Trumpeter 05111 - 1:35 UH-1B Huey

Plastic model kit of the Bell UH-1B Iroquois "Huey" helicopter in 1:35 scale

The Trumpeter 05111 is a build-it-yourself kit of the Bell UH-1B Iroquois – the early, short-body "Bravo" version of the most famous multipurpose helicopter in history. The UH-1B, universally known as the "Huey", became a symbol of American involvement in Vietnam, serving as a troop transport, a medical-evacuation helicopter and the first armed fire-support platform.

The model is newly tooled. The fuselage is rendered with attention to surface detail, including rivets and panel lines. The cockpit, personnel compartment and engine section are finely detailed, and the characteristic two-bladed main rotor captures the silhouette of this early version of the helicopter.

What's in the box:

• Injection-moulded plastic parts – over 200 parts on 9 sprues
• Photo-etched fret
• Painting masks
• Waterslide decal sheet for 2 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 05111
• Manufacturer: Trumpeter
• Assembled length: 462 mm, rotor diameter: 384.5 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Please note: This kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

The kit offers a well-appointed interior, so it is advisable to paint the cockpit and personnel-compartment parts before closing the fuselage halves – access to these parts is very limited once they are joined. The small number of photo-etched parts allows fine details to be added; cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers will be useful for attaching them. The included masks make it easier to paint the cabin glazing cleanly.

For most aircraft of the Vietnam War period we suggest olive drab (e.g. Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab) with black and metallic accents on the powerplant section; the instructions provide detailed schemes and colour codes. A typical technique is to apply the decals over a gloss varnish, which prevents decal silvering, and then to knock the surface back with a matt or satin varnish.

Recommended tools:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modelling wash to emphasise detail and recesses

About the helicopter – Bell UH-1B Iroquois "Huey":

The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is one of the most iconic helicopters in aviation history. The machine was derived from the Bell 204, developed for the US Army in the second half of the 1950s. The original designation HU-1 (helicopter utility) gave rise to the informal name "Huey", which stuck for good. The UH-1 entered service in the early 1960s and quickly became a symbol of airmobile warfare.

The UH-1B was an early development version, fitted with a more powerful turboshaft engine and a slightly enlarged cabin able to carry a larger troop load or cargo. It was on the UH-1B that armament was first mounted on external pylons, giving rise to the armed helicopter (the so-called gunship). Aircraft of this version filled many roles in Vietnam: troop transport (the "slick"), casualty evacuation and fire support.

In total more than 16,000 UH-1 helicopters of all versions were built, a large proportion of which saw service in Vietnam. The distinctive sound of the two-bladed rotor and the silhouette of the "Huey" became one of the most recognisable images of that conflict.

Original specifications (Bell UH-1B):

• Powerplant: 1 Lycoming T53 turboshaft engine
• Main rotor: two-bladed, diameter approx. 13.4 m
• Fuselage length: approx. 12.3 m
• Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot) plus up to approx. 7 troops
• Maximum speed: approx. 220 km/h
• Range: approx. 450 km
• Armament (gunship configuration): machine guns and unguided rocket pods on external pylons

About the manufacturer – Trumpeter:

Trumpeter is one of the largest Chinese manufacturers of scale models, offering a wide range of kits in many scales – from aircraft and military vehicles to ships, including large models in 1:350 and 1:200 scale. The brand is known for elaborate kits with high parts counts, well-detailed interiors and precise surface rendering. Trumpeter's range includes both classic subjects and less commonly seen vehicles and machines, which makes it a popular choice among modellers looking for unusual topics. Many of the manufacturer's newer kits are newly tooled and include photo-etched parts and painting masks.