Ronin Decals | RDS-038: Australian Army 5 Aviation CH-47 D & F Chinooks
Reviewed by Tony Paton
The CH-47 Chinook started out with the RAAF from 1973 with 12 C models delivered. Due to cost cutting the RAAF unit was disbanded in 1989 with the Chinooks to be sold. The Army Blackhawks were to take over the Chinook role but it became apparent they were not cut out for the job and the Chinook sale was put on hold. The decision was made to trade in the 11 remaining C models for D models. Four of the C models were converted to Ds and started life with the 5th Aviation Regiment in 1995. Two additional D models were acquired in 2000 with a further two as attrition replacements in 2011. In 2010 the Government ordered 7 F model Chinooks to replace the aging D models that saw extensive service in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2013. In 2015 a further three F models were ordered.
The subject of this review is Ronin Graphics CH-47 D & F Chinooks. Available in 1/72, 1/48, & 1/35 scales, this review is based on the 1/72 set. The markings cover the six D models and seven F models. Markings for the Ds cover their time in Afghanistan and at home around the 2012 time frame.
The decals themselves are silk screen printed and glossy. One A5 sheet is provided which covers all the numbers, aircraft names and separate stencils data divided between the D & F. A smaller sheet carries the greyed out Pegasus as carried in Afghanistan with more stencil data and a nose art for “The Wallaby Express” which does not appear on the instruction sheet. There are two small machine and screen printed sheets with 9 of the Pin Up girls side art with a corresponding white underlay. The numbering, names and stencils are sharply printed and the Pin Up girls, although small in 1/72, look great with no pixelation.
Included with the decals are eight A4 sized colour placement diagrams. Three deal with the stencil placements for the F model, D models 102-106 and 151, 152, 201, & 202. Four coloured sheets cover the D model schemes and notes are provided for differences between their time in Afghanistan and when they were operating in Australia. The final sheet calls out the colour scheme of the new F models and interestingly mentions that the overall colour is IR Desert Sand FS-33711. The instructions mention that there is no paint available yet and that Humbrol 81 “Pale yellow matt” is a close match. I have also read that SAC bomber Tan by Testors is also a match and that the colour is called “Desert sage”. The jury is out on this one!
Another issue with modelling an F model is that there is no kit or aftermarket available at this present time. Essentially the F model is an upgraded D with most of modifications being internal. The major differences being a digital cockpit, different antennae, inbuilt flare and electronic countermeasures and upgraded engines. Also if modelling a Chinook from Afghanistan you will need to find “Dust Bin” intake covers that are available online. This set from Ronin is also dedicated to the memory of A15-102 that was lost in a crash in Afghanistan in 2011.
This sheet comes highly recommended especially as there are enough decals for two complete aircraft. The sheets retail from AU$20 for the 1/72 to AU$40 for the 1/35 set. The decals can be ordered online at their eBay store.
Historical information courtesy of ADF Serials: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/.
© Tony Paton 2016
This review was published on Sunday, April 03 2016; Last modified on Sunday, April 03 2016