Huey River Taxi

[Robomog]

Hi all

I think I'm embracing my inner ericr on this one as I am combining this.



With this



And these



And then I realised  the brief was for an amphibian so I have to work these into the mix



 The Huey was Part of a large job lot i brought a few years back so i don't know who the manufacturer is but from the rotor width it's that strange 1/48 scale (gasps of horror from certain quarters, braces for backlash  ), the prop is from a 1/72 sea fury and the floats are from a 1/72 Ju 52 which i think are just big enough, so a bit of scale-o-rama going on as well.

Currently trying to paint the interior in place as it would not easily break down any more without doing damage.

More when it happens........

Mog
>^-.-^<

PS Mr moderator sir, if this contravenes any of the rules please let me know 

[Kerick]

Some sort of Florida air boat?

[Frank3k]

1/48? Sir please kindly proclaim that you will rescale it to a more civilized 1/72.

[Old Wombat]

1/48? Sir please kindly proclaim that you will rescale it to a more civilized 1/72.

I find that remark to be rather self-defeating. How can something be both civilised and 1/72 scale?

As every true gentleman knows, 1/48 is the scale for a person of refined decorum and civility!

[ericr]

I think I'm embracing my inner ericr on this one as I am combining this.

 

curious to see this scale-o-rama floating "thing" 

[LemonJello]

Hi all

I think I'm embracing my inner ericr on this one as I am combining this.



With this



And these



And then I realised  the brief was for an amphibian so I have to work these into the mix



 The Huey was Part of a large job lot i brought a few years back so i don't know who the manufacturer is but from the rotor width it's that strange 1/48 scale (gasps of horror from certain quarters, braces for backlash  ), the prop is from a 1/72 sea fury and the floats are from a 1/72 Ju 52 which i think are just big enough, so a bit of scale-o-rama going on as well.

Currently trying to paint the interior in place as it would not easily break down any more without doing damage.

More when it happens........

Mog
>^-.-^<

PS Mr moderator sir, if this contravenes any of the rules please let me know 

Moderator approved and appreciated.  Please continue with your project, good sir!

[Jeffry Fontaine]

<snip> The Huey was Part of a large job lot i brought a few years back so i don't know who the manufacturer is but from the rotor width it's that strange 1/48 scale (gasps of horror from certain quarters, braces for backlash  )

@Robomog - That UH-1 Iroquis carcass appears to be the ESCI Bell UH-1 Iroquois kit if I am not mistaken.  Taken up later by Italeri and moulded in a grey plastic.  Also sold under the Ertl and AMT-Ertl brand names.

[robunos]

Picking up 'Hydrosan' vibes, here . . .      


cheers,
Robin.

[Kerick]

Whatever this turns out to be it will be fun to see it come together!

[apophenia]

Excellent concept 'Mog 

... I'm embracing my inner ericr on this one ...

 

[Robomog]

Thanks for the comments guys.

Robunos :  very much a hydrosan vibe,  I probably had it in my  subconscious when the brain cells collided

Frank3k/Old Wombat:  I am a dyed in the wool 1/72 scaler but occasionally one goes to the dark side ( I have a Bristol Boxkite in the pipeline now that really is the dark side !)

Lemonjello(Mr moderator): big thanks

Kerick : yes there will be some airboat influences.  I think my major influence is Vietnam,  they converted drop tanks into boats so why not convert an abandoned Huey into a river taxi

Jeffrey: thanks for that, there's no indication of the manufacturer on the major parts

Mog
>^-.-^<

[finsrin]

Super concept    --  look forward to the build.

[Kerick]

X2!!!

[jcf]

Hydroglisseur surely, not "hydrosan".

RAF bitsa from WWII, used for rescue in the Nile Delta.
Walrus engine "pod", Fairey IIIF floats, Hawker Hart family rudder.



Besson hydroglisseur 1920.

 

[Robomog]

Hi all

Love that RAF boat. I've probably got most of the major parts for that hmmmm food for thought............


Meanwhile.....

Painting of the interior continues and I should  start weathering shortly.

Working on the floats to install the retractable under carriage



Progress is a bit slow at the moment as the cats are making a move on my work bench



Erik keeps pinching my chair



Tich is trying to occupy the work surface



And is using dirty tactics 

Some stern words might be needed here 

Thanks for looking..........

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

Hydroglisseur surely, not "hydrosan".

RAF bitsa from WWII, used for rescue in the Nile Delta.
Walrus engine "pod", Fairey IIIF floats, Hawker Hart family rudder.



Besson hydroglisseur 1920.

Didn’t someone build one of these?

[robunos]

I built something in that vein . . .


https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=9990.msg192256#msg192256


cheers,
Robin.

[Robomog]

I remember that,  brilliant build 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[GTX_Admin]

Progress is a bit slow at the moment as the cats are making a move on my work bench

You only think it is your work bench 

[robunos]

I remember that,  brilliant build 

Mog
>^-.-^<

Thanks . . .     


cheers,
Robin.

[Kerick]

How’s it going on this project? I’d love to see what you had in mind!

[Robomog]

Hi all

Painting the interior is nearly finished, just needs a little tidying up then I can get down to some serious weathering before closing up.





You can see from the pics that half the cabin roof came away while I was trying to disassemble the kit. 

It was at that point I decided to stop and paint it as is

More when it happens........ 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[apophenia]

Interior is looking good! 

[Robomog]

Hi all

Here's a quick mock up of the concept......







The prop will probably be extended rearwards a bit and the placement of the floats may change. I'm hoping to get a protective cage around the prop if space allows and maybe some rudders

I was originally going to have the huey as purely waterborne but the GB brief requires it to be an amphibian so I am incorporating wheels into the floats, they will be something like this....





Here's the story so far...



The rear wheels including the wheel wells are complete, I now need to work on the front wheels and make sure the are strong enough to take the weight of the water craft.

Thanks for looking.

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

I’d suggest some wood planks for a “deck” on each side under the doors. Looking awesome!

[ericr]

 

[LemonJello]

Awesome!

[Old Wombat]

I’d suggest some wood planks for a “deck” on each side under the doors. Looking awesome!

I would suggest Marston Mats (a.k.a. pierced/perforated steel planking (PSP)) or aluminium/steel expanded mesh panels for decking, as both are lighter than the equivalent strength in wood &, if the mesh is made of a similar steel to the PSP, they're both quite corrosion resistant. Plus they would fit into the cludged together found bits aesthetic of this build.

And he's right, it is awesome!

[GTX_Admin]

Looking good

[Robomog]

Thanks for the thumbs up guys.

And thanks for the suggestions. I will probably go with some mesh decking as wood planking gets slippery when wet. I have some PE mesh somewhere in the stash which tends to colour my decision somewhat 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

If you have it, use it, I always say!

[Robomog]

Hi all

Weathering is complete, just need to add a couple of final details before closing up.





It's going to be modelled without the doors for two reasons mainly  because as I see it it's a hot and humid country so the last thing the passengers will want is to be shut into a hot aluminium box. But secondly I  do not have any of the doors so I couldn't fit them if I wanted to  .

I will probably fashion some sort of safety chain across the opening.

More when it happens.......

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Old Wombat]

It's Vietnam, man, Occupational/Workplace Health & Safety doesn't exist.

[Robomog]

Oh yeah relying heavily on that fact ...........  watch this space ............

What is this Elven Safety any way ?

Mog
>^-.-^<

[robunos]

It's Vietnam, man, Occupational/Workplace Health & Safety doesn't exist.

That's funny, every time I read the title of this thread I see 'Hue river taxi' . . .   


cheers,
Robin.

[Buzzbomb]

Coming along very nicely.

[Old Wombat]

It's Vietnam, man, Occupational/Workplace Health & Safety doesn't exist.

That's funny, every time I read the title of this thread I see 'Hue river taxi' . . .   

Same, so I decided to go with it.

Besides, Vietnam was the Huey's war, Vietnam = UH-1's (or HU-1's, if you prefer ), &, afterwards, even the PAVN was flying them, until they ran out of parts; when they were sold on to the river taxi operators, who added them to their fleets of ex-US service Huey fuselage-based river taxis.

[Robomog]

Hi all

Lost my modelling mojo a bit after loosing Erik but I'm back at the work bench now

The interior has been finalised.







And the shell has been closed





I  have started work on fairing the back down to match the propellor, the plastic frame is virtually complete next job will be to add  some filler and sand to shape. The joints are going to need some work as well so a few evenings of PSR are on the cards

Thanks for looking.......


Mog
>^-.-^<

[Old Wombat]

 

[apophenia]

Looking good 'Mog. Glad to hear, after your loss, that the Mojo is making a comeback 

[Robomog]

Hi all

When I said PSR would commence I didn't think it would be as much as this





But then again if you split an already built kit it never goes back together exactly and the rear extension was my own doing 

Anyways PSR has definitely commenced.....

More when it happens............

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

Will the turbine engine stay in place or be turned into the baggage compartment? Or is the output of the turbine being rerouted to the prop?

[Kerick]

Hydroglisseur surely, not "hydrosan".

Besson hydroglisseur 1920.

I was reviewing this thread and looked at this pic again. I love the crowd lining the bridge in the background! You would think they never saw a helicopter from the future fuselage with an aircraft engine welded to the front floating on the river on two barge like floats before!

[finsrin]

Enjoying concept and build progress 

[Robomog]

Hi all

Thanks for the comments

Kerick - the Turbine is being retained and redirected to the prop, I figured the constructors would take the line of least resistance.

Mind you that has thrown up another minor problem, the exhaust as it stands will be roasting the ends of the prop blades.

So I have devised a deflector to stop that happening,





its still in the Prototype stage but it gives you some idea of the concept.

Thanks for looking,........

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Old Wombat]

 

[LemonJello]

Some fine work going on here. The exhaust deflector is a neat solution.

[Kerick]

That should be plenty of horsepower! I’ll be interested in seeing what the top speed on open river would be.

[Robomog]

Hi all.

In between The PSR sessions on the main body I've made some progress on the floats.






Just need to fabricate some guides for the nose wheels and some rudders then it's on to a goof coat of primer to find the bits I missed.

More when it happens.............

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

Hi all

Thanks for the comments

Kerick - the Turbine is being retained and redirected to the prop, I figured the constructors would take the line of least resistance.

Mind you that has thrown up another minor problem, the exhaust as it stands will be roasting the ends of the prop blades.

So I have devised a deflector to stop that happening,





its still in the Prototype stage but it gives you some idea of the concept.

Thanks for looking,........

Mog
>^-.-^<

What if the main exhaust went up and controllable vents to the left and right for steering thrusters?

[finsrin]

Do continue....

[Robomog]

Hi all,

Finished working on the shell (for now  ) and closed up the openings ready for a goof coat.



The painting of this one is going to be interesting,  it's going to be finished in yellow but it's also going to be "well used" so it will have three layers of paint starting with flat aluminium followed by it's service colour olive drab and then its operating colour matt yellow ( big yellow taxi ...... Geddit ?    No?     Please yourselves  ) the interesting bit will be weathering between all three colours.

I'll be using Maskol as I did on the Rescue Whirlwind hopefully it will come out a well.

More when it happens........

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Old Wombat]

Sounds good!

[Kerick]

Sounds awesome!
Have you considered the salt method? I’ve tried and couldn’t get it to work right. It might be useful for what you described.

[Robomog]

Hi all

The River Taxi is deep inside the paint shop.

First it was hand painted dull aluminium and masked for silver chipping....









Then it was sprayed green and masked for green bits.......



And finally the top coat of yellow........



I'm going to leave it for 24 hours then rub off the masking, hopefully I haven't overegged the base weathering. After that  some subtle application of weathering powders.

Once that's done I can start construction. Rudders and mooring posts for the floats and maybe some sort of mesh screen for the propellor. Oh and not to forget a baggage rack above the cockpit.

Gonna be a busy month 

Thanks for looking.......

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Old Wombat]

It's a lemon on banana-na-nana-nas!

[Kerick]

Don’t forget a crate of chickens or a goat.

[Robomog]

Ha ha ha very funny 

Mind you it has thrown up a problem for later, I want to feature this in a diorama, it will probably have a western crew but I'm having trouble finding some oriental civilian figures for the passengers.

Given my history of figure work it will probably have a load of backpackers or something of that ilk.  If I can find the right figures a goat and chickens is a must !

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

I think somebody did some VC or NVA figures. It would be a start.
This is from the bay of evil. Might be close to what you need.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166153109708?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1KOTflsoQRy2jRi5fzf3S5Q59&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-167022-189232-7&mkcid=2&itemid=166153109708&targetid=293946777986&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9021798&poi=9041333&campaignid=19936447356&mkgroupid=148621130155&rlsatarget=pla-293946777986&abcId=&merchantid=6296724&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh-SAhO1x6cGDXWbD8QTET8VY&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkYXGjbLr_wIV4xZlCh1GYQdbEAQYGSABEgLYdvD_BwE

[Robomog]

Hi all

All the maskol has been rubbed off now but I think I've overdone it a bit.







Hopefully I can tone it down a bit with powders and washes.

More when it happens..........
Mog
>^-.-^<

[Old Wombat]

It's a 50 year old aircraft that's been operating as a river taxi for at least 35 years, it's gotta be nearing its end-of-life soon, & it's obviously being operated by a cheap 5th tier cab company!

[Frank3k]

It looks good! Like Guy said, the company probably just doesn't care as long as they get their fare...

[Kerick]

Looks great to me!!

[Robomog]

Thanks guys perhaps I'm my own worst critic,

It's all assembled now and I'm putting together the decals as we speak, so with a few small bits to add and a bit more (subtle) weathering and it will be finished.

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

Cool!  I’m watching to see the result!

[Buzzbomb]

The model appears to be heading where need it to be 

Every now and again, over the top chipping comes off alright and with the backstory of this.. beaten up might just work well

[Robomog]

Hi all

Finally finished, here's the pics.





















A close up of the cabin, showing the furry dice, seat covers and cushions that some of you may have missed (or chose to ignore ) .............



Top and bottom ...........





And finally posed with a couple of ground crew to give it some scale.........





Had a real blast with this one, the finished item is much better than personel expectations and in the end I decided to have wooden planking on the floats, these are made from wooden coffee stirrers suitably stained and weathered.

As always all comments and criticisms gratefully accepted........

Thanks for looking.....

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

True whiffing at its best! Wish I had thought of that!

[finsrin]

Soooo unreally real.   From concept to final weathering is a   
Could be RW somewhere sometime 

[Old Wombat]

In some alternate universe or in another dimension that is a reality! You're just channelling the "real".

Great piece of work! Fantastic weathering!

The only trick I think you missed was the company name; "Huey's Hue River Taxis" would have been so much more fun!

[GTX_Admin]

That looks fantastic!

[ericr]

Very beautiful and inspired, and very original and unexpected at the same time:
An excellent surprise!

I especially like the yellow color!

[Frank3k]

Great job!

[Robomog]

Thanks for the brilliant feedback guys!

Much appreciated 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

Brilliant resurrection of a used and abused kit too.

[robunos]

It is rather good, that . . .     


cheers,
Robin.

[Buzzbomb]

That came out really well.

Great work 

[Claymore]

Great idea, well executed! 

[Robomog]

Thanks guys!

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Dr. YoKai]

An entertaining ride!