OK, I took the plunge and I purchased the Academy's 1/35th DAP Blackhawk, thinking I could do one that was in Somolia in 1993 timeframe. I did my usual work-up walk around book, by literally downloading all the pic's of these on the net, and I noticed that this kit, is different than the ones in 1993. So all of you who have more knowledge than me about helo's, I need to know;
1) Did they acually use the Aux Fuel tank in a combat insertion, etc?
2) Does anyone have pic's of the space where the tank sits? (Showing the mounts etc)
3) Were both the .50 Cal, and the 7.62 mini-gun used at the same time?
4) Was the AGM-144 Hellfire/M299 Missle Launcher rails used at this time?
5) The colour of the helo's .... some say Black (Semi Gloss or True Flat) or the FS # for Helo Drab?
6) Layout for crew's effects like M16, MP-5's etc?
7) A Clear shot of the engine, showing the plumbing etc
8) Was the IFR used at this time? On the Helo's in Somolia?
As I look at this kit, i think that the nose radar must be a later add-on, as I do have a picture of a sligtly earlier DAP without this radar. But it still dates to about 1997, so I can't judge it. I also need photo's of the weapon mounts, and the small stuff in the cabin. Also, any info as to Serial numbers. I have a Clear Shot of Cliff Wolcott, in front of the "Velvet Elvis" but there is no decals I can find showin his bird. What was the Serial number of it?
This kit is huge, and has great detail, but there is one thing missing, NO PILOTS/CREW!!! This is important, as Helo's just don't fly themselves, do they????
Also, on the web, I found a shot of the engine/eletrical ( a small two wheeled thing that also acts as a power washer!) starter device from one manufacturer, so does anyone have pict's of these things, and the weapon's loaders hoists etc?
Thanks in advance,
Rob Savage