1:72 AH-64A Apache

AH-64A Apache 1:72 (Revell)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the American attack helicopter in 1:72 scale from the manufacturer Revell. It is a model, not a finished toy, and it is supplied unassembled and unpainted.

The real subject

The AH-64 Apache is an American two-seat attack helicopter with a pair of turboshaft engines, a tandem cockpit and fixed landing gear. The A version is the original production standard, which entered service in the middle of the 1980s. The armament consists of a 30 mm automatic cannon under the forward fuselage, antitank guided missiles and unguided rockets on the stub-wing pylons. A characteristic feature of the A version is the targeting and night system in the forward fuselage; the later D versions received a mast-mounted radar, which the AH-64A does not have, so keep that in mind when building and when choosing accessories.

Building and painting tips

With a helicopter it pays to build and paint the cockpit before you close it up, because once the fuselage is glued together you cannot reach it. Mask the cockpit glazing, ideally with self-adhesive masks or with narrow adhesive tape, and glue it with cement for clear plastic so that it does not go matte. Glue the fuselage and the booms with liquid cement for plastic, then fill and sand the seams on the fuselage. Spray the dark olive shades over a primer, otherwise the result looks uneven. It is more practical to paint the rotor blades separately and fit them at the very end. Keep the weathering restrained, because chipping on the leading edges and a light wash in the panel lines is enough.

Who the model is for

• Those interested in modern helicopter machines
• Modelers of 1:72 scale who build display case groups
• Builders who want a manageable project for one or two weekends
• Collectors of American army machines of the 1980s and 1990s

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.