Longbow Production

My production line is going pretty well. 01-5246 is nearly finished and I've made considerable headway on 04-5451.  451 is the first Apache I flew, so I'm taking this one extra slow and detailing as much as I can.  I've scratchbuilt the TEDAC in the front seat.  That's the new sighting system that has replaced the old Optic Relay Tube.  Its basically a new flat panel display

451 is a REALLY new bird, so its got a lot of new stuff on it.  The conversion is pretty easy.  Scratchbuilding the TEDAC was the hardest part. Other than that, there are a couple things like the HF towel rack antenna and some new venting that need to be incorporated.

Hasegawa's is the best.  The Academy kit is crap, unless you're looking to build one of the prototype Ds.  Otherwise, it is completely wrong for a production Longbow.  The Revell Germany kit isn't bad, but with the fit issues from the old Monogram kit (updated with a couple new sprues) it is a little frustrating. Good thing is, you can build either a British or US machine, it comes with parts for both.  The Italeri kit isn't bad, better than the Academy kit.  It has the correct aft end on the EFABs (Extended Forward Avionics Bays).  The prototype has tapered EFAB aft ends, while the production machines actually have the ECU units installed there.

Jon

MikeMKIIC wrote:

Could you guys recommend a good AH-64D kit? How is the one from Academy in 1/48th scale?

Hasegawa's 1/48 kit is the best on the market.  Academy's isn't too bad, but not as good as the Hasegawa kit.

Hi Jon,

Me? neeeeever....

Actually, funny thing is, our training company IS the Firebirds.  My IP is Firebird 52

Hey guys,

Flew my first Block 1 bird today.  Here's the deal with the Lots and Blocks.  Lot refers to software and Block refers to hardware.  Block 2 birds started with Lot 7, but have all been upgraded to Lot 8 standard.  Block 1 birds started with Lot 1, but have been upgraded to Lot 6 configuration (which is the most advanced they can go).  I've got 5 hours now and it just gets better every day.  Traffic patterns are actually fun!  I've actually been getting some pics as well.  Here's the latest!

Matt,

Sweet!  How's the course going? I didn't realize you were here!  We definitely need to grab a cold one!

Cobrahistorian wrote:

Sure did!  04-5451, coded white 51A.  That's me in the middle, about 30 seconds before climbing aboard and starting the beast!

Sure did!  04-5451, coded white 51A.  That's me in the middle, about 30 seconds before climbing aboard and starting the beast!

John,

Yep, without permission from the S-2, cameras are not permitted at Hanchey.  We can get permission to bring up family and friends, provided we're escorted, but other than that, nada.

As a side note, my first flight in the beast will be Thursday at around 1300!

Jon

Yeah, I hear ya.  I can't take a camera out to the flightline and its killing me looking at all of the little detail bits I have to add to the Longbow I'm working on!  Having to remember little things like grounding wires on the left landing gear (but not the right one!) instead of taking pic of it is maddening!

Jon

Ya to bad they wont let you take pictures in there other wise i'd call the ex-GF and see if i could take a tour, talk about refrence pics WOOOHOO