Out2gtcha Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 30 minutes ago, Dave Williams said: Not sure what the issue is here. I think the initial problem was Bryan was replacing the kit part with metal tube and was not sure how to bend it. From looking at the pic, it looked ovalized to me, but obviously just the angle of the pic makes it look like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durangokid Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 5 hours ago, phantomdriver said: Miniature plumber's pipe benders...... and yes, they are made in smaller sizes below 9mm... https://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/product/tube-bending-springs-k-and-s-metals-ks321 I almost missed your post... Thanks for the info! 17 minutes ago, Out2gtcha said: I think the initial problem was Bryan was replacing the kit part with metal tube and was not sure how to bend it. From looking at the pic, it looked ovalized to me, but obviously just the angle of the pic makes it look like that. Yeah it's round, I gave a bad example. I'm looking into the K&S pipe benders that phantomdriver told me about. Out2gtcha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out2gtcha Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 That particular pic is a bit decieving. Just out of curiosity, is bent to the starboard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Williams Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 (edited) http://svsm.org/gallery/ah1z/P1430440 http://svsm.org/gallery/ah1z/P1430444 http://svsm.org/gallery/ah1z/P1430471 Edited May 9, 2019 by Dave Williams Out2gtcha, blackbetty and Durangokid 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out2gtcha Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 10 minutes ago, Dave Williams said: http://svsm.org/gallery/ah1z/P1430471 Thats the one I was looking for! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfighter Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Great job so far! I am working on the kit as well. You may want to check the tail boom - there are some parting lines at the lower rear which should be removed before painting. Overall tolerances are extremely tight due to very precise engineering - make sure there is no paint or so on the gluing surfaces as this will cause problems. The cockpit is not very accurate indeed, especially the area behind the rear seat. It is pretty difficult to find good pics, so I just added a few wires and some rivets to the cockpit sides and the instrument coamings. I have used seat belts from the Eduard AH-1W kit. Not 100% accurate but the look the part... By the way, if you have to replace or add raised rivets on the fuselage, there are perfectly suited ones on an Archer sheet. I have to check which one it is when I'm back home. The stencils being too light is very annoying... I have ordered the Werner's Wings decals as the Flying Leatherneck decals will be available too late for me. Dave agreed to cut masks for my preferred version, though... let's see! Looking forward to seeing more of your progress ! Out2gtcha and Durangokid 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grissom Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Thanks for posting your build, Bryan. You've pointed out some issues and tips that haven't been covered in other posts so many people will benefit from your post. I think you're being a bit harsh on yourself about your scratch made seat belts - I think they look good. I'm also a big fan of thinning kit parts, which elevates the model to a higher level and doesn't cost anything other than time and effort. You've really improved the appearance of the kit in this respect. I like Academy's approach to this kit and I think it's smart from a business perspective (which is why they exist, after all). They've focussed on good engineering and fit, as well as lovely exterior detail. Obviously they've reduced the cost of manufacture and the RRP by omitting a lot of internal parts and detail - extras most buyers probably aren't interested in. I think Academy has pitched this at two distinct markets to optimise their sales. The first market is the lucrative 'high volume sales' market of those who don't buy very expensive kits but want attractive, detailed subjects that are relatively simple and enjoyable to build. The second market is the discerning modeller who uses the kit as a base for a project incorporating aftermarket accessories. I think they've covered both bases really well. I really hope Academy profit nicely from this kit, so they can develop and sell an AH-1G version of this classic helicopter. Just my two cents worth... Out2gtcha, johncrow and Durangokid 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crobinsonh Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Great build - and very useful to boot regarding all the tips. Durangokid 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Williams Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Where are these Werner’s Wings decals? On their website I only see decals for Army and USAF helos in 1/35 scale. Durangokid 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durangokid Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 (edited) 12 hours ago, Starfighter said: Great job so far! I am working on the kit as well. You may want to check the tail boom - there are some parting lines at the lower rear which should be removed before painting. Overall tolerances are extremely tight due to very precise engineering - make sure there is no paint or so on the gluing surfaces as this will cause problems. The cockpit is not very accurate indeed, especially the area behind the rear seat. It is pretty difficult to find good pics, so I just added a few wires and some rivets to the cockpit sides and the instrument coamings. I have used seat belts from the Eduard AH-1W kit. Not 100% accurate but the look the part... By the way, if you have to replace or add raised rivets on the fuselage, there are perfectly suited ones on an Archer sheet. I have to check which one it is when I'm back home. The stencils being too light is very annoying... I have ordered the Werner's Wings decals as the Flying Leatherneck decals will be available too late for me. Dave agreed to cut masks for my preferred version, though... let's see! Looking forward to seeing more of your progress ! Great advice sir and unfortunately I totally missed the lines on the tail boom. Luckily they are very faint so it should be fairly easy to remove. So far I haven't really needed to replace any rivets since the fit has been fantastic. There is a small area on the bottom of the tail boom where they have been removed from sanding. I didn't replace them since it's on the bottom and not really seen much. This is the area I'm talking about. 9 hours ago, Grissom said: Thanks for posting your build, Bryan. You've pointed out some issues and tips that haven't been covered in other posts so many people will benefit from your post. I think you're being a bit harsh on yourself about your scratch made seat belts - I think they look good. I'm also a big fan of thinning kit parts, which elevates the model to a higher level and doesn't cost anything other than time and effort. You've really improved the appearance of the kit in this respect. I like Academy's approach to this kit and I think it's smart from a business perspective (which is why they exist, after all). They've focussed on good engineering and fit, as well as lovely exterior detail. Obviously they've reduced the cost of manufacture and the RRP by omitting a lot of internal parts and detail - extras most buyers probably aren't interested in. I think Academy has pitched this at two distinct markets to optimise their sales. The first market is the lucrative 'high volume sales' market of those who don't buy very expensive kits but want attractive, detailed subjects that are relatively simple and enjoyable to build. The second market is the discerning modeller who uses the kit as a base for a project incorporating aftermarket accessories. I think they've covered both bases really well. I really hope Academy profit nicely from this kit, so they can develop and sell an AH-1G version of this classic helicopter. Just my two cents worth... Thanks Grissom! Well said about Academy's approach to this and I couldn't agree more. They really struck a good balance especially considering the price. 8 hours ago, Dave Williams said: Where are these Werner’s Wings decals? On their website I only see decals for Army and USAF helos in 1/35 scale. I couldn't find them either but someone said to send him an email. I sent one yesterday so I'll let you know when I hear something back. Thanks for all the comments and great advice fellas!!! Bryan Edited May 10, 2019 by Durangokid added photo Starfighter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durangokid Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Here is a close up of the intake/engine/exhaust area. Most of the photos I've seen don't have this panel line visible so I'm fairly sure is doesn't belong there. Maybe someone that know more about this can comment. I actually didn't even know it was there until I started the decals. One thing to note is I didn't need any filler nor did I have to sand anything for this entire area. Great job Academy! I'm still not sure what to do about the decals. I'm debating stripping the whole thing or just removing the bigger decals. Either way it's a pain and I'm open to suggestions... Bryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcel111 Posted May 12, 2019 Share Posted May 12, 2019 Bryan, beautiful build. Your patchy look is spot on, just a bummer about the decals. I would put the project aside until you have the decals you need. Cheers, Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadowmare Posted May 12, 2019 Share Posted May 12, 2019 i think this line isn't visible on real heli: It is one-piece engine cover which can be open Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Roof Posted May 12, 2019 Share Posted May 12, 2019 On 5/10/2019 at 5:01 PM, Durangokid said: Here is a close up of the intake/engine/exhaust area. Most of the photos I've seen don't have this panel line visible so I'm fairly sure is doesn't belong there. Maybe someone that know more about this can comment. I actually didn't even know it was there until I started the decals. One thing to note is I didn't need any filler nor did I have to sand anything for this entire area. Great job Academy! I'm still not sure what to do about the decals. I'm debating stripping the whole thing or just removing the bigger decals. Either way it's a pain and I'm open to suggestions... Bryan There is no panel line there, should be smooth. Out2gtcha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfighter Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 The raised line on the engine cover is a parting line and should be removed. I have mostly added rivets in areas where it was not technically possible include them in the moulds - nose top or those around the APU exhaust. Out2gtcha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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