Introduction

UH-60J & U-125A Rescue Wings is a new set of 1/144 models from Platz. It is item PD-24. This set includes a photo-etch fret.

A search of Platz's website turns up two 1/144 UH-60J kits (including one for Rescue Wings) but no other U-125A kits. I am uncertain whether to introduce this 1/144 U-125 as a new. Model manufacturer F-Toys released a 1/144 U-125A back in 2010 and Platz shows the F-Toys logo on one of their instruction sheets.

Rescue Wings

The "Rescue Wings" is a Japanese anime series aired on TV Tokyo in 2006. The main character is a helicopter pilot deployed to the Komatsu Rescue Squadron, a unit of the Air Rescue Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force(JASDF).

Since the first broadcast in 2006, it become a popular topic of conversation due to the realistic depiction and the full cooperation from the JASDF.*

Rescue Wings UH-60J & U-125A

Platz packages all of the components in sealed bags. Decals and the PE fret are individually packed, too.

Both the Platz helicopter and the suspected F-Toys U-125 boast quality molding. I found no flash, sink holes, noticeable seam lines, nor visible ejector circles on either model. Surface detail is simulated with recessed panel lines. Individual kit characteristics follow.

UH-60J
The UH-60 is assembled with 26 parts. The parts breakdown is fairly conventional with left and right fuselage halves and engine intakes, a separate horizontal stabilizer, separate landing gear, pylons, drop tanks, a cockpit, tail rotor and a six-piece rotor assembly. The cockpit section of the fuselage is a separate single piece.

Curiously, Platz used a semi-opaque clear plastic for the H-60. The parts have a slight matte texture.

Fourteen PE parts are included for the H-60, including a pair of tiny windscreen wipers.

U-125A
Twenty-nine gray parts on two sprues, and three clear parts build up the jet kit. It is also of conventional design. Some parts on the sprues are not used.

One reason I suspect that this is an F-Toys kit is that the model almost seems to be a snap-together, with large male/female connectors. Regardless, casting is very good. The landing gear struts are very fine and care should be exercised in handling them. The cockpit is a pair of seats and half a tube in each fuselage half.

Instructions, Painting, Decals

Two separate sheet make up the instructions. They are printed in Japanese, with a few sentences of English. One side must narrate the Rescue Wings story.

A sprue guide for each kit is printed and assembly is illustrated with line art. Four steps are used for the U-125A. Three are used for the H-60 although the main illustration is a large exploded diagram with many parts. Arrows show their placement. A separate guide for the PE is included. Federal Standard paint numbers are shown for some parts.

Painting references Mr. Color and Model Master brands. Colors and decals use for each model is shown with grayscale four-views of each aircraft.

Decals include an instrument panel for the H-60 and a decal for its canopy framing. Removable panel markings are provided for each aircraft, as is other stenciling. Decals are by Cartograf.

The colorful decals upon the brightly colored H-60 and the cool blue/gray jet should make these eye-catching models.

Conclusion

Platz's UH-60J & U-125A models should be a popular set for Rescue Wings range. Both feature quality molding and the photo-etch fret greatly enhances the helicopter. Recall that I think they are almost snap-together? I report that fit is very good, as is the detail.

My only complaint is the curious clear textured plastic used to mold the helicopter. I suspect the canopy and windows will look frosted, too.

I think that Platz has released an exciting set for fans of modern aerial SAR, the JSDF, 1/144 aircraft, and Rescue Wings. Recommended.

* Per PLatz website.