AH-64 Apache Interior

QUOTE: Originally posted by faol Does anyone know where to get some info on the proper interior colors of the Apache helicopter? My kit directions list nothing.

The cockpit color for the Apache is black (for NVG compatibility). The seats are black as well. Here's a link that may be helpful;
http://www.b-domke.de/AviationImages/Apache.html

HTH,
Albert

Yup, all black. Italeri Aircraft Interior Black looks the proper color, it has a slight grey tint to it.

so, everything's just black? Sounds good to me!

Well, black interior is almost right. My reference book (Verlinden) on the AH64 does indeed show that the interior is in various shades of black. In particular, the cockpit floors are, in fact, a very, very dark green with black heel boards. Some of the vertical panels alongside the seats also have a dark green tinge to them.
I personally think that an all black interior does not look right, and some experimentation with very dark greens, extremely dark greys as well as black and some careful drybrushing with 'dust' colours will give a much better, lived-in look which suits military helicopters better. From a distance, it might well look black!!
That's where the art side of modelling can lift an otherwise boring, all-black interior.
Hope this helps.

Ditto. I usually use Tamiya NATO Black (which is a very, dark, dark grey) as a base color for the basic tub color, seats, and interior surfaces. Straight flat black is used for the instruments and panels. Next, I'll paint the collective and cyclic sticks semi-gloss black with flat black handles. The interior surfaces, soundproofing material, and the tops of the instrument shrouds are judiceously dry-brushed with RLM 66. Of course all the dials and switches are piqued out. Seats are painted as references show.

BTW Colin, are you the same Colin who frequents the HKN Forum?

Cheers,
Albert

Albert,
Yup - got it in one! I have been posting on the HKN site for some time. In fact, CJ - the guy who set up and runs the Helikit News site - is a member of the Aberdeen Modellers Society ( of which I am the Chairman) here in Aberdeen Scotland!
There's no hiding place for us modellers!
Incidentally, I have a completed big Revell Apache AH-64 in the Gallery section of the HKN site.

Guys, would you take the word of an Army pilot that the interior is black, just plain everyday flat black? Floor, panels, seats, cyclic, every thing but the gauges - black. Don't care what the model books say, all the 64's I have sat in the aircraft interior was black.

jkindred,
Greetings to an Army pilot! I agree with what you say on the interior colour of the Apache as being black. The problem we builders have, is that we are always looking for the subtle differences in shades! I think you would agree that a matt black aluminium panel in the real aircraft is not the same shade of black as, say, an area of matt black material - seats, insulation cladding, plastic. Some blacks have a slight sheen and others take on shades of colour from shadows or from strong sunlight outside. It is those subtle differences that make the 'art' side of modelling so difficult, since an aircraft seen on a bright day will look completely different from the same aircraft seen on a dull day....
Do not in any way want to take issue with your post, but simply pose these points to make the reader think!

Colin,

No issue taken. However you may be looking for subtle differences that are not there. The only real differences I noticed today were that the cyclic heads being plastic had a shine to them that other parts of the cockpit did not. If any one wants photos I can get those for you with no problem.

Jim Kindred
CW4, MSNG