Reviews : Trumpeter CH-47D Chinook Helicopter

The CH-47 has been around sometime and continues to be the workhorse for the U.S. Army. As I normally do aircraft, building this model was a bit of a challenge. The Trumpeter kit is well designed. Unfortunately the instructions leave a lot to be desired. For example, the interior fuselage sides took a bit to figure out the proper positioning, and the cockpit ceiling needed to be dry fit a couple of times to make sure it fit correctly. I found that once I got the main helicopter body together the canopy frame didnt fit properly. Still cant figure out what didnt go together correctly, but to avoid this, before you glue dry fit and pull out the canopy and ensure it fits properly as well. While a painting guide is included, not all colors are addressed (like with the engines). The cockpit detail is very good, and the cargo section is okay, but I built a set of seats for the port side using paperclips and paper towel hardened by Elmer's glue to simulate troop seats. I also used a hole punch to clear the windows leaving just a bit of red so you can see it from the outside. I used spare plastic to make boxes and other items for the other side of the model. As I have heard Chinook interiors can range from black to aircraft gray, I went with the gray, used flat black on the cargo floor and ramp with dull aluminum for the track and tie down areas, all in an effort to add color. Choosing the right shade for a CH-47 is also difficult, so I eventually settled for dark green, in this case, Testors 34079. Im sure purists would take issue, but I think it is deep enough to represent current CH-47Ds. Be prepared for the size of the rotor blades, which dip down in a very convincing manner. Overall this is a nice kit and I would recommend it. It should make into a good diorama representing a night landing, at a secured helicopter pad, somewhere in Iraq, during combat operations. Looking to post pictures soon. Have fun.

Very accurate model which is going to give you an excellent replica of this helicopter.