've been waiting on the Lonestar conversion in 1/72 for ages. This looks fantastic. Having lived in a super fire heavy area, I'm a big fan of all the fire birds and have done a couple. What a beauty!

Thank you sir. It comes from ICM as a Vietnam version. With some work, it can be converted into an Erickson Aircrane. There is a company in Germany that does the decals in several different scales

[bradley25mm]

Jul 15, 2023 17:20:13 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Wow! What a stunning build! Now this kit just came out not long ago at all... and you finished this with a conversion in a short time. That is very impressive!

Thank you Carlos. I worked many long hours to convert it.

[bradley25mm]

Jul 15, 2023 14:47:30 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

I'm not sure I can find what's out of place on this because everything looks perfectly IN place!! That's how it's done right there!!!

[br

Thank you sir.

[themongoose]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! man all the little details you added make it stand out strong. Some serious custom work there. The ladder is the cu de gras! The water tank and toolbox look like icm made it for the kit!

[bradley25mm]

Jul 16, 2023 8:48:00 GMT -5 themongoose said:

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! man all the little details you added make it stand out strong. Some serious custom work there. The ladder is the cu de gras! The water tank and toolbox look like icm made it for the kit!

Thanks a lot Chris. I very much appreciate your knowledge and critiquing of most of my subjects. I can always count on an honest opinion from you, my friend. Something about an SU 27 you said to me.lol

[chromdome35]

This is crazy good. Good enough for Ericson to display in their lobby.

How long did it take you to build & paint this?

[Joe Rix]

That is absolutely amazing Chris. What an incredible build and beautifully done.

Let me just say that I worked in wildland fire for the US Forest Service for 28 yrs. I have had the opportunity to work with these birds on occasion. Let me tell you, it is quite a thrill. When one of these babies drops their load directly all hell breaks loose as debris goes flying everywhere. You have to be well clear of the area but, it is a hoot. I've certainly considered building one of these but, I lack both the talent and space. But, you sir on the other hand have done this boss workhorse some major league justice. From my standpoint you have absolutely nailed it.

Thank You so much for building this and sharing it with us. Be very proud of your efforts.




P.S. Thanks for jump starting some wonderful memories.

[bradley25mm]

          Started construction on 5/3/23. Final construction was yesterday. (Had to correct the kit supplied landing gear) My initial paint job ended in disaster. Used paint from Vallejo, and clearcoat from Alclad. (Aqua clear).Let’s just say I learned a valuable lesson. Got some paint stripper and went to town. Erickson sent me the paint code for the orange. I custom mixed Tamiya orange and yellow to get a very close match to the paint code. 

[Tobi]

I'm totally blown away. In the first shot I was thinking I'm looking at the real machine.

I hope ICM will also bring a CH-53 in 1/35.

[buddho]

What an extraordinary build just beautiful! Ive wanted to build an Erickson version of the Sky crane as well, and yours is amazing! Your photos are excellent. I wasnt sure if I was looking at reference pictures or the model.

[TJ]

Absolutely beautiful build. Wish there was one in 48th

[tcoat]

So, so much visible plumbing!

[stikpusher]

Jul 17, 2023 5:26:35 GMT -5 TJ said:

Absolutely beautiful build. Wish there was one in 48th

You and me both!

[paddy]

Blimey thats set the bar rather high :-)

[406 Silverado]

Sept 1, 2023 10:28:26 GMT -5 paddy said:

Blimey thats set the bar rather high :-)

Glad to see you here Paddy. PM sent brother.

[midnightprowler]

Beautiful. I badly want this but will never have that kind of money to spend on a kit.

[eaglecash867]

Holy cow that's gorgeous! The only thing that convinced me that it wasn't the real thing was the wood base. Spectacular work!   

Gonna have to get one of these some day.

[handiabled]

Glorious detail and scratch work sir! What a beautiful result!

[deafpanzer]

How can I miss this thread?!?!



A big TEN from me...love how the paint job came out!

[Steve Zuleski]

This is flat out crazy impressive, woof! Awesome build, I'm lovin it!!!!

[Medicman71]

Wow! Really nice work!!

[reserve]

Noticing some speculation about this model kit recently I dug this up so's people could see it

Wicked good job on this one Chris

[Tojo72]

Wow,that is impressive and beautiful,fantastic level of detailing.

[lyle]

Sept 1, 2023 10:28:26 GMT -5 paddy said:

Blimey thats set the bar rather high :-)

FOR SALE

1/35 ICM CH-54A

New, in unopened box

my goodness, that’s gorgeous!

[Steve Zuleski]

Good call, Mark. Now we know why that Shuttle project is so superb!

[TOWGunner]

Out-freakin-standing!