Italeri 2845 - 1:48 AB-205 / UH-1D

Plastic model kit of the Agusta-Bell AB-205 / UH-1D helicopter in 1:48 scale

Italeri 2845 is a model kit of the Agusta-Bell AB-205 utility helicopter - the Italian licence-built version of the American Bell UH-1 Huey - together with its military counterpart, the UH-1D. The kit includes new parts allowing the aircraft to be built in the SAR configuration, with equipment typical of search-and-rescue missions.

The Huey is one of the most recognisable helicopter designs in history - in Agusta's licensed form it served in Italy with the armed forces, civil defence, fire service and the Carabinieri. The Super Decal sheet covers six marking options from the air arms of Italy, Germany, Greece and the United States.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, rotor and equipment parts
• New parts for the SAR version
• Clear parts
• Super Decal sheet for six marking options (Italy, Germany, Greece, United States)
• Colour instructions with painting profiles

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 2845
• Manufacturer: Italeri
• Assembled model length: approx. 270 mm
• Contents: one helicopter model
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: Glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This kit requires assembly.

Building the model:

A helicopter model has a large glazed area - it pays to plan the build so the cabin interior is painted and finished before the clear parts go in. Dry-fitting helps when closing the fuselage, and when fitting the tail boom and rotor it is worth watching the angles, which affect the look of the finished model.

Military machines were usually finished in overall olive drab or a multi-colour camouflage; rescue and civil versions wear high-contrast schemes with bright warning bands, offering rewarding masking work. Applying decals over a gloss coat reduces the risk of silvering; a matt finish suits the military options.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper
• Modelling putty
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Masking tape for the cabin glazing
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel wash to bring out detail

About the helicopter - Agusta-Bell AB-205 / UH-1D:

The Bell UH-1, universally known as the Huey, is the most recognisable utility helicopter in aviation history. Entering service in the early 1960s, it became a symbol of the Vietnam War, flying transport, medical evacuation and fire support missions. Its distinctive two-blade main rotor gave it a unique sound, audible long before the aircraft appeared over the horizon.

The UH-1D introduced a lengthened cabin carrying more troops and a more powerful turbine. Italy's Agusta built the helicopter under licence as the AB-205, supplying both the military and civil services. Aircraft of this type still fly transport, firefighting, rescue and patrol missions in many countries across Europe and the Middle East.

The SAR configuration, for which the kit provides additional parts, covers the equipment used on search-and-rescue missions - one of the helicopter's most characteristic roles in civil and coastal service.

Original helicopter specifications (AB-205 / UH-1D):

• Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot or crew chief)
• Powerplant: Lycoming T53 turboshaft
• Main rotor: two blades
• Maximum speed: above 200 km/h
• Range: above 500 km
• Roles: transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, patrol
• Licence manufacturer in Italy: Agusta

About the manufacturer - Italeri:

Italeri is an Italian model company based in Calderara di Reno near Bologna, founded in the early 1960s by Giuliano Malservisi and Gian Pietro Parmeggiani. Its first kit was a 1:72 Fiat G.55. Over time the company acquired the moulds of Supermodel, Protar and ESCI, greatly expanding its catalogue. Today Italeri offers aircraft, helicopters, military vehicles, ships, trucks, cars and motorcycles. Italian subjects - including Agusta helicopters and Macchi aircraft - hold a special place in its range. The company designs and manufactures in Italy.