Brief History

The CH-53E Super Stallion is designed for the transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel. Capable of both internal and external transport of supplies, the CH-53E is shipboard compatible and capable of operation in adverse weather conditions both day and night.

Standing at 28 feet in height and just over 99 feet long the 53E will carry 37 passengers in its normal configuration and 55 passengers with centerline seats installed, and capable of lifting 7 tons.

The triple engine Stallion was introduced to the Marine Corps in 1981 and is the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. Today the Super Stallions still play a major role in Iraq, moving supplies and ammunition to the most forward Marine units and also assisting in moving casualties back to the rear.

Product Review

Academy/MRC released their CH-53E Super Stallion in early spring, and within months Eduard comes through once again with an excellent set of super detailed-colorful photo etch. Packaged in their familiar resealable clear plastic pouch, the frets are protected by a piece of cardboard that keeps them safe from bending and meshing with each other.

Here we take a look at 1 of 3 new releases for the 1/48th CH-53E, the Interior Set, item # 49364
This set consists of four frets, three small and one1 large. In total you get 154 pieces, with a front and back easy to follow, nine step instruction sheet. Two of the frets contain color printing, most of which goes into the cockpit. There is a 2 piece photo-etch cockpit instrument panel, overhead consoles and side wall detail that will replace the decals Academy provided in their kit. Also included are some parts to dress up the pilots seats, along with their seat harness. A great bonus due to the lack of detail on the plastic parts. They are well printed and look the part of the real thing.

Also included are some storage boxes and data plates that are attached through out the cargo bay area. There’s also photo etch parts to build a set of ammo cans and cradle, a ammo belt and photoetch to enhance the .50 cal. M2 machine guns, looking at the kit supplied .50’s. All I can say is thank you Eduard. Lastly there are replacement pieces for the cargo ramp which includes the non-slip surface and rivets all in great detail, I only wished there was more for the cargo floor.

Conclusion

This is a must have detail set for those who like to really spruce up their CH-53. Eduard did a wonderful job with the printing, it’s amazing that you can read all the data tags and plaques. This set is recommended for experienced or the advanced modeler due to the small levers and switches for the cockpit section, and the smaller boxes and racks that need to be folded and shaped. There is a small amount of grinding and sanding to be done before some of the parts can be attached. I highly recommend this set and for a few dollars more get the Eduard Cargo Seatbelt set, item #49026

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