Started my Panda UH-1D and-1N

QUOTE: Now I need some reference to the top of the panel, you know those lines on top for stiffening the panel...

If you are talking about the instrument panel, not much out there, here is a side shot, you can see two small ribs there:


The rib pattern is not that prominent. It is 5 "V"s on the top of the panel shroud. The "V"s are spaced evenly across the shroud with one centered and 2 on either side. The point of the "V" is toward the nose, and the opening faces the pilots.

Hope that helps.

Hope that helps.

HeavyArty:

As I had lunch I looked at the front page of the magazine I was about to read, and then it struck me!

The front page of Vertical Magazine (Dec 04/jan 05) it has the piccie I was looking for! This I found out by accident too!. The ribs are actually in an X pattern, 3 to the side on the 212, but then again the panel of the 212 (UH-1N) is wider than the UH-1D/H model,

Cheers anywho, and your picture sure was nice as well.

Have another as well on caaviation.com under the helicopter operations forum.

post some pics of your progress. I just ordered my update set from Cobra Comapany today. That panel they include with the kit is an insult to be sure. I will say the model itself is fairly accurate and not that bad of a kit overall. Just the cockpit detail is the worst ever. I'm sure CC's update kit will fix all problems in that arena.

Not able to post pictures (No camera!) But the progress is OK. Decided not to go wild on the UH-1D, but will try to go "somewhat" over the hill with the 212.

I did make seatbelts though. The Greenhouse windows (on top) also got a cover of Gunze acrylic transparent green, that look sreally good!

Cheers
Shark-41

I've got the Panda UH-1N on the shelf, if you have any insights into it as you go along, be sure to pass them on. Thanks.

QUOTE: Originally posted by LemonJello I've got the Panda UH-1N on the shelf, if you have any insights into it as you go along, be sure to pass them on. Thanks.

Haven't built it yet, but initial impression is poor interior details, just like their UH-1D set, same interior. Get the Cobra Company Update set to correct it and add the latest USMC bits and pieces.

CC UH-1N upgrade set:

Also includes FLIR head:


CC webpage: http://www.cobracompany.com/35012.htm

Ditto on HeavyArty's post. I received my update sets for the -1N a couple weeks ago, and they will do the Panda kit some justice. The kit itself looks kind of thick and clunky.....definitely need the cobracompany set for at least the interior. The only other major issues with it are the fact that the tail rotor is on the wrong side, and the tailboom cargo door will need some major filling (not present on USMC models). The cobracompany set is great, but my only complaint is that the chaff/flare dispensers are too big for the scale. Otherwise, I feel the rest of the details are spot-on.

I just looked at the instrument panel combing from a UH-1C and it has a combination of "V's" and "X's" with a couple vertical lines. Also checked out MRC's panel from their UH-1C and it's almost exactly like the real one I have. Only missed on vertical on the left side. Then again they may have had some differences over the years.

Shark and pharoah:

Keep me updated as well, would you? I'm giving some serious thought to building the Panda for a local Viet vets group for the Ia Drang anniversary in November. I'm interested in doing a 7th Cav UH-1D in 1/32, 1/35 or 1/48 scale for them.

I would use a lot of parts, instrument panel, pilots seats, transmission and main rotor pylon, and tail rotor from MRC's UH-1C to make a lot better detailed Panda UH-1D/H. If you can get one on sale at Hobby Lobby it's more than worth the $13 to canibalize the kit. Not to mention the crew and personal weapons.

The CC update kit is a must! Did I say its a must? Oh, one more time.. its a must.

The kit isn't as bad and some people think.. it just takes lots of work and paitence.. oh and the CC update kit. Oh.. and lots of pictures to look at to make sure your detail is correct. Just don't forget the CC update kit!

Hey there,
Finished a Panda Twin Huey about two months ago so I thought I'd warn you on a couple of points.
You'll find some fit problems when you assemble the fuselage halves and on some of the small detail parts especially the clear window glass below the nose. I always use elmer's white glue as a filler and to glue the clear parts.

Most importantly, beware of the decals provided in the box. As far as i'm concerned there a waste and should be thrown in the garbage. When I applied then originally they disintegrated and I had to start again. Try Eagle strike decals on Squadron. com for a bunch of replacement ideas. I did notify the complany and they simply sent more of the crummy originals.

Otherwise Its not a bad build. I think its a bit expensive though for the amount of quality and detail. Any other concerns, send me a note

D

QUOTE: Originally posted by LemonJello I've got the Panda UH-1N on the shelf, if you have any insights into it as you go along, be sure to pass them on. Thanks.

QUOTE: Most importantly, beware of the decals provided in the box. As far as i'm concerned there a waste and should be thrown in the garbage. When I applied then originally they disintegrated and I had to start again. Try Eagle strike decals on Squadron. com for a bunch of replacement ideas. I did notify the complany and they simply sent more of the crummy originals.

Yup, has ben posted here before. Panda had a bad batch of decals. They need to be oversprayed with clearcoat to provide a new carrier film and they will work just fine. Only difference is that you will have to trim close to the image since you will now have a solid carrier film for the entire decal sheet as opposed to separate decals.

Sorry you didn't find out sooner.

thanks for the info...learning more every day...

QUOTE: Originally posted by HeavyArty QUOTE: Most importantly, beware of the decals provided in the box. As far as i'm concerned there a waste and should be thrown in the garbage. When I applied then originally they disintegrated and I had to start again. Try Eagle strike decals on Squadron. com for a bunch of replacement ideas. I did notify the complany and they simply sent more of the crummy originals. Yup, has ben posted here before. Panda had a bad batch of decals. They need to be oversprayed with clearcoat to provide a new carrier film and they will work just fine. Only difference is that you will have to trim close to the image since you will now have a solid carrier film for the entire decal sheet as opposed to separate decals. Sorry you didn't find out sooner.