1⁄35
Snake Bite! - AH-1W Super Cobra

a build story by Tommaso Porro
13
Comments
Armament
After assembling the 20mm 197 gun from kit I compared it with my pics and I was really disappointed. I said to myself “I can’t put that on my helo!”... so I decided to scratchbuild it. I used two different diameter copper tubes and a hypodermic needle for the barrel end (photo .23 - .24 and .25): the result rewarded the hard work!

Last but not least, I replaced AGM 114 Hellfire missiles of the kit (they don’t have the clear nose) with others coming from the Academy Black Hawk “DAP”.

Rotors
On the main rotor I just replaced the blade pitch control rods of the kit with two rods I scratch-built with copper tube - certainly stronger than the plastic items. Then I added some bolts coming from the VP resin set (photo .26 and .27).

On the tail rotor I replaced the plastic mast with a brass pin and I set the counterweights coming from the Eduard's photoetched set (assembling them was really stressful because of their small size!). As for the main rotor, I added resin bolts to the blade root attachments (photo .28 and .29). On the main blades I replaced the drag links (photo .30).

  • Super_Cobra_23
  • Super_Cobra_24
  • Super_Cobra_25
  • Super_Cobra_26
  • Super_Cobra_27
  • Super_Cobra_28
  • Super_Cobra_29
  • Super_Cobra_30

About the Author

About Tommaso Porro (tommaso66)
FROM: TRIESTE, ITALY

I'm a 39 years old modeller.. Unfortunately my engagements leave me less modelling time than I want!! As many of you I started building models in the 70's with first 1/72 Airfix kits. My favourite subjects are WWII 1/35 armours figures and dioramas... but now big helicopters too!


Comments

ShermiesRule
Great helo. Love the detail
FEB 12, 2006 - 06:28 AM
Mozam
All I can say is WOW. That is truely amazing. Nice work.
FEB 12, 2006 - 08:55 PM
tommaso66
Hi guys, thanks all for your appreciation.... I enjoy sharing my job! but above all thanks to Rowan who helped me to edit the article! Tom
FEB 13, 2006 - 01:30 AM
ghostdog01
OUTSTANDING!!!!
FEB 13, 2006 - 01:33 AM
mother
Hello Tommaso, That is an excellent article you did, love the step by step detail work as with the photos. As for the detail…great eye, nicely done. Your paint and wreathing looks suburb. I like the look of well worked helicopters and you captured this one well. I have one just about half done and seeing yours has me inspired to bring mine back out. Thanks for the super article. Joe
FEB 13, 2006 - 03:41 AM
GunTruck
Pretty darned nice execution and finish! This is one I'd love to see in person. Great job! Gunnie
FEB 13, 2006 - 03:59 AM
ponpon400
great work !!
FEB 14, 2006 - 12:21 AM
tommaso66
Thanks Mother, too kind... and Gunnie, I loved your Shermans, now I'm building my first one for a dio... I'll show you when finished! Tom
FEB 14, 2006 - 02:03 AM
JoJo120mms
I save these words for very few things in life... Absolutely Awe Inspiring Amazing! Extremely good job Tommaso. I'm in love with not only the cockpit detailing, but the engine and rotor work as well... The way you assembled the minigun is ingenious and the metallic blue heads of the missles in thier pods have my eyes popping out! The finish on the overall paintjob is fantastic as well! Now that's what I want my mods to look like!
MAR 04, 2006 - 09:59 AM
tommaso66
Thanks of appreciation Joseph , I'm happy you enjoy my work! practice + patience... and you'll get it! Tom
MAR 04, 2006 - 05:14 PM
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Copyright ©2021 by Tommaso Porro. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely the views and opinions of the authors and/or contributors to this Web site and do not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of AeroScale, KitMaker Network, or Silver Star Enterrpises. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved. Originally published on: 2006-02-12 00:00:00. Unique Reads: 38089