Just curious, anyone here working on the 1/35 Apache or Black Hawk / Pave Hawk models at this time? What'cha think so far with these kits?

Gunnie

I've never had any luck with helo's but there's an extensive review of the 1/48 Apache Longbow (PT23) by Hasegawa in this months FSM.

I'm hearing Hasegawa's 1/48 copter is awesome. Wish it was 1/35 scale...

Gunnie

From what I hear, the Hawks are lacking. Too bad they're not the same quality as the Cobra, Kiowa or Hueys.

Yeah Sabot - that's what I'm intrepreting from some sporadic belly-aching at rms. No matter, we're model builders after all - I'll cut into it!

Gunnie

The problem is that aircraft modelers are a pickier bunch than tank builders. Even Cookie Sewell makes the observation that aircraft are replaced by more high tech kits frequently and armor kits tend to stick around for decades. This is a kit where the two genres converge, a 1/35 scale helicopter appeals to us because we can use it with our M998s, M1A1s and other modern US vehicles. The aircraft modelers get it because it's new and big and generally a cool kit. They are the ones panning it. Of course, the actual pilots of the real things are complaining about lack of interior detail, ash tray missing, etc.
I do not know how the actual thing builds. I only care that it "looks" like a Black Hawk and fits properly.

Me too - I feel confident I can overcome the shortcomings, so much so I have all the 1/35 helicopter releases. I use to be an aircraft builder too, but don't remember ever being that picky - I was just thrilled to have a favorite subject to build in plastic.

Gunnie

Hey Gunnie,
Ive build both the BlackHawk and PaveHawk. Like the guys say, it lacks a lot of detail. It is deffinatly no a kit for the beginner. I could of taken some time and corrected all the missing items but I just wanted it off my work benc and on the shelf. Im just starting the IMEX 1/35 Apache. It too, is ok out of the box, but lacks just a little bit. Im going to start another Black Hawk and convert it inta a K version for another Somalia dio like I intended the first time. I just wish that there was some good figures for it like a complete crew and or some soldiersfor the back. I have a couple of pictures of the Hawk and Ill send them to Jim to post.

Thanks Epi! I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures. It sounds like the like the kit basically - but it is a "basic job". That doesn't disappoint me none, as I get the impression there's a lot of room for improvement and making the model unique...

Gunnie

Definatly room for inprovement. For instence, the PaveHawk, although has nice mini guns, its missing all the ammo chutes. The Black Hawk's troop seats are all missing belts. Little things like that. Im pretty sure Eduard has something in the works. Look how long it took them to get something out for the Trumpeter A10's after they where released.

Hey Gunnie,
I just found this sight, you'll defiently be interested.
http://specialoperations.com/Army/160th_SOAR/default2.html
It shows the BlackHawks and Little Birds and some stuff from th e Movie.

Thanks Epi - I'm heading that way...

Gunnie