There was not a lot of choice (and still isn't) when it comes to building a 1/48th Blackhawk series helicopter. In the 80s and 90s it was Academy or Revell. I picked up this MH-60G kit at a very reasonable cost at my local hobby store as I had a UH-60 of theirs which was decent enough. It wasn't until the 2000s that Italeri introduced their Blackhawk / Pavehawk lineup.
Notable Kit Features:
Decals for instrument panel (not raised details)
Finely engraved panel lines
Basic crew seats
Interior fuel cells provided
Forward miniguns and .50 cal cabin guns provided
Off-center dome radar provided
Build Inspiration:
I had a book on Desert Storm operations with a photo of a MH-60G in theater camouflage (FS 33711 Tan base with FS 30117 Brown) which I thought would make a fitting subject for the display shelf. It would be a nice contrast to the standard UH-60 Blackhawk that I also had in the stash. I assumed that I would build the UH-60 first, as I had that kit already for a few years... but inspiration trumps older stock every time. ;)
Heads-Up Report:
Plenty of sink marks in the interior molding
Flash on some parts
The fit is a mixed bag on this one - some good, however as I recall the intakes were a real pain for fit and required plastic card as well as filler and sanding
Windscreen glass requires some work to get it aligned
Kit missing some sensors and grills
Interior lacking details and pilot seats are not correct shape (from what I could determine)
Rotors should have some droop flexed (or heated) into them (I flexed mine however they straightened over time)
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Crew seat belts added
Strakes replaced with plastic card versions
End Result:
The Academy / Minicraft MH-60G is a decent kit that builds up into a nice enough display, therefore I will still recommend the kit if you are looking for a bargain starting point. The interior could use a fair amount of attention or replacement parts (Cobra Company as well as Eduard made a set at one point). Look at your references as this series has a few variables depending on the time-period (or just build it the way you want it to look depending on your adoption of accuracy).
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
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