I built this as a
commission build for a friend. Initially, I wanted to use the Hasegawa kit as it
was more accurate straight from the box, but after finding none in the city of
Singapore, I had to settle with the next best, shape-wise, which was the Italeri
kit. This was my second time attempting this kit, and I was not much better off.
I had also intended to submit it for the Helo GB, but due to LITENING II pod
works and lack of stencils, it was delayed.
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The cockpit in the Italeri kit
represents an A model apache. D models are different in that there are 2 large
MFDs for the CPG and the pilot. I attempted to scratchbuild the MFDs. I also
junked a few pieces of the suggested cockpit, after viewing reference photos
RSAF birds also have a few other
external differences: the laser warning receivers on the tail boom and just
above the intakes; as well as a HF antenna on the tail boom. Furthermore, the
italeri kit had incorrectly shaped fuel tanks, of which I attempted to
correct. Alas, the grilles on the rear end of the fuel tank were not easy for
me to replicate and I left them off.
The kit was then
painted in standard US Army helo green, which to me was a mix of gunze 301,
olive drab, black, and FS36118. Reference photos showed that under strong
sunlight, the helo green looked more dark gray. Decals were a mix of custom
decals done on an inkjet, and Hasegawa kit stencils which were VERY kindly
provided to me by Andrew DeBoer.
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The pictures you see here were
taken with a flash, hence the washing out of the helo green. I resolve also to
only always build the Hasegawa apache from now on.
Happy 41st Birthday Singapore!
References:
- RSAF AH-64D '058' @ Asian
Aerospace 2006
David
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