The SAAF Forum

Hi guys,

I started on refurbishing the ancient and extremely rare Revell Junior BK-117 snapkit recently. The kit is very basic and has no interior (besides two "couches") or clear parts. From what I could find out about the snapkit, is that they were apparently handed out at airshows to get children interested in building models. The fuselage dimensions are 1/48, making things a bit easier. Started with the floorboard, center console, instrument panel and cowl, and then realized that I better get the blanks done for the clear parts. These were made from resin and filler, but the overhead windows didn't feature, and had to be carefully cut out. Noticed that for the sake of simplifying the injection molding, the engine covers did not have the bulges, and the middle section was too high. Cut two slots on either side of the center line to lower it, and then added two strips of plastic card on top of the engine covers to shape the bulges. The intakes had to be opened up a bit, which brought another issue to light. The fairing that separates the intakes is too narrow and too rounded. This was cut out and a new one built from plastic card. The main rotor blades are 12.5mm too short, and the chord just a fraction short. Lengthened one blade with a section of another to use as a master. Also added a thin strip to the trailing edge, of which most will be sanded down to adjust the chord.




























Cheers, John

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While the tumbleweed rolls by... another boring update.

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Hey John,



Are you not perhaps missing a set of windows for the clamshell doors?

- SAAF BK-117 Clamshell Door 01
- SAAF BK-117 Clamshell Door 02

Regards,
Stratobat

_________________
'If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense lest you come up with nonsense'

Stratobat, I'm not making the late version, hence no clamshell door windows

Cheers,
John

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www.facebook.com/scaleworx

Hey John,

Any plans for a late version down the road?

Regards,
Stratobat

_________________
'If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense lest you come up with nonsense'

Hi Stratobat,

No plans for the late variants at this stage. Not as popular as the older ones. It would also mean modifying the masters and adding vac-form parts. This would also require the late model airfilter, which will add to the production costs.

Cheers,
John

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www.facebook.com/scaleworx

Got the engine deck, basic gearbox and swashplate done.
Tail fin and tail rotor also being modified. Some before and after pics.











Cheers,
John

_________________
www.facebook.com/scaleworx

_________________
www.facebook.com/scaleworx

_________________
www.facebook.com/scaleworx

Oops, almost forgot to post a pic of the hoist mechanism, resin parts and the vac-form clear parts







Cheers,
John

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www.facebook.com/scaleworx

Hey John,

Looking very nice

Regards,
Stratobat

_________________
'If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense lest you come up with nonsense'

Thanks Stratobat
Also appreciated your comments during the build

Cheers,
John

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www.facebook.com/scaleworx

Hi John,


I enjoy watching your projects take shape - I always learn something new

Regards,
Stratobat

_________________
'If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense lest you come up with nonsense'

Thanks man, feedback is vital, as it's helps shape the end result to be closer to what the guys would expect from the kit

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www.facebook.com/scaleworx

That's looking great John . I muddled my way through the Revell 32nd one a few years ago. You've put way more effort into making yours correct for a SAAF bird.