From the folks at www.platz-hobby.com comes another new sheet in 1/72, this time for the very large MH-53E Sea Stallion. Japan purchased several of these for mine-sweeping duties and also uses them as SAR helos and whenever a heavy lift is required. These are not aircraft that one sees every day and it is quite nice to have this new sheet for them.

The sheet is quite comprehensive and includes not only data markings, but walkway markings, intake screen markings, instrument panel markings and even interior window escape markings. It is superbly printed by Cartograf so you know that this is a world class sheet. There are markings for two helos, which differ only in serial number and the large badge carried on the sponson.

There is no indication that I can see on what kit to use, but I only know of one and that is the Italeri kit. The instructions are in full color and provide placement markings for all the small data stencils. There are even some detail construction hints provided, which should be a huge help.  

My thanks to Platz Hobby for the review set. You can get this on-line at www.platz-hobby.com once it has been entered into their database. Ask your local shop to start carrying the line as they have a number of other sheets in their catalogue.

October 2009

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.