MRC/Academy 1/35 OH-58D

I'd recommend it. I've built about 3 of them and have another one still in the box for later. Excellent detail with opinional armament configurations and pilot figures included. MRC/Academy has two kits of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior in 1/35 scale, "Black Death" and "Thugs." Personally, I'd go with the "Thugs" kit because it is the latest release of the OH-58D from MRC/Academy and it has a more detailed set of instructions. That is the only difference between the kits. Hope this helps.

I have the "Thugs" version, but haven't built it yet, however the parts, instructions and decals look wonderful, The instructions are very detailed with tips and explanations. I totally recommend it

The reason I wanted to know about this kit is that I am planning a 1/35 scale diorama with the OH-58D, a crashed AH-1W Super Cobra, and some figures. But if you know me, these plans might change.

thanks a bunch for the recommendations.

I would reconsider your diorama. The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a strictly Army helicopter whereas the AH-1W is a Marine helo. I'm not sure if the two types had much interaction, so I'd go with a crashed AH-64 Apache with an OH-58D. These two helicopters regularly operate in hunter-killer teams. Unless you have contrary evidence, then I'd suggest reconsidering.

Thanks for the advise! This must slipped my mind when I was planning.

I will post my new plan when I make one up.

I picked up the MRC/Academy OH-58D kit yesterday from my hobby source. It looks awsome.

I might be scratching the whole diorama idea, because I can't seem to find appropriate kits(for me) for the diorama.

still, a great-looking OH-58 model to add to my shelf!!

Hey Kiowa,

How about either a downed Imex AH-64 (a rough kit, but workable) or one of the MRC 'Hawks? Honestly, a Kiowa/Apache H/K team is much more my speed, but hey... Or better yet, if you can wait a bit, there's always the 1/35 Chinook coming out too!

Shelf space is a factor: I am running out fast!!! If I use an Apache or BlackHawk, it's gonna take a lot of space!!

Hey KW,

I built a KW for my friend who commanded the Cavalry Squadron at Fort Drum. The MRC/Academy kit is great but watch out when you put the front wind screen in. I have another one sitting on my "to do" shelf while I try to finish Kangnam's AH-64D.

A good diorama: How about the KW working with a M1A2 or M3 from OIF. Have the KW on the ground with the left seat pilot out talking with the ground commander.

KWs, as the Cavalry Divisions aerial recon assets, were a major asset that helped 7th Cav make its run from the border to victory for 3ID. Just an idea...

This is a good idea. the only problem is that I will have to modefy some figures for the standing pilot. I guess I will just take the head with the helmet in the kit and put it on another standing figure. Which figure kit is good for this modification?