Progress Pics AH-1W NTS

I have been working on mine also, getting it ready to spray.  Did you use any PE?  I hurt my right shoulder a month ago so it has given me some time to work on it.  The "office" looks great!!  Hope to see the final pics and I hope to get mine photoed.  Keep it up!!

Very impressive work with this kit. The weathering is nearly spot-on.

 

 

Hey thanks guys.  I used PE on the exterior, not all of them though.  Some of those PE parts are just beyond my skill level.  I really like the Verlinden cockpit.  I'm still working out the A/C hoses to the seats.  I'm going to do something with that IR jammer also, just doesn't look correct.  Also, is it just me or does the canopy look incorrect?  It seems to have too tall of an apex, maybe from T or J mod?

As for your assessments of the kit's IR jammer and canopy, you are correct on both -- I find them to both be poorly interpreted and mis-shaped.

Luckily for the ALQ, there is a much better version available in the resin Cobra Company set; or you can use the part from the MRC Kiowa Warrior kit.

Unluckily for the canopy, we're stuck with it for now. I do not believe it is from a J or T mod as you suggest, because with the exception of the Army's flat-paneled canopy, the USMC cockpit tub and canopy have remained relatively unchanged in their dimensions over the years.

I think that MRC just did a bad job of interpreting several dimensions on this kit. The kit canopy is too tall up front, and does not have the smooth, gradual curve that comes down over the gunner's head. At one time, I tried to test-fit one of Floyd Werner's 1/32nd scale vacform canopies for the AH-1G onto my 1/35 AH-1W.  It did not fit close enough to be usable; but even during the test-fit, the vacform canopy improved the profile and overall look of the AH-1W from a distance by 110%.

Andy

 

Thanks Andy, I totally agree.  I also forgot to mention, in my opinion, the most inaccurate and most time-consuming flaw to correct-those down tubes on the skids!  I just finished the set for this one, just alot of time to do.

Did a little scratchbuilding on this one, I used 1/8" metal rod for the down tubes and cut a rocket pod for the ALQ base and trimmed down the top of it.