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First helicopter, advice on completing it required

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11 replies
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  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: St Helens, England
First helicopter, advice on completing it required
Posted by Daveash on Saturday, August 21, 2004 6:39 PM
This has been a challenge to say the least. It was my first helicopter build (I usually build armour or ships), but I struggled along to get through it. The initial disappointment with the quality of the kit (see earlier posts) was superseeded by a desire to complete it, thanks to the help from this forum (special thanks to cobrahistorian).
Here is a pic of my progress to date.



At the moment it is sealed with a coat of Future. I would like to go further with this build to add/replace details and to apply some weathering etc. I am familiar with oil and watercolour washes on AFV`s, but not on aircraft.
Any help will be apreciated
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 21, 2004 6:50 PM
I saw at a contest an Apache that was weathered using techniques for armor models.It looked awesome and took best of show.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Saturday, August 21, 2004 7:08 PM
I weather my helos the same I would tank, little less, bit same techniques. Think of them as tanks of the sky, especially the AH-64.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: St Helens, England
Posted by Daveash on Saturday, August 21, 2004 7:29 PM
Thanks for the replies, I am thinking of the overall finish i.e. dull coat, exhaust stains, panel lines, wear and tear etc.
Also, I would like to add more detail, either by replacing kit parts or adding elec/hydraulic lines etc.
Any advice regarding this will be appreciated.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 21, 2004 9:33 PM
Looking good so far.

I'm sure after a nice wash and some dry-brushing, it'll really standout.

The adding of hydraulic lines or any aftermarket parts should have taken place during your build. Not to say that you can't add them now, but you may find yourself re-doing or having to touch up areas where you've already worked. Could be a tedious effort on your part.

My advice would be to let it stand 'as-is', do your weathering, and save the addition of hydraulics lines, phote-etched parts, etc., for your next project.


Keep us posted
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Piedmont Triad, NC (USA)
Posted by oldhooker on Saturday, August 21, 2004 9:53 PM
Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

Nice solid model, Dave... like they said, if you do tanks, this should provide little problems. Looking forward to seeing how it comes out, thanks! Smile [:)]

Take care,
Frank

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Aaaaah.... Alpha Apaches... A beautiful thing!
Posted by Cobrahistorian on Saturday, August 21, 2004 11:11 PM
Lookin good Dave!

I usually weather my helos the same I would a tank. You should see some of the pics I have of Apaches in Iraq. Dust galore, not to mention oil, fuel and other crud...

Just out of curiosity, where'd you get the markings? Interesting seeing a training bird.

Keep it up!
"1-6 is in hot"
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: St Helens, England
Posted by Daveash on Sunday, August 22, 2004 3:08 AM
The markings were included with the kit. I had the option to use either the small black numbers or the larger white markings. Does this indicate a training bird? The instructions didn`t say.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Aaaaah.... Alpha Apaches... A beautiful thing!
Posted by Cobrahistorian on Sunday, August 22, 2004 9:08 AM
Dave,

Yep, the big white buzz numbers are for training birds. Allows the locals to identify you if you've flown too low over their house! Combat birds have little in the way of markings (coming up with 24 profiles for my book was an exercise in redundancy!), occasionally the birds are named or have some small nose art, but usually they just have a unit tactical identifier and that's it.

"1-6 is in hot"
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Belgium
Posted by DanCooper on Sunday, August 22, 2004 3:54 PM
Is that the old Revell 1/32 (or is 1/35), if so your pic inspires me of going to my attick and get back to that horrific kit.
I've already completed the cockpit, and that's about it...

The job you did however is great so far, as Hooker06 said, leave the wiring and hydraulics for your next bird and go with the weathering.

On the bench : Revell's 1/125 RV Calypso

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: St Helens, England
Posted by Daveash on Sunday, August 22, 2004 5:01 PM
It is the Revell 1/32, AH-64. Virtually every part needed attention due to mould lines, flash and poor fitting. This kit was on sale in my LHS, now I know why.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 22, 2004 11:55 PM
Yeah, I had started that kit years ago, along with the FlightPath detail set and got annoyedBanged Head [banghead]with it. So I put it away.
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