1:18 Scale Apache

Isn't made by Blue Box Toys? Or is it 21st Century? I'm still resisting the almighty impulse.

Isn't made by Blue Box Toys? Or is it 21st Century? I'm still resisting the almighty impulse. Well heck I'll go take a look!

I can understand Blue Box doing that. The reviews I have heard on most if their modern action figures (1/18) and vehicles are not as good as the promo shots when they show at Toyfare in NY. After I saw a few profiles in galleries, I passed on all three helos they built. I don't think I can pass on the 21st. Cobra and A-10. I'd like to see a real kitbasher work them over. But that is one for someone with far better skills than mine right now.

Pathfinder,

Yeah, its made by BBI. They really capture the basic shape of the Apache very well. The actuator assembly popped off with no problem and is now properly situated BELOW the rotor hub. I'm starting to scratchbuild a bunch of antennas, a complete wire strike kit and laser detectors for it. The major corrections that are needed are pretty easy. My one other criticism is the TADS/PNVS turret, which has very limited range of motion. Gonna have to work on that too....

I'll keep everyone updated!

I may have to sneak into the local TRU and take a look. But I promise I won't bring any money, YEA RIGHT!

Glad to here you got your APACHE!!!! I'm making currections to mine aswell. I just wish I could find some ARMY HELO DRAB IN A SPRAYPAINT!!!!!!

Marke,

I hear ya man! Gotta airbrush it. LOTS of little bottles of paint!

gonna light up my instrument panel, when i redo it .dont like stock panel.looks like crap. gonna use fiber optics for panel and white leds on a timer circuit for strobing position lights on wings.enough room inside for batteries and switch.will hide it under a panel.thought about small electric motor for main rotor and gearbox for tail rotor.would be all fun and games till someone lost an eye! so maybe just lights and great new paint job and some minor details to add.

Cobrahistorian...you've got me in trouble now!! Not really, but I just couldn't resist crying a little bit. You guessed it, I fell off the wagon and picked up the Apache. You are right BBI really recreated the basic shape pretty darn well. I just can't believe how BIG the thing is. It was a real toss up trying to decide which one to get, Apache, Littlebird, Blackhawk. I figured the Apache was as good a place to start as any! Fixin' the canopy doors could really turn out to be a challenge. Let me know how yours comes apart. This time maybe I won't be the Guinney pig.

Pathfinder,

Will do! I haven't worked on it for a couple days, but it is coming along. I'm a tad worried about opening the correct doors and sealing the others. But heck, If I don't, I'll never be happy with it! It is rather huge. My girlfriend carried it down the steps last night and I swear it was bigger than she is!

I may have bit off a little more than I can chew but I was browsing through some pics that I shot at a local air show. I took a couple of good shots of the main and tail rotor assemblys. This could turn into a long scratchbuilding project. I've got a little experience at working on these big birds. I worked the main and tail rotors over on the first Huey I got with precision RC bearings. I've got more than enough material already to really work the Apache over except some suitable hinges for moving the doors. What I'm really going to have to research is the placement and purpose of all the finer exterior details of the prototypes. There's got to be a training manual or walk around book available for the Apache that explaines it all. If you're wondering how to get the fusilage and tail apart, there are a number of "plugs" along the starboard side, behind them are metal screws. It always helps to know where to start. If you or any of the other fine folks around here LIKE PAPA-ECHO, LOL, know of a reference site, it might save me a little time. E-mail me through the profile if you find anything. Can you imagine the massive detail possible on a real kit this big? Us "old guys" need all the edge we can get to make the work easier.

Pathfinder,

Which era are you going to have this Apache portray? It is pretty good as is for an early one, but if you're going to do a current A model, there's a TON of crap that needs to be added. If you go to my website, http://cobrahistorian.tripod.com and go to the photos page, there are two shots of "Devil's Dance" from the 1/229 ATKHB which give some good detail on antenna and wire-strike placement. "DD" was flown in Afghanistan in 2002.
I really need to update the site, but there are a few good photos there.

For a current Apache, it needs:
a chaff/flare dispenser
laser detectors (on 4 positions)
wire-strike kit (cable cutters on 6 positions and the framework around the cannon needs to be removed and re-positioned)
ECM antennae on the nose and above and aft of the canopy
windshield wipers
counterweights on the actuator frame for the m/r.

I will say, working in this scale is rather enjoyable!

C'mon guys, give BBI a break. These helos are TOYS after all...built to be played with by kids who dont really care about super accuracy.........

Redbird,

Of course! Just because we're bitching about the accuracy doesn't mean it isn't a fantastic toy that is made extremely well! Just needs a bit of improvement, that's all!

I've spent enough time over the last year trying to build "exact" detailed models. This one's just for grins. It never hurts to "think-out-of-the-box" once in a while. I've seen a few 1/18th customs over the last couple years that you would swear were Tamiya Kits. It could just turn out to be a hoot.