I don’t know if there are any rules about it - this is Jon’s BBQ so that’s his call. But to answer your question, none of the Commanches were ever black, all were standard Helo Drab. The mock-up was finished in both a two-tone desert scheme and later re-painted Helo Drab. The CGI Commanches in “The Hulk” were a two-tone scheme as well (not the same as the mock-up).
And only the F-117 was black. The first B-2 had a black leading edge and undersurface, but all production B-2s are overall FS36118 Gunship Gray.
However, there is one Army aviation unit that paints its helicopters black…[}:)]
I’m not one for rules holding people back. The point is to enjoy this build. Hypothetical paint schemes are cool, as long as they’re based somewhat in reality.
Osjohnm, a black Comanche would be entirely feasible, although getting SOAR to let go of their Little Birds in favor of the Comanche might be a bit difficult! Still, an all black RAH-66A with Cobra Company SOAR decals would be very cool.
Unfortunately the postage charges to get the Cobra Comp. decals will cost me more than the Commanche kits itself[:(]. At a 6-1 exchange rate getting items from the US isn’t always that feasible.
The black paint also originated from the fact that I can’t locate MM helo drab but I might have found two possible sources locally who might have some stock. Will know on Saturday what the verdict is.
Since we are on the topic of “what if” schemes, if the Apaches officially change to the new grey scheme what are the odds that the 160th SOAR will do the same?
Well, decided to join. I am doing Monogram’s AH-1G Cobra, with Cobra Companies pit, andy suggestions would be welcome. Are there any aftermarket markings for “Squatter Swatter”? Also, Does the OH-6 qualify? Or is that striclty a observation bird? Also, can anyome make a group badge for me?
Lee
Tweety1
Sure, no problem. Give me a couple of days and I’ll have one done up for you (have my monthly model club meeting tomorrow, so I’ll get it done on Sunday).
Ok, since you’re the badge guru, how the heck do I shrink mine down to normal badge size without getting a huge white border around it?
Anyway, has anyone else started? I’ve been working on my D model whenever I take a break from writing my thesis (almost ready to hand in!) so I’ve pretty much finished shaping the starboard sponson and I’m about 80% finished with the port one. Sanding square blocks into compound curves sucks, but they look really good.
Just out of curiosity, with all of you guys building the Hasegawa kit, how are the main gear on it? Do they come with the full wire-strike braces and cable cutters? Constructing that on my kit is going to be my next step, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to do it.
As for the Hase Apache, yep it has the full wire strike/cable cutter gear for the landing gear. Speaking of the Hasegawa Alpha Apache, here’s one I built when it first came out.
I wish Hasegawa would scale their 48th Apaches up to 35th or 32nd. Would make life so much easier! Nice bird you’ve got there! 1/6 Cav, huh? I’ve got some photos of one of their Longbows on the ramp in Korea.
