Barber 52, A Gothic Serpent AH-6J

[Uncarina]

I've started the Kitty Hawk 1/35 AH-6J, modeling it as Barber 52, the only FLIR-equipped Little Bird (90-25362) that played an active role in Operation Gothic Serpent, Mogadishu Somalia. I'm using the Werner's Wings upgrade set which provides the correct cyclics, the avionix boxes behind the pilot seats, the electrical boxes behind the cockpit bulkhead, ammo chutes, and the sail antenna. I'm also using the Werner's Wings FLIR set and downturned exhaust. I've ordered rivets from Archer's Transfers, and have loaded up on black paint!

 

The kit is a challenge, with abundant flash on most parts, parts that are supposed to be inserted in missing holes, omissions and mistakes in the instructions. However, the fit is great overall and I'm having fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers,  Tom

 

 

Edited July 17, 2020 by Uncarina

[John1]

Great subject, I’ll be following this one for sure.  Didn’t know Werner released the “sugar scoop” IR suppressor.   If you get a chance, I’d love to see a picture of it.    Impressed by the quality of the resin, Floyd does some nice work.   

[Uncarina]

Thanks John! Here’s a link: https://wernerswings.com/products, and I plan to add a few reference photos as the build progresses.

 

Cheers,  Tom

[Uncarina]

I've managed to finish and paint most of the interior. I added outer panels to the weapons pylons, first aid kits, and details to the left collective since Kitty Hawk didn't add them. Otherwise, I painted with Tamiya Rubber Black, added a wash mix of black oils and Mig pastel pigment, and a drybrush with dark grey paint. Looking forward to getting the fuselage finished!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers,  Tom

Edited July 24, 2020 by Uncarina

[John1]

Looking good, where did the seatbelts come from?  Kit or aftermarket?

[Uncarina]

Thanks John! They’re from the kit. I annealed them first over a candle to make them more pliable, then attempted to drape them as I’ve seen in some reference photos.

 

Cheers,  Tom