This has been a challenge to say the least. It was my first helicopter build (I usually build armour or ships), but I struggled along to get through it. The initial disappointment with the quality of the kit (see earlier posts) was superseeded by a desire to complete it, thanks to the help from this forum (special thanks to cobrahistorian).
Here is a pic of my progress to date.
At the moment it is sealed with a coat of Future. I would like to go further with this build to add/replace details and to apply some weathering etc. I am familiar with oil and watercolour washes on AFV`s, but not on aircraft.
Any help will be apreciated
I saw at a contest an Apache that was weathered using techniques for armor models.It looked awesome and took best of show.
I weather my helos the same I would tank, little less, bit same techniques. Think of them as tanks of the sky, especially the AH-64.
Thanks for the replies, I am thinking of the overall finish i.e. dull coat, exhaust stains, panel lines, wear and tear etc.
Also, I would like to add more detail, either by replacing kit parts or adding elec/hydraulic lines etc.
Any advice regarding this will be appreciated.
Looking good so far.
I’m sure after a nice wash and some dry-brushing, it’ll really standout.
The adding of hydraulic lines or any aftermarket parts should have taken place during your build. Not to say that you can’t add them now, but you may find yourself re-doing or having to touch up areas where you’ve already worked. Could be a tedious effort on your part.
My advice would be to let it stand ‘as-is’, do your weathering, and save the addition of hydraulics lines, phote-etched parts, etc., for your next project.
Keep us posted
[#ditto]
Nice solid model, Dave… like they said, if you do tanks, this should provide little problems. Looking forward to seeing how it comes out, thanks! [:)]
Take care,
Frank
Lookin good Dave!
I usually weather my helos the same I would a tank. You should see some of the pics I have of Apaches in Iraq. Dust galore, not to mention oil, fuel and other crud…
Just out of curiosity, where’d you get the markings? Interesting seeing a training bird.
Keep it up!
The markings were included with the kit. I had the option to use either the small black numbers or the larger white markings. Does this indicate a training bird? The instructions didn`t say.
Dave,
Yep, the big white buzz numbers are for training birds. Allows the locals to identify you if you’ve flown too low over their house! Combat birds have little in the way of markings (coming up with 24 profiles for my book was an exercise in redundancy!), occasionally the birds are named or have some small nose art, but usually they just have a unit tactical identifier and that’s it.
Is that the old Revell 1/32 (or is 1/35), if so your pic inspires me of going to my attick and get back to that horrific kit.
I’ve already completed the cockpit, and that’s about it…
The job you did however is great so far, as Hooker06 said, leave the wiring and hydraulics for your next bird and go with the weathering.
It is the Revell 1/32, AH-64. Virtually every part needed attention due to mould lines, flash and poor fitting. This kit was on sale in my LHS, now I know why.
Yeah, I had started that kit years ago, along with the FlightPath detail set and got annoyed[banghead]with it. So I put it away.