discussion Steve's Hasegawa 1/72 AH-64A Apache Attack Helicopter

[HAWKERHUNTER]

A last minute change of direction for me on this one. I was going to do something from the space race period but had this bad boy kicking around in my stash for some time. I think it fits the criteria for "Iconic" Geoff as the Apache is a combat proven. battle tested piece of American military hardware feared by many and which is still regarded as the world's most advanced and proven attack helicopter. More pictures and spru shots will follow later.

 

[Geoffers]

A last minute change of direction for me on this one. I was going to do something from the space race period but had this bad boy kicking around in my stash for some time. I think it fits the criteria for "Iconic" Geoff as the Apache is a combat proven. battle tested piece of American military hardware feared by many and which is still regarded as the world's most advanced and proven attack helicopter. More pictures and spru shots will follow later.
View attachment 1285604

Yep it’s certainly iconic, good luck with the build

Geoff.

 

[Steven000]

Looking forward to this one Steve

 

[flyjoe180]

Nice one Steve. Truly an iconic American subject.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Should be able to get cracking with this one shortley.

 

[papa 695]

Nice one Steve. Just pulled up my chair.

 

[pjgtech]

Nice looking kit, following along...

 

[Geoffers]

Enjoy your build Steve, I will be following along

Geoff.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Nice one Steve. Just pulled up my chair.

Enjoy your build Steve, I will be following along

Geoff.

Nice looking kit, following along...

Nice to have you along chaps. Just trying to get my Mossie completed then I will make a start on this one.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Off and running at last. This is my first experience of a Hasegawa model so it will be an eye opener for me. Progress on the office and motors

All parts fitted together really nicely so far.


After the trouble I had with my last ventue I just had to do a dry fit with the cockpit into the fuzz. Fitted lovely, no issues at all.

I think I am going to enjoy this little heli.

 

[Jim R]

Apache helicopter - definitely iconic US. I hope the good fit of parts continues.

 

[Neil]

Well this looks a whole lot easier than the Mossie. The perfect antidote to a 'challenging' kit. Looking forward to this one.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

The perfect antidote to a 'challenging' kit.

You read my mind Neil.

 

[flyjoe180]

Off to a good start Steve. Sounds like you are having a good experience with the Hasegawa kit.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Off to a good start Steve. Sounds like you are having a good experience with the Hasegawa kit.

Thanks Joe. Yes, so far so good. For too long I have been blinkered into using Revell or Airfix so its time to expand my horizons and see what else is out their.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Office painted in matt black. I then coated the area where the decals were going to be applied with a coat of gloss. I am not sure how old the decals are, they have a date of 1992 but the box art of this model came out around 1999-2000. To avoid any issues with the decals I gave them a coat of decal film to be on the safe side. Decals were applied without any issues.

Next up I attached the engine nacelles to the fuzz sides and joined the two fuzz halves together


Next up was to assemble the stub wings and rotor blades


The model comes with a pilot and co pilot/gunner. I dont normally bother with pilots especially in this scale but may have a go at painting them up in the below colours


Thats it for now.

 

[flyjoe180]

Good to hear the decals went on without bother Steve. Nice progress. The pilots will look great in that outfit.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

I am not usually one for putting pilots into models. Generally I feel the model looks more realistic without probably because I dont have the skills for fine detailing, faces etc especially in 1/72 scale. But the Apache has a huge cockpit space and lacks detail so I thought I would have a go with the pilot and weapons officer/co pilot.

I have deviated away from the instructions green suited color guide and gone with my own design to replicate the flying suits we often see.

Started off with primer and then used some Games workshop acrylic Flesh for faces. Then I toned down some Revell matt 17 Africa brown with some matt white to make a very light shade of brown Put this on as the base coat.

Next I applied Matt 17 as it comes out the tin. I used a cocktail stick and pin to dab it on.

I then toned down some Revell 83 Rust Matt using matt white and put that on in light dabs. Ended up with this.



Not brilliant but they will do. Ill give them a coat of gloss and pop a wash into the face and then a light dry brush to finish and they can go in.

 

[flyjoe180]

The camouflage has turned out well Steve

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

The camouflage has turned out well Steve

Looks better in real life Joe.