By Andrew Stackpool

FIGHTER aircraft get most of the glamour, but the ADF’ s lift capabilities would have been significantly reduced without its “flying truck”; the CH-47C Chinook helicopter.

Australia obtained12 C model Chinooks in 1972 and they were assigned to No. 12 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Amberley.

In 1989 the CH-47Cs were decommissioned and placed in mothballs until operational demands called for the medium airlift capabilities they provided. The C’s were returned to Boeing for upgrade to the D model. Four of these returned to Australia in 1995 and were assigned to the newly created C Sqn, 5 Avn Rgt. Another two arrived in June 2001.

Now, the CH-47C returns, this time as a Limited Edition 1:72 scale model by the famous English model makers Corgi. The model is of A15-007 and represents the aircraft as it was at Amberley in 1988.

The factory sample model was received in a clear plastic package with the aircraft, the rotors and stand pieces carefully separated. Models for sale come in a different box.

The aircraft may be displayed either with the stand attached or else freestanding on its undercarriage. For those who choose the latter option a coloured plastic plug is inserted into the underside of the Chinook. The aircraft comes fully assembled and all that is then required is to attach the rotors.

The paint scheme depicts the aircraft in Air Force’s camouflage scheme of the time. While the pattern is correct compared to photos of Air Force Chinooks and is crisply done the colour is about a half tone too light and less olive green than the original. This is to be expected within the bounds of model making and it does provide good scope for those enthusiasts who weather or modify their models. On the other hand the 12SQN, Air Force and other external markings are completely accurate and properly positioned.

The diecast model is superbly executed with no visible sprucing that is common in many cheaper models. It is larger and heavier than expected and is robustly constructed.

Most external details including the cargo hook are shown, one deletion being the forward landing lights below the cockpit. This is only a minor detail as such items are relatively fragile on a model, which may attract the attention of young or inexperienced hands. Again, the enthusiast who wants to make his model more realistic would have no difficulty fitting them.

The twin rotor mechanism seems very accurate for scale and is contra-rotating, an unexpected bonus on a model. Fitting the resin blades is easy but care must be taken to ensure they are attached the right way round.

Aft the rear door is fully operational, complete with the folding ramp. Like the original the door has a sliding piece and this clips into the rear of the aircraft to ensure a snug fit.

Inside are to be found the two pilots in a surprisingly detailed cockpit, a loadmaster and another individual by the starboard forward door. All are dressed in flying suits of the era. The interior is disappointing. It is presented as a bare, cargo configured aircraft with little internal detail. While the aircraft was flown in such a configuration, a small section of its notorious web and aluminium frame seats or even some pallets would have added to its appeal. Even cheap plastic kits and model railway carriages of similar scale often include interior detail and this lack detracts from the external quality of finish.

All undercarriage wheels rotate freely, however, while the twin forward sets are also movable they are independent of each other, which means the model does not turn easily when ‘taxied’. This does not detract from the model and the need to keep costs down is recognised, but a properly articulated undercarriage would be a nice touch.

The Chinook’s retail price is $122.50, which represents very good value for a finely presented model of this type. It is a Limited Edition, with a run of only 2 500 worldwide. Only about 120 units will be released to Australia this month. It will be available through most leading model and hobby stockists that service the Corgi range. Its model number is AA34205.