Hasagawa 1/72 Apache

I just noticed now that I will need to cut off the "steps" on the model look like slabs , I will have to cut them off and make new ones from wire.

Theuns

Theuns...I think you build more than me, LOL...you always have something on the Go. I picked up a trio of American helicopters (Iteleri: Apache, Comanche and Huey) in a bargain bin at my LHS for $5 each. Not the greatest kits, but, they built up nice.

Maye I am only building at this tempo now to complete some models for the MOY LOL.Rest of the year is allot slower.

Sounds like you scored on that buy :-)

I have completed the airframe, masked the canopy and will e getting some primer on soon. There is allot of dressing up to do on this model , the gun is extremely bare.

The one thing that ticks me off is that the undercart (instlled correctly) makes the helo sit scew on the ground........

Theuns

If still possible, the seats need to be repainted.  The cushions should also be flat black, not brown.

Dang! I worked off this pic for the color and it's to late since the canopy is on and the airframe has been painted with xtra color faded OD.

It looks more green in the pic, it is a little more grey.

Ah well, lesson learned :=(

www.airteamimages.com/.../78009_big.jpg

Thanx for the feedback anyway :-)

I also notice from both pics that the rear seat looks like it sits much higher in the cockpit than the Hase kit offers.

I dont know Rob ,to me it looks like the rear seat sits quite high, might be the angle at witch I took the pix??

The few decals went on OK with mocrosol, I have shot on the mat coat, no silvering that I can see now.

I looked at many pix and there seems to be a vast variation in the finish, some have loads of stencling and some have no "US ARMY" just a tail #

Rotors assembled and painted gloss black, there are a few decals to go on then matcoat that.

I will try to weather it with dark green chalk pastels to look like the dust that collect on the places where paint touchups were done and where all sorts of fluids seep through.

Theuns

I saw a pair of Apaches in Bosnia in 96..they were way rougher looking up close than i expected.

The basic "dirting up" is done. I will arm the model with 4 rocket pods as if for an escort sorty

Wicked handsome looking war-fighter Theuns...very well done...looking forward to the final product.

What did you use to lighten and flatten the green?  It almost looks like you misted on some buff and it really makes the green look nicely faded.

Groot

Hi. I didn't really do anything to the green. I basically used some black chalk pastel powder and "dirtied up" some areas and then shot alclad flat clearcoat over the whole thing, this did make it look more faded.

The paint I used initially is model master "US WW2 Faded OD"

I have completed the Apache and will post pix tomorrow.

Theuns

I plan to put it on a base, still need to decide wich one best shows "Apache"

or...

Really nice job, Theuns!

Thanx.

I was told the base draws attention away from the model, true?

Theuns

Just my .02 worth opinion, if you are going to display it on a base, I'd go with something that looks like a natural setting or on a mirror.  I would have to agree that the model displayed on a photo or graphic image detracts from the good looks of your helo!

BTW - that is one nice looking bird you got there!

Perhaps the pic shrunk down dramatically and placed in the corner of the baseplate, not obtrusive, but, signifies the namesake?

Now this brings back memories. Nice looking build.

As to the base, I normally build dio bases and the model is a part of the scene. With the sort of base your doing, you don't want it to take all the attention away from the build. Both jelliot and Rob make god suggestions, if you do want the image, it needs to be much smaller.

Interesting (to me) how different the green looks in various pictures.  You really did a nice job on this helo!

My 2 cents on the base, if you have a large image, particularly a bright one, it will draw the eye away from the less catching model (it's drab, it's not supposed to attract the eye) and the image will become the focal point.  I would second (or third, fourth?) the suggestion to shrink the image so as not to detract from your build.

Groot

Thanx guys, I will loos the base and leave it as is. I was experimenting with an "Apache" look to it but it is overwhelming.

My next helo build I am planning to get the 1/72 Italeri Itallian Navy Merlyn.

Theuns

Hey Theuns, I'm planning a Italeri helo myself in 1/72...this time a Canadian Forces Cormorant SAR helo. Dunno when I'll get started though.