AH-1G Kit

Modeling Subjects Helicopters
1

Got a question for all of you helo experts. I usually just build fixed wing aircraft but would like to build a helo for my wife’s father. He served in the 7th squadron of the 1st Air Cav from 1967 to 1969. What is the best AH-1G kit available and are there any aftermarket detail and decals available?

Thanks for your replies

SW

2

What scale are you looking for? For large scale, 1/32 Revell/Monogram kit is the only one. It is pretty good OOB, especially since they just upgraded and rereleased it. Fireball Modelworks and Cobra Company have resin upgrade sets. Fireball also does decal sheets for Vietnam AH-1Gs as well.

Don’t really know about 1/72 or 1/48 scales, not my areas. Someone will come up for them though.

3

SW,

The Revell 1/32 Cobra is the best overall kit on the Vietnam-era Cobra out there. Coupled with the Cobra Company cockpit, it really comes out sweet. The current issue of the kit also comes with 7/1 Cav markings, so you’re good to go on that. I got to spend a bit of time with Cobra pilots of 7/1 at their 2002 reunion in San Antonio while researching my book. Had a great time!

Good luck with the build!

4

There have been two 1/48th scale kits, one from Aurora and one from Fujimi, neither are accurate. They most closely resemble the N209 prototype from Bell. There have been some in 1/72 scale one from Monogram long out of production and one from Matchbox also long out of production. I am sure there are also other’s in 1/72nd scale, but I can’t think of them right now. Maybe some decals exist for them I don’t know of any other AM kits for them.

5

Thanks for the replies. I think I will go with the 1/32 scale version. My father-in-law did metion a reunion coming up soon that he is planning on attending. Do you know anything Cobrahistorian?
Thanks again.

SW

6

Hey, CobraHistorian,
What’s the name of your book? I think I’d enjoy it. I cranked one out for Random House a few years back called “Snake Driver-Cobras in Vietnam.”

7

MTB70
cobrahistorians book is
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=os5057
also available from greatmodels
please note that this is his second book
hope he doesn’t mind me answering for him

8

That is his apache book. Here is his AH-1 Cobra book: http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=os5041

9

Thanks guys … I’ll probably get both. My tome is out of print, but had a good run in both hardcover and paperback. Here’s where to get one:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/OopBooks/OOPResultsTitle.asp?userid=JH1DEtXBbL&WID=48695824&price=ALL&format=ALL&signed=&edition=&dj=&recent=&author=Bob+Rosenburgh&title=Snake+driver

It wouldn’t have as much value to modelers because it’s a series of true accounts of Cobra actions more than anything else. But It’s a good read and even shows up in bibliographies of later books.

10

Bob,

Fantastic! Actually, I cited you as a source in my Cobras book [:D] I was able to get in touch with Lou Bouault after reading your book and he gave me some great information on both the Rebels and Delta Devils.

Thanks for responding for me, guys! I’ve been in Dallas for the past 3 days with the fiancee. I’m not gonna get to see her much over the next month and a half, so I had to grab some time while I still could!

11

That’s great! And Lou is a great American … glad you hooked up with him. Come see me in 11D25 on North Fort when you get here.