Dragon 1/72 SH-3D "Helo 66" retrieving Apollo CM.

[Stefee]

Hi all,
Not sure if this is in the correct section as it includes a space craft and a diorama - mods please move as you see fit.
Just started this build and it's taking me way out of my comfort zone of building cars. Hope you think a build log will be of interest. Will be depicting the recovery of Columbia CM from Apollo 11. 66 was deployed from USS Hornet approximately 13 miles away.

This will be my helicopter, first diorama, first time working with figures and the first build where the interior and glass is fitted and painted prior to painting the body/ fuselage.
I have to do lots of research regarding colours etc. but I have a couple of, potentially many more to come, questions for the assembled experts;
1. The box art shows the main landing gear retracted but the instructions show it deployed - which is correct?
2. 3 sets of main rotor blades are supplied, folded, extended static on ground (drooping downwards) and in flight (curved upwards) - is the latter correct?
3. Would the exterior finish be gloss, matt, or semi sheen bearing in mind that the eyes of millions of TV viewers worldwide are watching the return of probably the most significant event in modern history?
4. The raft, flotation ring and flotation balloons are moulded in a rubbery type substance - how does one prime and paint these successfully?
Any and all answers and comments most graciously received.
Here are some photos.

[pjgtech]

Cool, sounds good, but no photos?

[Stefee]

Cool, sounds good, but no photos?

Sorry, hopefully photos attached below
Photo 6 shows the base provided with the kit and acrylic support rod alongside my first diorama attempt.

[pjgtech]

Thass different, very dynamic! 8-)

[Richard48]

Really interesting.Do like Seakings.
Richard

[rtfoe]

That's looking good Stefan.👍

Cheers,
Wabble

[Stefee]

That's looking good Stefan.👍

Cheers,
Wabble

Thank you, I will take that as a major compliment from the master of dioramas in my humble opinion.

[Jim R]

A very interesting and unusual idea. Looking forward to seeing it come together.

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Great iconic model set. The undercarriage was retracted when in flight. As regards the rotor blades, if your displaying it in flight you would not see the blades as they are rotating at speed so you would need to make up something that resembles a spinning rota. As regards rubber. Yes you can paint rubber. Clean the rubber parts first then apply primer and paint. If you can find a flex type primer and paint it will help. Also keep the paint as thin as possible to reduce risk of cracking, spraying would be better than brush painting.

[Stefee]

Great iconic model set. The undercarriage was retracted when in flight. As regards the rotor blades, if your displaying it in flight you would not see the blades as they are rotating at speed so you would need to make up something that resembles a spinning rota. As regards rubber. Yes you can paint rubber. Clean the rubber parts first then apply primer and paint. If you can find a flex type primer and paint it will help. Also keep the paint as thin as possible to reduce risk of cracking, spraying would be better than brush painting.

Thanks for the very useful information Steve. Not sure if my skill set would enable me to simulate rotating blades but I will give it a go somehow, after all if it looks rubbish I can just revert to the kit blades. Regarding painting the rubber parts when I was a car painter we had a flexible additive for rubber spoilers trim etc. - Will have to do some investigating.

[Airborne01]

Nice one Stefan!
Steve

[Stefee]

Not used to working in such a scale with loads of tiny parts.
A bit of progress made, mostly dry fitted. No decals for the instruments so have to come up with a plan.