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Modern (1975-today): USA
Modern aircraft of the United States.
Hosted by Jim Starkweather
Anybody built a 1/48 AH-64A Apache kit?
Tin_Can
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Florida, United States
Joined: January 26, 2002
KitMaker: 1,560 posts
AeroScale: 750 posts
Posted: Monday, October 28, 2002 - 02:49 PM UTC
If you have which one was it and how did you like it. I'm building one as a christmas present for my brother-in-law who fly's them in the Army and want to make sure I get the best kit. I've found a review for the Hasegawa AH-64A and the review says it was the best one available. I'm specifically looking for the 'A' model so no 'D's'. Thanks.
TOMCAT14
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Warszawa, Poland
Joined: October 10, 2002
KitMaker: 312 posts
AeroScale: 0 posts
Posted: Monday, October 28, 2002 - 11:51 PM UTC
Hi , Bryan

Yes I done - one of MY AH-64 from Academy in 1:48 scale , for now only Hasegawa is little better - and I have also this kit . Both are very nice but Academy I think is cheaper .
In Academy set You have nice engraved panel lines , weapons , Open or Closed canopy , orginal "gumy" Tires ; with some Photo-etched parts it looks perfect - also price !
Is really hard to compare Academy and Hasegawa - both are very nice , Hasegawa's product is newest on the market - have more cocpit , wheel , gun details , but price is High !!!
If I could advice please look on eachother and choose one of them , both deserve for modeler collection.

Best Regards
YodaMan
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United States
Joined: February 21, 2002
KitMaker: 1,561 posts
AeroScale: 0 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 - 03:46 AM UTC
Brian, FSM reviewed either the Hasegawa or Academy (sorry, don't remember which) and gave it high marks. The only complaints were that some sub assemblies were tricky to put together... But hey; that's what makes it a model, right?
I've build an Apache kit made by Monogram, and here's my recommendation: Don't get it! More than anything the fit is just awful ...

Cool gift ideas, though! (:-) Ho ho ho....

YodaMan
Tin_Can
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Florida, United States
Joined: January 26, 2002
KitMaker: 1,560 posts
AeroScale: 750 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 - 12:52 PM UTC
Tomcat and Yoda, thanks for that info! That was exactly what I needed to hear! I had heard the Academy kit was good but wasn't sure how good but the price is right. I was hesitant to look at the Monogram kits because of their usual low quality. I'll have to go back through my FSM's to find that review.

Tomcat, to clear up something about your post. Does the academy kit come with PE or were you saying that the addition of PE makes it just that much nicer. Thanks.
TOMCAT14
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Warszawa, Poland
Joined: October 10, 2002
KitMaker: 312 posts
AeroScale: 0 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 - 05:38 PM UTC
Hi ,
Dear Bryan

Yes I own You an explanation about PE parts , Yes it looks more nice if we put something to this set , Academy only give us fine "gummy" tires , about PE : I bought Eduard PE to express more beauty of My Apache -physical aspects : PRICE WAS HIGH , beacause working on it was longer than I thought , About financial : all cost = Academy APACHE + PE parts are lower than Hasegawa set .

PS : Academy set contains also parts to upgrade AH-64 to first Longbow version (only Radar) but without any electronical compartment So... Your Brother will be very satysfied with gift like that , ....I was

I hope it helps
Best Regards and Greetings from Poland to all Model Maniacs
Tin_Can
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Florida, United States
Joined: January 26, 2002
KitMaker: 1,560 posts
AeroScale: 750 posts
Posted: Saturday, November 09, 2002 - 06:25 AM UTC
Well, after some scouting of the local hobby stores and looking at prices online (retailers and ebay) I finally bid on and won the new Hasegawa 1/48 AH-64A Apache for the gold ole price of $20. That's $25 better than any store in this area.
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
AeroScale: 287 posts
Posted: Saturday, November 09, 2002 - 10:44 AM UTC
I bought a Monogram Apache a long time ago (more than 10 yrs?) and it fit well. I bought another a few years ago for $2.90 at a Toys R Us on clearance and it was the same kit, but the fit wasn't as good. Maybe the molds had gone bad or quality slipped once production was sent south of the border.
Cryptkeeper
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United States
Joined: November 19, 2002
KitMaker: 1 posts
AeroScale: 0 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 06:59 AM UTC
Tin Can I have built more then a few Apaches in my time and I must say that the HASEGAWA kits are the best so far, IMO. The "A -Alpha" AH-64 Apache in 1/48 by Hasegawa is the best available, but a bit expensive. Eduard and Aires make a flawless cockpit detail set. I recomened you try those as well, if you wish. The instructions and decals are very good ad there alot of parts, 296 pieces!

check out HKN at --www.5chr.freeserve.co.uk
Tin_Can
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Florida, United States
Joined: January 26, 2002
KitMaker: 1,560 posts
AeroScale: 750 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 11:51 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Tin Can I have built more then a few Apaches in my time and I must say that the HASEGAWA kits are the best so far, IMO. The "A -Alpha" AH-64 Apache in 1/48 by Hasegawa is the best available, but a bit expensive. Eduard and Aires make a flawless cockpit detail set. I recomened you try those as well, if you wish. The instructions and decals are very good ad there alot of parts, 296 pieces!

check out HKN at --www.5chr.freeserve.co.uk


That's good info to know considering that's what I wound up getting and am just waiting for it to come in. Thanks.
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