Ok guys… It will be in hands shortly… So before I get started. I wanted to get as many people that I could to share with me, anything, and everything about this model…
It is the 1/35 scale AH-1W Super Cobra from AVF Club, with Taiwanese markings… I plan on building it out of the box, but want to give it a good shake up… So any suggestions, help, reference pics would be greatly appreciated…
I was also considering it to be a what if build, and doing it in the Australian Army Camo… Then I thought about doing it in a grey scheme as a what if Australian Navy design… But now I am starting to think about doing it as a US Marines version… I really dont know…
Anyways guys, I look forward to finding out your thoughts!
p.s… Would anyone have any decals for this bird… I am talking about just basic decals, as I have a feeling that the decals with this kit will be for the Taiwnese Airforce and writen in Chinese?.. Or even know where I can get them at a good price?
Chris in Japan
If its anything like the MRC Whiskey Cobra, you’ve got a nice kit on your hands. I just finsihed mine up a couple weeks ago. Only fit issue I had was the canopy. You’ll need to shim it up a little, unless you pose it with the crew hatches open…
I used up all my decals that came with the kit, but I’m pretty sure there are some AM sheets out there, somewhere.
Good luck on your build!
It’s a re-box of the Academy/MRC kit. I’m not sure if they added any extras to the kit or if they just reboxed with different decals.
Nice kit! You might check www.cobracompany.com for their AH-1W upgrade. I’ve heard nothing but fantastic reviews of it.
For decals check out www.twobobs.net go their 1/35 section under the decal section and check out “Whiskey’s in the Mix”.
Good luck on your build, Chris.
I have lots of reference photos, but unfortunately, due to the scourge that is dial-up internet, I could spend all week uploading them. So if there is anything specific I can help you out with, let me know and maybe I can send an email. In the meantime, here are some great reference photos on the web:
http://212.158.133.3/hwa/randy_smith/AH-1W/index.htm
http://212.158.133.3/hwa/randy_smith/AH-1W(COCKPIT)/index.htm
Also, check out the airliners.net photo search engine. At least a dozen high-res exterior shots there.
The Cobra Company resin update set is outstanding, but necessary only if you want a totally up-to-date NTS Cobra. The MRC (AFV) kit in itself is a fine representation, so it’s just going to be a personal decision on if you want to super-detail it or not.
Twobobs decals are the way to go. There are a few specialty schemes on the “Whiskeys in the Mix” sheet (some really cool snakes that go down the side of the fuselage, and some nose-art), but plenty on there to provide a basic scheme, too. All the stencils and aircraft ‘strip-lights’ are included on the sheet as well.
Keep us posted.
Thank you for your help Gentlemen!..
I am simply torn between 3 loves at the momment… I really would like to do it in a “what if” Australian Camo (Similar to the new Aussie Tigre scheme)… But I have a diorama of the Japanese Iraq humanitarian team with vehicle, soldiers, and an additional dirt bike scout, that is just crying out for a chopper to ad to it… Problem is, that although the Japanese use the Cobra, they dont use the AH-1W… The 3rd choice is to do it completely canon, and do it as a US Marine bird… My head hurts!!!
Chris in Japan
Well Chris, then your only solution is to buy more Cobras[:D]
Ha ha ha… This is my first venture into 1/35, so I am trying to pace myself before I lose control… I thought I would try building a gundam about 6 months ago… Now I have almost all of them from Seed and Destiny… i kinda get hooked…
Chris in Japan