Aerobonus continues its line of 1/48 Vietnam flight crew figures with this generic Army helicopter pilot in flight suit and gloves. He holds what must be cigarettes in his right hand (something no good 1960s era pilot would be without out on the flight line, right?), considering that one is minutely sticking up out of the pack. The arms are cast separately, as are the two different heads, one helmeted and one wearing a “cowboy” style hat (and both with a cigarette between their lips). This figure is noticeably shorter than other figures that I have - about half a head hight difference. The face (the same for both options) is also unlike others that I’ve seen.

The resin is hard but not brittle, and the parts can be quickly cut from the casting block. There’s a small amount of flash to be trimmed away. Since I plan to use this figure with my Gallery Marine H-34, altering the cowboy hat to a Marine utility cover was easily accomplished by cutting away the brim, adding a new bill from card stock, and a little fold over with MagicSculp. Painting is best accomplished by hand and prior to assembly of the legs and head, to insure complete coverage in hard-to-get-to areas (especially for any kind if intricate camouflage pattern). The positioning of the arms will determine whether or not any filling is needed in those joints, followed by touching up the paint. A suggested painting reference illustration is included (olive green flight suit, white helmet and brown boots and gloves), but a little research will offer a selection of color options from that time period. When combined with other flight crew figures, a wide variety of diorama combinations are possible. Now all we need are some “on board” figures to complete the crew.

Thanks to Aires Hobby Models and IPMS for providing the review samples.