Roco (now Herpa) Minitanks
Bell UH-1D Bundesgrenzschutz
Item: 385
Scale: 1/87 (HO)

As popular as the Bell UH-1 Huey is among rotorwing enthusiasts, and Roco’s MiniTanks are amongst HO scale modelers, it is no surprise that a Huey was released into the enormous selection of items in the dominate model railroad scale of 1/87, or HO scale.

Minitanks

Europe’s Austrian model railroad giant Roco released this UH-1D model as part of their huge MiniTanks series. Their other HO scale aircraft models are mainly helicopters such as the Euro Copter 135, Apache AH-64A/B/C/D, BO 105, CH-53, and AH-1, but also includes fixed-wings like the Douglas C-47, F-4E Phantom II (USAF markings), F-4F Phantom II (Luftwaffe), Focke Wulf Fw 190D-9, Junkers Ju 52/3m, Junkers Ju 87G-2 'Stuka', and Lockheed P-38J Lightning. Many of these kits have been reissued with versions or with different markings. Roco was forced into reorganization recently and much of the MiniTanks series is now issued by Herpa. For this reason the vendor is simply listed as MiniTanks.

Herpa’s website states

On October 1, 2007, Herpa has taken on the worldwide distribution of the military series Minitanks. In cooperation with the Modelleisenbahn GmbH (Roco), the line will be continuously advanced and extended.

Bell UH-1D Iroquois

The prototype Bell Model 204 first flew in 1956 and was the first turbine powered aircraft ordered by the U.S. Army. Initially designated the H-40 following the U.S.A.F. designating system, this aircraft was re-designated the HU-1 when it entered service in 1959. Although officially named "Iroquois", it was better known as the "Huey" based on this designation.

In 1962, the U.S. Military changed it's designating system and again changed the designation of the Huey to UH-1. At the same time a lengthened version, the Model 205 was introduced. This went into service as the UH-1D. *

The model

The model is assembled from over 40 olive styrene parts and 12 clear pieces. The molding is well molded with recessed and raised panel lines and rivets. The parts are mostly free of flash and sink marks. There are a few visible ejector marks. The clear pieces are not very clear.

Cockpit detail consists of a floor, an instrument panel, console, and crew. This lack of detail is obscured through the small windows.

The kit is otherwise reasonably detailed. You have a choice of armament sub-systems: M6 system of the XM156/M156 universal mount, with two M60C 7.62x51mm machine guns on either side of the helicopter; M22, six AGM-22 missiles on the XM156 universal mount; the XM16/M16 system mating a M6 with either two M157 or two M158 2.75" 7-Tube rocket launchers utilizing the M156 Universal Mount.

Test fitting is good.

Instructions & Decals

The instruction sheet is simple and neat. Decals are for one Bundeswehr aircraft.

Conclusion

Roco has issued hundreds of 1/87 MiniTanks for HO railroads, wargaming and collecting over some forty years, and it is great to have a good Huey available. Hueys served in dozens of militaries. This kit will make an nice addition to any HO aviation collection.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
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Reference

* Estrella WarBirds Museum. 1965 Bell UH-1D Iroquois. n.d.