Completed AH-1W NTS pics

Well done... I like it!

What scale and kit manufacturer is this?

Forgive me as I'm not too familiar with helicopters but... the two little "eyes" in the pod at the nose... what color did you use to paint them?

Nice work.

Heloguy wrote:

Hey thanks.  It is the Academy 1/35th NTS, with Eduard PE inside/outside with the Verlinden cockpit set.  I used a true blue pearl for the optics in the nose and the plume sensors.

Thanks Heloguy!

Again... she looks great!

Good looking helo, Heloguy!

I understand you didn't use Cobra Co.'s resin NTS upgrade set. Did you modify the nose your self?

Thank you for the replies.  I used the Verlinden resin optic in the nose, but left the body of the nose entact.

Mike

Looks great!  I have that kit in my stash.

Mike

Looks pretty good.  Canopy fit is loose though, and why is there painted tape on the front of the canopy?

HeavyArty wrote:

Looks pretty good.  Canopy fit is loose though, and why is there painted tape on the front of the canopy?

and this is just my ignorance on this subject talking...does the tail always blacken like that from the engine exhaust?

HeavyArty, that is not tape but a PE part that comes with Eduard's Exterior set.

CJ if the crew cleans the helo you don't get that black exhaust stains.
Just kidding, infact the stains are a little too black; it should look like a black wash:

HeavyArty wrote:

Hmm, O.K.   What is it supposed to be?  It looks like a piece of tape to me.

Well, I suppose it should represent the "thing" in the circled area:

Avus wrote:

Well, I suppose it should represent the "thing" in the circled area.

"Should" being the key word.  Another reason I don't like to use PE.  It usually doesn't do a good job of representing 3-dimensional objects, even ones that are almost flat.

HeavyArty wrote:

Hmm, O.K.   What is it supposed to be?  It looks like a piece of tape to me.

It's the rain removal vent/port.  Blows engine bleed air onto the front windshield to...

remove rain. 

Heloguy wrote:

You should have seen the face of Cody T. when we took this Cobra to him at Loma Linda Children's hospital on Sunday.  Cody is in need of a bone marrow transplant and is relegated to his bed at the Ronald McDonald House there.  He is 13 and has always wanted to be a Marine Cobra pilot.  I think he will be, and a fine one at that.  Boys think gunships are the coolist.  I heard he asks all the nurses and doctors, security officers, anyone, to come by his room and have a look.  You should hear him talk, this kid knows more about helicopters than I ever will!

That's just awesome!  I am always amazed how much joy a little painted plastic can bring.  Good for you.

    Ray

Heloguy wrote:

You should have seen the face of Cody T. when we took this Cobra to him at Loma Linda Children's hospital on Sunday.  Cody is in need of a bone marrow transplant and is relegated to his bed at the Ronald McDonald House there.  He is 13 and has always wanted to be a Marine Cobra pilot.  I think he will be, and a fine one at that.  Boys think gunships are the coolist.  I heard he asks all the nurses and doctors, security officers, anyone, to come by his room and have a look.  You should hear him talk, this kid knows more about helicopters than I ever will!

That's a great story and it's the best reward for your work no mater what we nit-pickers say!

Thanks for letting us know!

HeavyArty wrote:

...  Another reason I don't like to use PE.  It usually doesn't do a good job of representing 3-dimensional objects, even ones that are almost flat.

If you talk about pipes, wires, switches, knobs and so on I completely agree with you. But correctly bent PE parts do a great job representing boxes, hinges, pedals etc.

supercobra wrote:

It's the rain removal vent/port.  Blows engine bleed air onto the front windshield to... remove rain.