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Usmcski

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Posts posted by Usmcski

  1. AH-1J and AH-1T. Two very important helicopters for United States Marine Corps Aviation. The J could even be done by modifying existing AH-1G kits, adding the M197 20mm gun and turret, engine and transmission section and the requisite instrument panels to represent the two-engined SeaCobra…

     

    Semper Fly,

     

    Ski

  2. 5 hours ago, John1 said:

    Wow,  how did Academy figure out how to produce a kit with raised rivets?  I thought that was completely unnecessary / impossible to replicate / too much work for the modeler. 

     

    This kit looks very nicely done.  I'll leave it to the SME's to tell us how accurate it is but I'm hopeful that they got things right.   

     

    I gotta state this for the record - Why would Academy go to the trouble of releasing a kit of the Zulu version (which probably has somewhat limited appeal) and not opt for the original Snake,  the AH-1G Huey Cobra?   The Cobra is arguably the prettiest helo ever made and there are probably hundreds of colorful marking schemes available to choose from.  Not to mention all the history associated with this helo.   Truly disappointed.

     

    I'm glad Academy is still in the large scale helo game but unfortunately, I won't be purchasing this kit.  Just don't have any interest in modern Marine helos.   

     

     

     

    I hear you on so many levels!  If Academy has the stones to tackle a large scale Z, I'd love to see them remold their W (with option for turned exhaust, new canopy, and NTS/non-NTS), and a G as well.  Hell, while we're at it, lets see the whole family of Army and Marine Snakes (what I wouldn't give to build a big J, T and W).  And how about a November and Yankee to go with them?  I can dream, can't I?

     

    Semper,


    Ski

  3. 8 hours ago, Eagle Driver said:

    Yeah. Almost everything should be with raised rivets actually :)

     

    Is there experts on AH-1Z here? Could anyone give an opinion that is based on serious research and understanding of the helicopter? I have no info about that bird, besides the fact that I like it. I like the moulds too, but I would like to hear some experts talk on that matter. 
    Thank you!

     

     

    When I retired in 2014, the West Coast was about halfway through the Z transition (and already entirely UH-1Y).  So far the sprue shots look great, and the rivets are sublime.  There are a few shortfalls I can see, but nothing major (gun oversimplified, LAU-7s would look fine with AIM-9s, but empty they're not accurate due to the attachment tabs for the missiles, seats look pretty sparse, AIM-9 wings have a strange square cutout looking thing, etc).  Add some wiring to the tail and main rotor heads, replace the APU exhaust with some brass tubing, and add a "secondary comm tube" to the underside of the fuselage and you're good to go!  I'll certainly pick one (or more) up as soon as they're available and drop everything to build it.  This thing's gonna be pretty sick.

     

    Semper,

     

    Ski

  4. I will do a in flight crew. However, the clear visor on top of helmet will be plain grey resin, you will have to paint it helmet colour (white or camo like here) and put a relatively thick layer of gloss warnish on top.

    Great news! It is possible to just do one visor though. I never flew with two visors, only the dark one. I knew lots of crewmen that did this as well.

     

    Ski

  5. Hey Norbert,

     

    Absolutely love your products, keep them coming!

     

    Any chance of getting the US Navy helo crew with visors down? With maxillofacial shields? I love how the US Army crews turned out, but I'd like the same options with the Navy crew members. Not only would they look great, but it would help those of us who are challenged when it comes to painting eyes!

     

    Cheers,

     

    Ski

  6. Good LORD, they packed a lot of detail in on this thing, I hope the fit is better than the ol' Dragon kit.  Rivets or not, it's a must have for me.  One thing I found odd, however; the first marking options show a 6-bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor.  I don't see any provisions for these in the sprues, only the 5-main and 2-tail version.  I do see 6 main rotor blades, but not the associated head.

     

    Re: the crew, I wonder if the Reedoak figures for the H-60 would work.

     

    Thanks for sharing!

     

    Ski

  7. I'll be there for sure! And by the way, it's on Saturday May 27th, not the 29th. It's 10 miles from my house, and well worth it! I've attended the last three, and they get better every year. They might even have a surprise in store for all you Tamiya fans, particularly in light of their recent announcement :)

     

    Semper,

     

    Ski

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