1/48 ACH CH-47 UPDATE!!

Gee! I just noticed that it looks as if one could model the rear pylon transmission doors in the open position if one were to add all that deatil!

  It looks like in one corner of the first tree that the rear APU part might be there? ....though it may not be accurate.

They offer troop seats in the up position but they are obviously not needed in the GO GO version at all.....BUT! they are there for others if they want just a slick without the weapons.

NICE LOOKING KIT!!!! great review with NO CONS?....wow thats a first time.

Papa-Echo-64 wrote:

Gee! I just noticed that it looks as if one could model the rear pylon transmission doors in the open position if one were to add all that deatil!   It looks like in one corner of the first tree that the rear APU part might be there? ....though it may not be accurate. They offer troop seats in the up position but they are obviously not needed in the GO GO version at all.....BUT! they are there for others if they want just a slick without the weapons. NICE LOOKING KIT!!!! great review with NO CONS?....wow thats a first time.

Thanks for the nice link, Troy!

Troop seats?      I think what you're mistaking for troop seats are the 20mm ammo boxes and racks.     An afternarket set of troop seats, window inserts, and pilot's seats, would be all that's required to make it a slick version.    

I think I can sculpt "A" Model rotors from those supplied in the kit.... and also, I don't see the 40mm ammo box on any of the trees.

Looking forward to this release.... I found a company that will custom make a decal sheet if you supply the artwork/markings that's wanted... http://www.customhobbydecals.com/        I'm going to order me a set with each of the gunship markings and three or four Slick Unit markings, for future builds.

Take care,

Frank

Thanks Frank,

I was just going from what the guy said....I guess he was assuming that they were seats.

Hey...the foward pylon skull decal on the pic doesn't look that bad at all...what do you think?

Seeya!

Troy :-)

Papa-Echo-64 wrote:

Hey...the foward pylon skull decal on the pic doesn't look that bad at all...what do you think?

Hi Troy,

The 20mm boxes do resemble folded troop seats on the tree... I guess he just called it like he saw it.

Here's a comparison of the skull logo and name.   (the kit decal kinda looks like a laughing monkey)

______

For those who'd rather see the real thing: http://gunsagogo.org/0002/0002/earlyNam/0088.jpg

and here: http://gunsagogo.org/0018/ACH157.jpg

Frank

(the kit decal kinda looks like a laughing monkey)

LOL!!

Well....in that case Frank if those decal guys are going to make a master copy for you.....I wonder if that means any of us here should be able to order a sheet or two as well?

That would be cool!

Did most of the 'Go Go' hooks have those 'step here' diagonal marks on the top or did they get painted over?... I never did like how those look on a kit ....but if they have that worn, weathered, scuffed look it probably is the best way to go huh? 

 I figure if I'm going to do a Dio or a static display of any Go Go Hook ......Out of respect I don't want to mess around and not do them to the T......especially with you here to give TOP guidance and help from.

Papa-Echo-64 wrote:

(the kit decal kinda looks like a laughing monkey) LOL!! Well....in that case Frank if those decal guys are going to make a master copy for you.....I wonder if that means any of us here should be able to order a sheet or two as well? That would be cool! Did most of the 'Go Go' hooks have those 'step here' diagonal marks on the top or did they get painted over?... I never did like how those look on a kit ....but if they have that worn, weathered, scuffed look it probably is the best way to go huh?   I figure if I'm going to do a Dio or a static display of any Go Go Hook ......Out of respect I don't want to mess around and not do them to the T......especially with you here to give TOP guidance and help from.

Here are a couple examples of what each ship carried throughout their life....

I'm not certain how they would work a possible production... for it would be that once the word got out on them.... I'm going to be working on getting all the markings together and let them see it to get an estimate.     Some fellow on one of the R/C boards was testifying about how good their work is, and the charge was something like $18 for one sheet!      That sounds like the place I need to be doing business with!! (because I'd also like to get some "Rare Bear" decals in 1/48)

Take care,

Frank

Thanks Frank.

Thanks for the tip on that Frank!  I'm talking to them about doing some Apache stuff now.  Should be great!

Jon

grandadjohn wrote:

Well, greatmodels showed it in-stock so I ordered it today along with Academy's CH-53

Thanks for the update, John... looks like the time has come!

Take care,

Frank

grandadjohn wrote:

It is interesting to note that on the boxtop is the Boeing label with the wording "Offically Licensed Product." Wave of the future?

Any word on a D model yet?  I wouldn't mind building one of those too.  I'm gonna pick up a GoGo bird to fit in with my attack helicopter evolution builds, but I'd like to build one of the D models I've actually flown in!

Jon

John,

  Thanks for the report that the 40mm boxes were in there!        Here's a couple pretty good shots of the Pod panel lines:
http://gunsagogo.org/0002/0002/earlyNam/PN7363.jpg 
http://gunsagogo.org/0002/0002/earlyNam/guns5.jpg
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Looking at the exterior of the model, I am inclined to show these detail shots of the visible armor plating:

Front Pylon - right side armor
http://gunsagogo.org/armordetail1.jpg
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Front Pylon - left side armor  
http://gunsagogo.org/armordetail2.jpg 
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Aft Pylon - left side
http://gunsagogo.org/armordetail3.jpg 
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Aft Pylon - right side 
http://gunsagogo.org/armordetail4.jpg 
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Forward fuselage - left side  **Note that another plate extends aft longitudinally from the end of the bottom plate, then another one is mounted at 90 degrees behind that one**
http://gunsagogo.org/0002/0002/earlyNam/PN7364.jpg 
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Forward fuselage - right side *no armor*
http://gunsagogo.org/armordetail8.jpg
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Front Pylon - Go-Go emblem & SAS Ports
http://gunsagogo.org/armordetail5.jpg
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Also, concerning the Ramp.... the ACH-47's did not have the secondary ramp stowed in the ramp body, instead, there were support post on either side and a sunken floor for the ramp gunner to kneel in.

Internal Cargo Ramp supports
http://gunsagogo.org/armordetail9.jpg  

(also note in the above picture... the .50 cal ammo can mounts have "3" holes, the 20mm supports, "2" holes)       I also have a good close up of the placard on the ammo boxes, I'll find it.

Hope this helps...

Take care,

Frank

ACH-47A "Easy Money" sits right in front of my office.  If you'd like photos of this display aircraft, e-mail me.  Please specify any specific areas you want photos of.

Dan H.

Dan, I want your office! probably not your job.....but your office location would be nice.

Frank.....once again...THANK YOU for the great pics!!

Comanche Test wrote:

ACH-47A "Easy Money" sits right in front of my office.  If you'd like photos of this display aircraft, e-mail me.  Please specify any specific areas you want photos of. Dan H.

Hi Dan,

Frank White here.     I did the nose art on "Easy Money" and the three paintings in the ramp area of the display.      It was very rewarding to see that airframe saved, compounded because of the people it brought back together again, and highlighted by the recent reactivation of the name "Guns A Go-Go" and unit patch with A/4/160th SOAR!

"Easy Money" has some accuracy flaws, as she sits; D Model rotor blades, D Model Fwd Pylon, D model chin bubbles (SAS ports), makeshift 40mm fairing, wing & 20mm/mounting.     It does have accurate makeshift armor plating under the left side of the cockpit, but that's all... none on either pylon.

But all the bullet hole patches you see on the fuselage are original!    When sheet metal had to be replaced during the restoration, original patches were riveted back on.

She sure looks good sitting behind those sand bags with the flood lights turned on at night!

(that's dust particles in the air, caught by the flash, but it gives the illusion of a stary sky)

Take care,

Frank