Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Madhatter on March 09, 2015, 07:15:10 PM

Title: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on March 09, 2015, 07:15:10 PM
Hi everyone
Over the weekend I came up with a brilliant idea to turn a medical EC-135 into a gunship and I even went as far as to go buy the new Revell one today. Its a very nice kit BTW.
Anyway, this will be my next project after I'm done with the Domelaze, and the BV-222, but I need some help from you guys.

What kind of weapons should I outfit it with in with respect to 2 aspects:
1) in keeping with real life physics and
2) how much modification would be needed to the helicopter to make it feasible?
Also, who would possibly make such weapons as an aftermarket accessory (1/32)?
Currently, I'm thinking some kind of wing on the sides like an Apache but with a chain/Gatling/mini-gun hanging off each one on the center pylons and a rocket/missile pod on the outer pylons.
I'm also thinking of having a door gunner.
Does that sound like a load-out an EC135 could theoretically carry? If not, I could always use the excuse of it being a Hollywood gunship - but I would like it to be relatively possible

Thanks in advance for any help / view you have

MH
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 09, 2015, 07:37:28 PM
Look up EC-635:

(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/image.jpg1_zpsp43caaqg.jpg)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/image.jpg2_zpsvf8xyfwo.jpg)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on March 09, 2015, 08:09:45 PM
 :icon_swat:  Oh yeah - taken down...  8)

Oh well, I'm still going to do it - but those weapons on the 635 don't look very scary though. I think my idea sounds more fear inspiring in terms of ordinance :)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: LemonJello on March 09, 2015, 08:25:05 PM
Cobra Company has some 1/32 stuff:

http://www.cobracompany.com/32nd_scale_models.htm (http://www.cobracompany.com/32nd_scale_models.htm)

Werner Wings has the TAT-102 turret in 1/32:

http://www.wernerswings.com/product.html (http://www.wernerswings.com/product.html)

Both have 1/35 items that could be useful to you as well.

Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Weaver on March 09, 2015, 09:14:11 PM
You can always scaleorama too: a 1/48th 20mm Vulcan works out to 13.3mm in 1/32nd which is near-as-damn-it 12.7mm /.50cal. you can get Vulcan barrel sets in all scales in PE with turned brass barrels.
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Krowa on March 09, 2015, 10:12:16 PM
How about EC-135 working as a "battle taxi" for special operation forces?
Sort of enlarged MH-6, with all the doors removed (including rear door), machine guns in side doors and some rocket pods hanging on both sides.

It may work as a small group transporter and local fire support
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on March 10, 2015, 06:01:37 AM
A battle taxi is kind if what I had in mind. I was going to add the seats to the back part for a special ops team. I just need to find the right kind of weaponry :)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: elmayerle on March 10, 2015, 11:21:25 AM
Look at the options available to arm an OH-58D and you'll have a good first approximation.
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Tophe on March 10, 2015, 01:19:26 PM
Will this be the first supersonic helicopter? ;)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Krowa on March 10, 2015, 09:57:53 PM
Quote from: Madhatter on March 10, 2015, 06:01:37 AM
A battle taxi is kind if what I had in mind. I was going to add the seats to the back part for a special ops team. I just need to find the right kind of weaponry :)

6 seats at the back, 2 Hellfires, 23mm  Gsh-23 gun pod, 2 machine guns - one in a side door, the other at the back door.
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on March 11, 2015, 08:48:25 PM
Quote from: Krowa on March 10, 2015, 09:57:53 PM
Quote from: Madhatter on March 10, 2015, 06:01:37 AM
A battle taxi is kind if what I had in mind. I was going to add the seats to the back part for a special ops team. I just need to find the right kind of weaponry :)


6 seats at the back, 2 Hellfires, 23mm  Gsh-23 gun pod, 2 machine guns - one in a side door, the other at the back door.


that's pretty much it exactly - except I won't have a tail gunner - just one on the side. I literally just bought the Live Resin door gun for it:

[/left]
(http://www.live-resin.com/images/phocagallery/LRE35163/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_LRE35163-instr-big.jpg)

this is almost exactly the set up I want for the EC:

(http://www.aircav.com/img/cav/bm21.jpg)

I will get much more modern and better looking missile launchers than that one but the gun just looks the dogs nuts. I'm not sure what would look more menacing - a wing-let like the Apache etc or a frame like that one in the pic. I think I'll need to find the right Academy UH-1 kit with that set up and steal the weapons station :)

the closest thing to the gun I am led to believe is this set from Cobra Company:

(http://www.cobracompany.com/SITEPIC.gif)

I just wish these makers would show you a picture of the completed kit. That's one of my biggest pet peeves in the world of modelling. I do not 100% trust any manufacturer that don't show the finished piece.  Makes you wonder what they're hiding...
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Gingie on March 14, 2015, 12:11:00 AM
I wonder if a mini-tat might work?

Not sure if I can direct link here...

(http://10.66.137.2/netpub/server.np?original=521799&site=NDIL&catalog=catalog&aspect&width=650)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Gingie on March 14, 2015, 12:12:20 AM
check out the empty casings...

(http://10.66.137.2/netpub/server.np?original=555398&site=NDIL&catalog=catalog&aspect&width=650)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: gogs007 on March 14, 2015, 07:25:37 PM
Check out black ops models, they do modern rocket pods and a 50cal mini gun
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: youngtiger1 on April 04, 2015, 03:31:52 PM
You can't go wrong with Live Resin weapons. Of course, you could just hang bombs...

Scroll down to see a UH-1H with 3 bombs...
http://worldmilitaryintel.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-post_5511.html (http://worldmilitaryintel.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-post_5511.html)

But, if you really want some mean load out for your chopper...just look up MH-60 160th SOAR photos. It'll make the hair on back of you neck standup straight ;)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on April 07, 2015, 03:23:49 PM
I saw one of those newish looking Academy MH-60 DAPs the other day and thought it looked pretty cool but it also doesn't have the weapons load I am looking for.
All I really want are those wing mounted mini-guns and some missile launchers. The missile launchers I can find but the wing mounted mini-guns - man., I am more likely to find rocking horse crap than those as AM parts - especially with the wing mounts and al. I do not want to buy an entire kit just for the guns.
I shall keep lookin!
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Kerick on April 07, 2015, 11:29:46 PM
If its the kit I'm thinking of its way too expensive to buy just for parts. You may have to scratch build the mounts if you can find the guns.
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: gogs007 on April 15, 2015, 03:47:45 AM
What about this
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on April 15, 2015, 09:15:53 AM
ah - I see you have found what I could not - although I looked at that online but I didn't see it hung like that - I must need glasses!
Thanks for that - I'll buy a couple of those and change the barrels out for a 6 barrel one - just because it looks meaner than 3
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: gogs007 on April 16, 2015, 02:06:18 AM
Glad to help, really looking forward to seeing your model
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on April 16, 2015, 11:08:06 AM
Well, I bought 2 GPU guns and two 19 hole launchers last night (total $63.00 shipped) and I must say - they are a really nice bunch of people to deal with. Except the Paypal payment part doesn't work, so had to use direct credit (which I don't like but what was the other option?)
Once I have finished my current project - the massive Dreadnought from SBY 2199, and the BV-222 I might actually start the gunship I have in mind.
I'll post a WIP here once I start it - although it couls be messy as I have only ever built one Helo and that was the 48th scale CH-53 from Academy and it didn't turn out so well. Mind you - that was a few years ago and I think I've improved since then so we'll see how it goes :D
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on April 16, 2015, 11:33:12 AM
Quote from: Madhatter on April 16, 2015, 11:08:06 AM
Well, I bought 2 GPU guns and two 19 hole launchers last night (total $63.00 shipped) and I must say - they are a really nice bunch of people to deal with. Except the Paypal payment part doesn't work, so had to use direct credit (which I don't like but what was the other option?)
Once I have finished my current project - the massive Dreadnought from SBY 2199, and the BV-222 I might actually start the gunship I have in mind.
I'll post a WIP here once I start it - although it couls be messy as I have only ever built one Helo and that was the 48th scale CH-53 from Academy and it didn't turn out so well. Mind you - that was a few years ago and I think I've improved since then so we'll see how it goes :D
Please share some images of the GAU-19 .50 caliber Gatling Guns when you finally receive them.  The things look nice in the package image but a second opinion is always desired.  Thanks for taking point on this one.  Much appreciated :)
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on April 16, 2015, 12:36:48 PM
Sure - I'll post some pictures once they arrive. I'll also include pics of the Live Resin set I got as well
Always happy to take one for the team ;) LOL
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on April 22, 2015, 05:58:28 PM
well, my GAU-19 guns and rocket pods arrived today in a nice sturdy box filled with packing peanuts. Compliments to Black-Ops Models for ensuring the parts arrived unbroken
The parts are very nicely molded and are clean, crisp and for the most part, flash free. The only gripe I have is there are no instructions on how they go together, so for a complete resin weapon novice like me, this ought to be interesting to say the least. In saying that though, the pictures of the completed weapon will tel me enough. There is no mounting bracket like I thought there would be, so that'll be a scratch build job I reckon.
The rocket pods are beautiful I must say. There are 2 frames of different rockets - some of which look suspiciously like certain male appendages.....John Wayne Bobbet anyone?  :o
They'll look awesome next to the GAU's
You even get 2 lengths of thin aluminum tubing - although why 2 different lengths is beyond me.

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/madhatta/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0458_zpszt88nfhf.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/madhatta/media/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0458_zpszt88nfhf.jpg.html)

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/madhatta/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0460_zps6wiqmhad.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/madhatta/media/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0460_zps6wiqmhad.jpg.html)

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/madhatta/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0461_zpsnwmcykob.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/madhatta/media/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0461_zpsnwmcykob.jpg.html)

I have also taken the time to photograph the Live Resin weapons set as well. This set is seriously awesome and has comprehensive instructions - although they are a little hard to read in places - gotta love photo-copies :) Amazingly crisp details and 2 different barrel options. This set will be the door gunners work tool.

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/madhatta/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0462_zpsckzdou5s.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/madhatta/media/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0462_zpsckzdou5s.jpg.html)

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/madhatta/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0463_zpsnznbbi44.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/madhatta/media/EC-135%20Gunship/IMG_0463_zpsnznbbi44.jpg.html)

So yeah - very happy with these purchases! I'm also contemplating buying a set of 5 Special Ops soldiers and 1 civilian in a pack for about $100.00 but I suck at figure painting and $100 bucks is a lot of money to spend on resin figures that are beautifully crafted and will only look the part with a good paint job which I am unsure I can supply.

http://www.bnamodelworld.com/evolution-miniatures/em-big-1 (http://www.bnamodelworld.com/evolution-miniatures/em-big-1)

I also bought this pack as well - http://www.bnamodelworld.com/trumpeter/tr-00415 (http://www.bnamodelworld.com/trumpeter/tr-00415) ready to start my modern gunship WIF. I am really looking forward to this project - it'll be a fun one for me as I  have only ever built one helo before.

Si
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: LemonJello on April 22, 2015, 07:50:44 PM
Following this with great interest.  Thanks, too, for the photos of the resin weapons sets.  I'm thinking of adding the Black Ops GAU's to the stash at some point.
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: Madhatter on April 22, 2015, 09:42:34 PM
do you know what I've realised tonight?! (rhetoric question BTW) I have bought the wrong Live Resin set! It's for an Humvee or something - not a helo! DUH!!!!!!!! I am so stupid sometimes!
Just to prove this, here's the series of events that has happened since I posted those pictures:

I realised I bought the wrong LR set, so I went back to my original source of info and checked out the Live Resin website ( http://www.live-resin.com/h-w.html (http://www.live-resin.com/h-w.html) )

I then scoured eBay for the right set - product code LRE-35163 - CH-47 door gun set. I was unable to locate that particular item but I did find LRE-35164 - which is the window gun version of the same set for the CH-47 for relatively cheap ($26.00 AU shipped)

However, immediately after committing to buy and paying for it, this began to nag at me and so I went back to Live Resin and looked at their distributor list and checked out BNA, HLJ and Luckymodel - none of them had this set in stock.

I then checked Hobby Easy and low and behold - they had LRE-35163 for $21.65 AU - shipped. And so you can guess what I did next - that's right - I bought it.

So, now I have not one, not two but THREE mini-gun sets - of which only one I actually want.

Now, one would think that I should have done all that searching first BEFORE I spent all that money. But Nooooooo - not me. Spend first - think about it later.

Stupid.
God knows what I'll do with the other 2 - but I'm sure they'll come in handy one day for something else.... I hope! I shall post pics of both sets once they arrive so at least you can see what they're like
 
lesson learnt
Title: Re: helicopter gunship ordinance
Post by: taiidantomcat on April 23, 2015, 03:00:57 AM
Do like I do, think carefully. buy one... buy the other the next day for additional shipping charge  ;D