I just today started Academy’s OH-58D. This is the first Academy kit I have built, and was currious if all of there kits are similar to this one. I think it will build into a very nice model, but I have already experienced a lot of fit problems and the instructions are what I would call minimal on clarity. If anyone else has built this kit, I would appreciate any “heads up” issues they may recall. 1/35 Scale.
I have built it. I don’t recall any issues w/it. It is a great kit and looks really good when done. All of Academy’s 1/35 helos are pretty much on par with it as far as detail and fit goes. They come out great.
I have built a couple of OH-58D’s and have not had any problems with them. Granted the instructions can be a little confusing, especially the way pages 8-9 open up and the drawing is split down the middle of the pages. Now, if you want to update your Kiowa Warrior to the current model, there is a resin upgrade set available which includes: a new air inlet cowling, an accurate ALQ-144 mount with parts to choose whether or not you actually want to mount the ALQ-144. The set also includes the APR-39/V-2 Radar Warning Receiver antennas, the Engine Barrier Filter which is mounted above the engine compartment and used during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Blue Force antenna and the GPS antenna on the tail boom, plus some other small parts. Also included right now are two accurate rear door panels. This set is going for $20 - $25 and is available from Werner’s Wings. Floyd Werner is a former OH-58D pilot and has put alot of accurate detail into this set. He also is the author of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Walk Around book available through Squadron. Floyd is currently working on the Multipurpose Light Helicopter (MPLH) landing gear which is referred to as “squat” gear and allows the Warrior to be lowered so it can be loaded into aircraft, etc. for transport. I spent part of the day yesterday with Floyd and discussed some other things that he is working on. All I can say is that it is going to be good. If you are interested in the resin set you can contact Floyd at fwernerjr@comcast.net
Good Luck
Dave
Thanks all, especially to Dave for the link to the upgrade kit. I actually work on the real thing, and there are some differences between the kit and what I see at work. The biggest are the rear doors and the air inlet cowl. It sounds like the upgrade kit would be well worth the money. The rapid deployment landing gear would also be a cool addition. The Fit issues I am having are no big deal, but it could turn into one if you followed the instructions to the letter. Again Thanks. Now to look into getting that upgrade kit. [:)]
No Problem !!! Anytime [8D]