1/35 Academy Bell 47D

M*A*S*H helicopter

by Konley Kelley

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Recently, I was looking for a good-sized project to keep me busy and help me forget I am turning 40. One night, I was surfing the tube and I caught an episode of M*A*S*H. The opening includes an aerial shot of the camp and incoming Bell 47 medivac choppers. This was my project. I decided to build the M*A*S*H camp in 3D.

In order to do so, I bought THE COMPLETE BOOK OF M*A*S*H. I also surfed the net to look at M*A*S*H fansites and taped a few shows. This helped me see images of the camp and things around the camp like oil cans, crates, and medical lockers. I also planned a "modest" depiction of the camp layout in 3D.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

To make the camp, I needed principle 3D vehicles like the Dodge ambulance, jeep, and Bell 47 helicopter. FSM had a good story about a modeler who built the Dodge ambulance. That was a very good reference for making that model in 3D. I built a Tamiya 1:35 jeep and an Academy 1:35 Bell 47D M*A*S*H helicopter.

I really enjoyed building the Academy 1:35 Bell 47D. The pilot figure is fantastic and I took a lot of time to paint him knowing how clearly he can be seen. The model went together nicely and someone called this a "clean" build and I agree. I did very little weathering and, frankly, there isn't much to weather :)

On the 3D Bell-47 model, I closed the cockpit. The only figures in my entire 3D M*A*S*H model are wounded soldiers on the helicopter stretchers.

I hope everyone enjoys the Bell 47D helicopter and 3D model pics. This was a fun project to tackle - not only historical but as a testament to one of the greatest television shows of all time.

For more pics of the 3D M*A*S*H camp, see
http://home1.gte.net/konman/MASH4077Camp.html
I've animated the choppers and see if you can find Radar's Teddy :)

Konley

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

Photos and text © by Konley Kelley