TAKOM 1/35 AH-64 DI Saraf
Although I mostly and like to build biplanes from the WWI era, sometimes I allow myself to fly a little elsewhere and build something completely different for a break. The TAKOM AH-64 DI Saraf kit in 1/35 scale was supposed to be just that respite building. I have built only one helicopter in my life and that was Mi-24 Tiger meet Czcech air force. So AH-64 is my second venture. What to say about the kit? Beautiful moldings, accurate, detailed and most importantly, there are really, really many of them. While the moldings are beautiful, the build instructions are disastrous. Actually, it is more indicative. It contains errors, showing the location of the parts is completely useless in many cases, you can't even guess the correct fit. The construction itself, if you follow the instructions, is quite trouble-free. That is, except for storing the chassis and gluing the cabin cover. These two parts bugged me a bit, but it's possible that the fault was mine, not the manufacturer's. The model was a natural disaster for me. When applying the wash, I mistakenly used paint thinner, instead of white spirit, to wipe off the oil paints. I rubbed off some of the paint on the side and had to repair the whole side. Before it was completely finished I fell off my stand and the rear rotor shattered. I ended up using the wrong super glue when gluing the open cabin door. It was coming off the clear part of the glazing, so I spent about three hours using toothpaste and Tamyia polishing paste to polish the cabin with a cotton swab to remove the problem. So, AH-64 was no rest for me in the end. But after almost three months I finally finished it. Hopefully it's not a complete shame and at least someone will like it. Considering the circumstances, I am ultimately satisfied :-). Completed in March of this year. Accessories used: Resin exhausts - Kopecky scale models, shaft with electronics - Black dog, cannon, electronic equipment on the bow, 3D interior, weapons in the undercarriage - Reskit.
You’ve done a fine job, it looks great!
Thank you.
It looks really good, but it sounds like you found it to be a frustrating build.
Been there, done that. I feel your pain. Had more than a few models like that.
Thank you. I was really looking forward to that model. Through my own fault, I made it more complicated than I would have liked. But even that happens. 🙂
Excellent result on this challenging build, Pavel!
Thank you, so much.
Although this is not your usual kind of model, you did an amazing job, Pavel @pavelmat99
Your perseverance definitely helped in getting the best out of this kit.
Thank you, John.
Looks epic! This one is on my list and there is a Takom Facebook group with updated instructions!
Thank you. Finally, I worked my way through the instructions. At least it was adventurous. 🙂
Superb achievement !
you made a magnificent model...
I have this Takom kit waiting for me... lol
Thank you. Oliver. I tried for a good result. The kit is really nice and an interesting build. It is necessary to plan the subassemblies well. Then build, paint and patina each one. And then put it all together. I wish you success with your construction.
That is really nice! Love the paint work and weathering. Well done.
Thank you Greg. I like the surface to be realistic and show weathering and wear. Israeli AH-64s are mostly surface-damaged and dull from the sun and heat.
I built the Meng AH-64 and had my share of self-inflicted errors & challenges as well. Apache's fly near our home from a US Army base nearby and you can't help but watch 'em! Yours turned out awesome, love the optics & sensors on the nose, electronic and engine bays are nicely detailed, and the paint and weathering turned out fantastic. Nice job, Pavel!
Thank you very much, Joe. I am glad you like it. I tried according to the photos. The Israeli AH-64s are badly damaged by the sun. Usually even more than I dared on the model. 🙂 But I could only use photos. There are no AH-64s to be seen here. But they are beautiful machines. Even though I mainly build biplanes, I couldn't resist the AH-64. 🙂 There are two helicopters I can't resist. AH-64 and MI-24. I already have both built 🙂
Another outstanding job, difficulties and all. I think I may have to pick up this kit. Back when I went through the Army's turbine engine school, I got to see the Apache all opened up when we got to the T700 portion of our schooling, and the detail in this kit nails what I remember seeing. Great job, it's nice to see an Israeli scheme. I'm partial to desert camo ao any aircraft, and yours looks awesome.
Thank you, Clint. The kit is beautifully detailed. I like desert camouflages too. The Israeli one also appealed to me because the machines in Israel are heavily affected by the weather. This is fun to create on the model. Having worked with these beautiful machines, it will be all the more fun for you to create this machine as a model. I wrote a little more. AH-64 and Mi-24 are the two most beautiful helicopters for me. And I'm glad to have both in my collection. And both thanks to my family. I have one as a gift from my wife and the other from my mother. 🙂
@pavelmat99 WOW! Very very nice Pavel! Beautiful build