Is it a bird, Is it a plane, no it’s Beck Helicopters

About This Project

This eye-catching model helicopter marks the entrance to Beck Helicopters. We used a range of skills to capture every detail precisely.

Beck Helicopters had an old timber model displayed for years. However, it was handmade, out of proportion, and its signage didn’t match their real helicopters. Working closely with their team, we redesigned, reshaped, and rebuilt the model using timber, bog, fiberglass, and aluminium.

First, we lengthened the tail and made new legs and a tail rotor from aluminium. These parts matched the real helicopter’s shape and scale. We reshaped the body with bog and sanding to improve accuracy. Then, we made a mold from MDF for the top cowling and created a removable fiberglass piece that holds a small electric motor. This motor spins the main rotor to show when the office is open.

The client painted the model white using their onsite paint. After that, we completed all graphic work. We scaled down the logos and cut them from cast vinyl. We applied all stripes and lines by hand using knifeless tape and vinyl. Using Bell Huey blueprints, we accurately drew the door and window lines. The windows were digitally printed on cast vinyl, and we cut black vinyl overlays for door and hatch lines.

Finally, we clear-coated the model to protect the graphics and extend durability. We remounted the model, connected the power, and the project was complete.

The new, re-engineered model looks just like the real helicopter and perfectly represents Beck Helicopters.