Meng 1/35 AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter
Hello fellow modelers! How ironic that I got back into modeling in 2020 during COVID to keep my sanity and I'm now wrestling with my 3rd round of COVID as I finished this build. Such is the world we now live in. But sick time and holiday down-time gave me time to finish this Meng AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter that I started a few months ago. The Army National Guard in Salt Lake City flies Apaches near our home quite a bit, and I can see why they are feared by opposing forces - that is one intimidating aircraft and inspired me to build this model. Both Takom and Meng offer the Apache in 1/35 scale, but I stayed with Meng since I had a positive experience with a recent F-18D Super Hornet build.
A few hiccups along the way, but I tried practicing patience as there are many, many small pieces required for assembly on this kit, particularly the engines, rotors, sensors, handles, probes, and armament. Applying chrome silver dry brushing over Alclad metal steel on the engines, struts and rotor assemblies brought out nice detail. Tamiya XF-67 NATO Green was applied over the body, followed by a black wash and then a blend of white/XF-67 dry brushing to bring out tons of rivet detail.
One major takeaway is that the nice canopy masks (inside & out) provided do not adhere well in colder temperatures; my model room has an exhaust hood with a vent to the window, and given the cold weather we're experiencing, the cold room temp kept curling the edges of the masks. Ultimately my canopy panel work wasn't as crisp as I'd like it to be, but another lesson learned.
I sourced some after-market decals and seat belts, otherwise everything else if out of the box. I was surprised at how easily the white canopy Meng decals went on, no problems at all. No lost or broken parts, and the only fit miscues were on my part; I was pleased at Meng's quality, sturdiness, and the instructions were decent.
On to the F-4E Phantom that I've been anxious to get started on...
Thanks for looking and keep modeling!
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- 1. I should have completed canopy painting immediately after applying the masks; the cold weather caused them to curl and this hurt the quality, sharpness of the canopy lines.
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- 1. The mini vice was perfect for bending the two brass ribs at 90 degrees. Black dry brushing seemed to work well on the orange strobe, bring out the cage detail.
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- 1. I used a toothpick w/ Tamiya dull red paint to apply the red outline of the sensors and optics. Doing so before final assembly definitely would've been easier.
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- 1. Grey 1500 Mr. Finisher applied to everything. Short of full-blown putty and extensive sanding, I find Tamiya's Liquid Finisher is fantastic for filling in minor gaps.
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- 1. Alclad steel followed by Testors chrome silver dry brushing seemed to work very well on the engines, struts, and rotor detail.
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- 1. Awesome cockpit detail on this Apache, including 2 M-4 rifles.
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- 1. I think it was another modeler's suggestion, but using white tape with large black lettering to more easily identify sprue trees was very helpful.
Great build Joe ๐ hope you kick the Covid bug quickly ๐
Thanks, Guy. My wife has it too, we're both staying isolated & taking it easy!
Hey Covid Joe (@jroamer),
Man, I hope you're feeling better now ๐
Your Apache looks awesome. I love the detail in it. You have created a very realistic looking model there. mate - well done ๐
Thanks, Scott...appreciate it!
Cool looking Apache, Joe, Iโm a fan of Meng kits, too. Take care in this cold weather and get well soon.
Thanks, George. The F-4E is Meng too; guess after the Kinetic F-104 experience I'm going back to the brand I'm comfortable with.
Impressive looking Apache D
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superb level of detail and paintwork on display. Amazing job!
Thanks, David...it was a fun build, a nice addition to my showcase!
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Excellent work on that chopper, Joe. @jroamer
Thanks, John. A far cry from my first Huey when I was about 13 yrs old!
Excellent Apache, Joe! Canopy frames look great from here.
Looking forward to your Phantom!
Thanks, Spiros! I was going to skip the skinny white canopy decals, but I was amazed at how well they behaved. And they helped cover-up some of the canopy issues, so all good!
The Apache looks great, Jpe @jroamer
Very nice detailing.
Wishing you a quick recovery.
Thanks, John. I bought & tried liquid chrome pens and found them to be very effective on the rotor shaft and landing struts; something I hadn't tried before. Always learning...
Covid sucks...one Chinese import we could have done without.
Nice job chap. It's a difficult machine to make look right as they pick up so much c**p down low. Bloody hard to see from above too.
We do occasionally see them locally however ours are thin on the ground as the corps converts onto the E block aircraft.
I was still in the corps as we were tendering for a Lynx replacement and I had to admit most thought it unlikely we would get the 64...fast forward 30 odd years and the corps set some records and in its various forms, it's the most popular AH about...if you are on the right side.
Sadly one of our newly delivered Es was blown on its side last week. A freak accident as the 2 either side didn't even have any blade sail...ouch.
A far cry from our first glimpse of the A models in Germany...
Nice job matey. Get well soonest๐
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
I lost a few family members to it, so I couldn't agree more. I have strong opinions on the matter, but this isn't the forum. Wow, that is quite a picture of a sideways Apache! Hopefully some new blades, duct tape, rivets & realignment put it right back into action. ๐ค
Good looking Apache, Joe @jroamer! Well done, indeed! ๐
Thanks, Gary. Happy New Year, hope you are well my friend!
Great job !
I will soon build the Saraf, green is so sad lol
Thanks, Olivier. Yeah, it's an Army chopper, so not a lot of fancy paintwork. I thought the Tamiya NATO Green was too "green" at first, but the black panel wash & weathering toned it down a bit.
That's a good looking build! Thanks for sharing.
Rod
That is a great-looking build! Lots of nice detail - well done.