ICM 53060 - 1:35 S-64E Firefighting Helicopter

Plastic model kit of the Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane firefighting helicopter in 1:35 scale

ICM 53060 is a model of the civilian Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane crane helicopter adapted for firefighting. It is one of the most recognisable machines of its type in the world, used by forest services and fire departments to drop large quantities of water on forest and bush fires. The large size of the model and its elaborate structure make it an impressive collector's piece.

The key element of the firefighting version is the water tank slung beneath the fuselage, with a capacity of 2,650 gallons (about 10,000 litres) and controlled discharge doors. The model faithfully reproduces the Skycrane's characteristic "skeletal" silhouette with its exposed tail boom and elaborate rotor head.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the fuselage, rotors and landing gear
• Underslung water tank with controlled discharge doors
• Transparent cockpit glazing parts
• Decal sheet for 3 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 53060
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Assembled length: approx. 775 mm
• Height: approx. 225 mm
• Number of parts: 559
• Difficulty level: advanced

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a large and elaborate kit, recommended for experienced modellers. The Skycrane's open structure means many parts are clearly visible, so it is worth cleaning the parts carefully and fitting the joints well. The elaborate rotor head and the firefighting tank are best painted and finished before final assembly.

For painting, the bright colours typical of civilian firefighting machines are useful – intense red or white with clear operator markings. The structural detail is worth emphasising with a wash, with the choice of finish (matt or satin) matched to the specific example being reproduced.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail

About the helicopter – Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane:

The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane is a civilian crane helicopter whose prototype first flew in May 1962. Its military counterpart was the CH-54 Tarhe. Its distinctive open design, without a conventional transport fuselage, allowed very heavy loads to be carried slung beneath the load beam, including containers, structural elements and specialised tanks.

In 1992 the production rights and type certificate were acquired by Erickson Air-Crane, which became the largest operator and upgrader of these machines. The S-64E firefighting version, with a fixed tank of about 10,000 litres, can fill it with water in a few dozen seconds. Among the most famous examples are the machines fighting bush fires, known for their colourful individual names and liveries.

Original aircraft specifications (Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane):

• Type: civilian crane helicopter (firefighting version)
• Fuselage length: approx. 21.41 m
• Main rotor diameter: approx. 21.95 m
• Height: approx. 5.66 m
• Firefighting tank: approx. 2,650 gallons (about 10,000 l)
• First flight: 1962

About the manufacturer – ICM:

ICM is a Ukrainian model-kit manufacturer based in Kyiv, active since the 1990s. The company also reaches for large, impressive subjects, including 1:35 helicopters with high part counts. ICM models feature carefully engineered moulds and rich detail, and large kits such as the Skycrane make demanding but rewarding projects for experienced modellers and collectors.