I want to start getting bits ready for the rotary campaign next year, and I've decided that I want to do a USCG HH-60J Jayhawk in 1/48. (as I've always wanted to build one)

I've found that Model Alliance do some AM decals for USCG Jayhawks and Pelicans but can anyone suggest what would be the best kit to start with as a base and any other after market stuff I may need.

Any pointers to interior and exterior reference photos would be handy as well.

Cheers

Allen

Unfortunately, there are no kit of a USCG HH-60J in 1/48. The best bet is to go with the Italeri 1/48 HH-60H model and the Cobra Company HH-60J Conversion Set. Then get the Fireball Modelworks HH-60J Decals for it.

The other option is the Hobby Boss kit in 1/72. It is pretty basic though and some of the markings are missing off it. If I were to build a 1/72 one, I would still get the Fireball 1/72 HH-60J Conversion and Decals set.

Both Cobra Company and Fireball Modelworks make great products. I have used many of them and highly recommend them.

Or you could go for a heavy scratch/conversion in 1/35.... USCG MH-60J

Here are some pics to go by:

Armed MH-60J
HH-60J w/interior pics
HH-60J


Good luck and post some pics when you get started on it.

Thanks Gino, it was your build, the TV series Deadliest Catch and I want to do a blackhawk in bright colours that inspired me. I had seen the Hobbyboss 1/72 kit but I prefer building in 1/48. The pictures are great and just what I need.

I think I'll go for the Italeri kit and the Cobra Company conversion. Has any one outside of the US had dealing with them as there shipping and payment seems a bit vague for international orders? I've checked the suggested international retailers but none of them have it in stock

I will post photos but the campaign doesn't start until June net year.

I am honored to have been part of your inspiration. Good luck on it.

Picked up the Italeri MH-60G at a bargin price at a show this weekend. Hopefully it will be suitable for a conversion as I haven't been able to find the HH-60H kit they offer as yet.

Still need to try and find a EU distributor for the Cobra Company set as buying direct from them sounds contradictory as one point they can't give shipping costs for international orders until it's posted and will only accept money orders drawn from a US bank but I can't get a money order until I know how much its going to cost (with shipping) but then elsewhere it says ask for a quote

The MH-60G will take quite a bit more work as it doesn't have any of the naval features. You will basically be doing the same conversion I did in 1/35 scale, only smaller. The CC set will help, but you are still missing big pieces such as the lower port fuselage below the double windows, the smaller starboard side door fuselage piece, open exhausts, radar nose, ect., etc, etc....

A better starting kit would be the new Italeri HH-60H kit. It is basically the naval version of the HH-60J, but w/HIRSS on the exhaust. With it, you really don't need the CC set. You would still have to scratch the open exhausts though, along with the nose, extended port wing, extra fuel tank, etc., etc., etc.....

Again, the best bet is still to keep looking for the SH-60B kit (open exhausts, which is what I meant to type in my initial response, not HH-60H) and the CC set.

There has been a hint at a 1/48 HH-60J coming out soon, but I have never heard of the company, SkunkModels Workshop. Their web page says it is under construction. Some of their products at Great Models have reviews and they look pretty good. We shall see.

Hannants is currently showing the Revell rebox of the Italeri SH-60B in stock.

I can't really help on an UE supplier of Cobra Company, but I would recommend sending an email to Chris and see what he says. He is usually very helpful.

On the first page of Cobra Co.'s website four UE distributors are listed:

Netherlands- Luchtvaart Aviation Megastore
Germany- Aero Spezial
France- Kits Discount
Italy- Misterkit s.a.s

The one in Italy is, for obvious reasons, my favourite.

I have used The Aviation Megastore and the service is great. My Jayhawk conversion from cobra Company was missing one pice but an e-mail to Chris at the Cobra Company fixed that problem quickley. He sent me that part very fast.

Nicklas Karlén
IPMS Sweden