Reviews : HobbyBoss UH-1C Huey

It's all in the name, easy assembly. This kit contains the fuselage halves by themselves, one sprue for main parts and another sprue for the clear parts. Molds were clean with no flashing and the parts fit together really well. I like how they molded the main rotor with a sag in it. No figures come in this kit. The instructions are clear with only two steps and there is a nice colored page for painting and decal placement to depict the two versions (Army or Marines). For both versions, it tells you the main color is olive drab. This is incorrect as the Marines used a dark green. The correct color for the Marines version is field green (FS-34097). I attempted to replicate this using Tamiya acrylic paints. Flat green XF-5 and flat white XF-2. I mixed 2 parts (green) to 1 part (white) but it came out a little lighter than I wanted after it dried. A good mix might be 4:1 for a little darker green. You may want to do a little research on what colors to paint the interior as the instructions are vague about this. I used Tamiya acrylics throughout the build. I also used tungsten weights glued near the front under the floor so it's not a tail sitter when you're done. Tungsten is heavier than lead so it saves on space and you can find them in various shapes and sizes wherever pinewood derby car items are sold. The assembly was easy for sure since there isn't much to it. The side doors are molded shut so this limits what you see on the inside. You have to glue the door windows in the halves and cover them with tape to not ruin them during painting with an air brush. Same with the front canopy piece. After painting and a coat of clear was applied, the decals went on very well with no silvering. A coat of matt clear was applied to seal the decals once they were set. Last thing was to remove the Tamiya tape that protected the clear parts and it was done. This was a quick build that looks very nice when completed and the price is just right. Take a look at my build pictures for more clarity.

I was using a Monogram B-Huey to make a Navy trainer, and not loving the results, when I took note of the recently released Hobby Boss UH-1C. Close to 40 years newer than any 1/48 little Huey model, it's substantially nicer. Big surprise. The HB Huey-C's best feature--I'm viewing this kit as ready to make a Huey- A, -B, -C, -F or TH-1L--is its windshield casting, that comprises the overhead lights and the pilot door windows, correcting a vexing arrangement in the side windows of the old Monogram model. Other pluses in this 30-part kit: a) the price; b) the main rotor, molded in one piece; c) one-piece landing rail casting; d) apparently superb fit. Minuses, correctable if you cannibalize a Monogram Huey (cheap and plentiful), are lack of collectives and rudder pedals, and the molded-closed cabin doors. You could use the Monogram crew figures, too, as they're fairly nice. And you could weaponize the Huey. As kitted, the HB Huey is a slick in either Army or Marine livery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this simple kit. I was so happy to get a C Model Huey. They were not as good or as powerful as some of the later Ds but they were tough birds. This model is good for any skill builder. Though I think older guys who know Hueys will enjoy it more. The only recommendation I can give is to weight the front end to keep it level on the shelf. It is definitely worth the time and money. Reminds me of a time we really dont want to remember but have to so as not to repeat it. Hueys, what else needs said. See my photos.

I built this for a Vietnam vet buddy of mine and he loved it. the kit went together well and was a simple build. it even had decals for his unit. I was able to take some parts from the horribly ill fated monogram I have reviewed and change it from a slick to a gunship. given the current options for affordable hueys this one is great.

Huey helicopter is easy to assemble. All parts fit together well with little triming and plastic is strong. Directions do not indicate a weight in front but one will be needed. Easy to paint and decals are good. Good model for first time chopper builder; displays well with other aircraft.

Nice price for a solid kit. Quick and easy build. Has small interior details and only downside is no crew figures and doors molded closed. Other than that very simple kit to piece together holds up nice. I will be grabbing a few more once they come in stock again.

Simple construction, lacks a bit of detail, mainly armament which is near impossible to come by. Will be in my stash until I can discover an available set to make the Sharks version more accurate

For the price, this kit is in great shape. Didn’t have any issues.