Huey Hog

This model requires a lot of extra effort to make it look decent. First off, the instructions call for building the helicopter essentially from the top down causing the propeller blades to be constructed in one of the first steps. This means there is nothing to support the model while it is being constructed and you have to contend with helicopter blades perpetually getting in the way while working on it. I wish this was constructed from the bottom up and I would advise attaching the landing skids as soon as possible. I would also recommend attaching the tail rotor last as it will certainly break during construction. Helicopter modes, and Revel models in particular, are notorious for having parts that's do not fit together flush. This one is no exception. Most pieces of the cockpit are VERY difficult to assemble due to poor fitting. This requires a great deal of sanding and contour putty to correct. Additionally, the many clear plastic windows complicate the matter as they cannot be painted, sanded, or contoured over. Originally, I painted this model Olive Drab but was very disappointed. It looked cartoonish and unprofessional. While constructing this model I became very frustrated with it and decided to use it to practice some airbrushing techniques rather than finish it. In doing so I found that painting it Dark Green instead of Olive Drab made it look a lot better so I decided to salvage the model. I cleaned the windows as much as I could but they are still cloudy. If you really want a Huey Hog, as I did, to add to your collection, be prepared to put a lot more work into this than you might think. Use dark green rather olive drab, and I would recommend leaving the side doors open so you get a better view of the inside. Also, you might want to skip around the steps in the instructions in order to prevent breakage during construction and to make the model more stable.

The good: For its age, the molding and shape is generally good, and the details are adequately represented. With some work, a very nice model can be made, and aftermarket decals, photoetch and resin parts allow the modeler to make an accurate masterpiece. The bad: The kit is sold as a C model, but it's really sort of a B/C model, a result of Monogram selling it as an early B model Huey medevac in the early '60s. As larger D models were developed in the mid '60s, the B models were converted to gunships, but since they were underpowered for the armament that was attached, the C model was developed from it pending the arrival of the AH-1 HueyCobra, with a larger chord 540 rotor system, larger chord vertical fin and synchronized elevators and upgraded 1100 shp engine. In response to this evolution Monogram decided they wanted to model the C gunship, and they replaced the B model rotor, but did not change the vertical fin or sync elevators, leaving the model some B, some C. The ugly: Assembly of the unusual parts breakdown is a real challenge. There are two fuselage halves, but the roof of the cabin is a separate piece. Getting the fuselage together requires patience, but can be accomplished, and that is the biggest hurdle, and requires patience. Also, adding a little weight to the nose in the form of a couple of 1/4 oz fishing sinkers or split shot keeps the Huey level on its skids. IIRC that is not mentioned in the instructions. Overall, this kit takes patience, and some extra bucks to make it a really accurate model, but built out of the box with some patience gives the modeler a creditable nearly-Charlie model Huey, For an experienced modeler looking for a bit of a challenge, this can be a good choice. For a first kit, the modeler should look elsewhere.

For the age of this kit, it is pretty nice. Some of the pieces were warped and there was plenty of flash to clean up, but that is to be expected. The instructions were easy to follow and after lots of clean up the parts went together pretty well. Some of the pieces are pretty fragile. I would recommend this kit to anyone, as it can be a nice easy build, but it is also pretty cheap allowing modelers to practice new techniques without breaking the bank.