This kit is still the only Sea King available in 1/48 scale. It was released in 1992, however the model is still holding up well. Hasegawa continues limited-edition releases of these Sea Kings as part of their flagship PT series of kits. I converted this one into a Canadian CH-124 with the help of Belcher Bits conversion sets. Your best starting point for a CH-124 type is actually the RAF releases if you can find one (ideally with the short sponsons and dorsal radar included).
Notable Kit Features:
Finely scribed and molded surface details
Nicely detailed flight deck
Dipping sonar, Sonobuoy launcher and other details (not used on this version)
Optional torpedoes on external mounts (not used on this version)
Photo-etched grilles
Choice of engine intake FOD shields (but not quite the correct one for this version)
External winch
Main rotor blades molded with a slight 'sag'
Main rotors can be positioned in flight-ready or folded/stowed position
Build Inspiration:
Fifty plus years service in the Canadian military... need I say more? Sea Kings have had a long service career with many militaries around the world, as well as in Canada. I had originally bought Gulf War decals to build this kit with however when Canuck Models released this "Anniversary" set I was sold on these markings instead (I may have to build another one.. or two of these kits at some point).
Heads-Up Report:
Crew entry door and main cabin door are molded closed
Only the main cabin floor and rear bulkhead are present, so any interior detail will have to be added (if desired - and unless you open the side door it won't be seen)
CH-124 was 5 blade rotor-head (don't use the 6-blade if provided)
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Purchased Belcher Bits Conversion to get short sponsons and dorsal radar (belcherbits.com)
I attached the sponsons to the fuselage using brass rod as there is a bit of a stand-off from the fuselage and I wanted some strength at this point after I broke the kit plastic
Used Canuck Model Products CH-124 Seaking "50 Years" decals (although opted to paint on most of the base colour details) - Unfortunately my custom made paint masks ended up peeling off the Yellow / gold as well as black paint in many places so that had to be repaired along the way :0
Capped off Left / Right Observation windows under sponson support bar
Filled the middle fuel point on kit as CH-124s only had two points per side
Closed off two openings in bottom for dipping sonar gear and detector
Shortened horizontal stabilizer to 37.5 mm (no support bar used either)
Scratch-built engine intake cover as kit versions were not quite correct for RCAF
Added additional mount plate just aft of the dorsal radar
Add scoop over vent just aft of cockpit on right side
Scratch-built IR camera mount on nose
Added CPI (Crash Position Indicator) to starboard side just aft of sliding door (from Academy KV-107 kit or from Belcher Bits if you weren't lucky enough to have that kit in your inventory as well)
Add rectangular rear view mirrors to both cockpit sides (subsequently broke mine off)
Tinted top windows using green magic marker
Various kit options omitted and necessary antennas added although I missed some I just noticed ;)
Note: The kit tail is separately molded at the fold point and while Hasegawa doesn't provide the internal bulkheads / details to fold the tail, you could make that happen. The main cabin door is molded closed, however it could be removed and the door frame / interior fabricated... if you wanted to go there.
End Result:
The paint scheme for this aircraft was a challenge, (Metallic gold-yellow over FS 36173 base) however it was such a eye-catcher I had to give it a go. I was pretty happy with the results at the time, despite the errors and omissions along the way, it is a great addition to the display shelf.
The After-Build Report:
This Sea King by Hasegawa is still a recommended kit in my book. It has nice exterior details and the interior details that are likely to be visible are good. The option to display the rotors folded is a major bonus for this 1/48th scale kit, as it makes the kit much more compact on the display shelf. Note: Revell re-released this same plastic in their 04466 SH-3H kit
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers