AH-64

www.aircraftresourcecenter.com has some good walkarounds. There's a great site with pix of cockpits but I'll have to post that link after I get home tonight.

I'm pretty sure there's no AM set for the IMEX Apache. Heh heh heh... Waiting for Cobrahistorian to address the IMEX kit itself.

well there gotta be an AM for 1/35 Apache somewhere. Like I said I got plenty on the plate before I get to this one. I am currently doing an A-4E, to be followed by a 1/35 replica of the M1026 I used in Baghdad. So there is time for the manufacturers to see my need and respond to it.

Dana B. Woodley
SSG, USA

Dana,

Firstly WELCOME! We've got a good bunch of people here who are always willing to lend a hand. As far as Apache stuff goes, there are a few of us. JKindred is currently flying them and if all goes well, I should be doing so within the next year.

Now, with respect to the IMEX kit and aftermarket stuff, lemme address the aftermarket stuff first. There are a few Eduard photoetch sets available and from what I've heard they're rather good. I think there are three separate sets, one each for the interior, exterior and weapons. They're good quality stuff, but I've never used them personally.

Now on to the kit iself. One word. CRAP.

The kit is inaccurate, poor fitting and did I mention inaccurate? If you're building an AH-64D, you're better off converting the Revell AH-64A kit in 1/32nd (a project that I've got about 80% done now) Their A model is slightly better, at least the cockpit is accurate for that model. The kit is based on the Revell kit, but has lost most of the good detail. The PNVS turret is atrocious and the main gear are about the same.

I've reviewed the kit for this forum and gone over its weaknesses in depth, but that's the basic overview. Mine ended up crushed under the heel of my jungle boots after one particularly frustrating evening. Its radome now sits proudly on the AH-64D conversion I'm working on, and I'm a bit calmer!

As far as references go, what are you looking for? I've got several thousand shots of both A and D models, a bunch of which are going to be in my book for Osprey that'll be out in May on the Apache. Lemme know what you need and I'll see if I can dig something up for ya!

OK, I stand corrected. I wasn't even thinking photo-etched, just resin. (which is really stupid considering how much of my Pave Hawk is being detailed with Eduard stuff) The Cobra Company sets have spoiled me. (Curse you Chief Snake!!!!! )

Here's the link to the cockpit shot site I mentioned earlier:
http://home.arcor.de/instrumentpanels/Helicopters/Helicopters.html

Alas, Grant's right, there is no resin set for the Apache....

Chief Snake... HELP... PLEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!

Dana,

I've got about 24 detail shots of three IDARNG AH-64As that came into Lubbock airport last October. Took some real detailed shots of them for my profile artist. Here's one of em.



In either case, you're going to have a bit of scratchbuilding to do as far as laser detectors, ECM and radio antennae and cable cutters go.