1/35 Boeing AH-64D/E Apache from Takom

[John1]

 

 

No idea which ones are D’s and which are E models. 

[Dave Williams]

5 minutes ago, John1 said:

 

 

No idea which ones are D’s and which are E models. 

You can look at the 1/48 scale sheet.

 

https://www.caracalmodels.com/cd48170.html

 

The US Ds and Es are the same as on that sheet.  New ones, not on the 1/48 sheet, are Es.

[John1]

39 minutes ago, Dave Williams said:

You can look at the 1/48 scale sheet.

 

https://www.caracalmodels.com/cd48170.html

 

The US Ds and Es are the same as on that sheet.  New ones, not on the 1/48 sheet, are Es.

Leaning towards one of the 101st helos. None of the subjects totally blows me away.   Hopefully Werner’s Wings finally releases their sheet before I’m done with the build and need to order something.   If Floyd hasn’t, I’ll grab the Caracal set.  

[Uncarina]

Now available for preorder, shipping starts Aug 18: https://caracalmodels.com/cd32026.html

 

Cheers,  Tom

[Dave Williams]

Ordered!

[John1]

Regarding the Caracal decals, not the most exciting selections for post OIF/OEF E-models but in fairness, I think the Army got a bit more conservative (if that's possible) since those days.  No more aircraft names for one thing.    I'm going to hold off until I get closer to the end of my build and see Werner's Wings has finally got their decals released.   Also sounded like from the FB page that a European outfit was supposed to be releasing decals for this kit next month.  Given that WW seems to take forever to get their decals released, I have a feeling I'll be going with the Caracal 101st selection with the reaper logo on the tail.  Time will tell....

 

On another note - while looking at some pictures, I noted that the real thing has some pretty visible anti-skid paint applied to the tops of those cheek sponsons and the wings.   The Takom parts are as smooth as a baby's butt.   Up to each modeler but to me, it's something that needs to be addressed.   Note in this detail shot, that waterproofing material that is slopped around the pilot's side window liberally and the black color of the non-skid.  Check your references for whatever you are building (assuming you can find pictures that show this area for your subject), this paint can either be black or CARC green (or one side in each color as a guy on FB posted pictures of). 

 

 

[Dave Williams]

Other than sharkmouths, are there really any exciting schemes for US AH-64D/Es?  Aren’t the options on the Caracal sheet pretty typical for the type?

[Uncarina]

That’s why I’m building Saraf and JGSDF versions. Regarding the antiskid texture, Mr Surfacer applied then stippled with a cut-off brush is a common technique.

 

Cheers,  Tom

[BloorwestSiR]

Hasegawa makes a self adhesive film that's textured. That should be good for recreating the antislip paint. 

[nichenson]

https://www.vms-supplies.com/vms-hull-tex-air

 

best surface texture for the scale.

Edited August 9, 2023 by nichenson

[Out2gtcha]

3 hours ago, nichenson said:

https://www.vms-supplies.com/vms-hull-tex-air

 

best surface texture for the scale.

 

 

Very cool............Just ordered some, thanks! 

[Uncarina]

...or here's another cheaper way:

 

 

1. spray Tamiya AS-12 as a primer, something for the anti-slip adhesive to grab;

2. paint Vallejo Surface Primer as the adhesive to a section at a time;

3. sprinkle aluminum oxide over the wet primer, then blow away the excess;

4. seal with another coat of paint.

 

 

Cheers,  Tom

Edited August 9, 2023 by Uncarina

[Uncarina]

As Postscript, if I wasn't creating anti-skid surfaces on multiple subjects I would just stick with the Mr Surfacer technique, since it has multiple uses besides this application.

 

Cheers,  Tom

[Bill Cross]

On 8/9/2023 at 12:55 PM, nichenson said:

https://www.vms-supplies.com/vms-hull-tex-air

 

best surface texture for the scale.

 

VMS products are very good and their customer service is outstanding. Excellent dulling spray.

Edited August 11, 2023 by Bill Cross
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[TankBuster]

The VMS texture looks good, BNA have it on pre order and I will pick some up to try when it comes in stock. Cheers.