1/48 Apache question

[hacker]

Having build both Revell A and D in 1/48 plus having the 1/48 Hasegawa D in the stash my next want is either the 1/48 Italeri or Academy D but which is better? Not having a opportunity to view one in the flesh l have to ask those who have. Main question is how good is the cockpit?

 

 

[Troffa]

Did someone say Apache?

 

The Academy kit is a retool of it's "A" Model kit, with additional sprue parts designed to represent the "Longbow" Apache, based on the then current Boeing "MSIP" (multi-stage improvement program) Apache.

 

The MSIP Apache was essentially an "A" Model with the Longbow International Fire Control Radar (FCR) on the mast extension above the main rotor head.

 

The Academy cockpit is that of an "A" model and portrays the multitude of Analogue dials of that model on the instrument panels, and includes the prominent Circuit Breaker panel that is installed in the Pilots (rear) cockpit on the left hand canopy arch. (this CB Panel is not present on the D)

This A model cockpit also  means that  prominent Dual display units in each cockpit  that define the D model are sadly lacking.

 

In common with several early "D" model kits, the Academy issue provides the builder with a sprue carrying the prominent D model side sponsons (termed "EFABS", for Extended Forward Avionics Bays). These new standard EFABS are designed to be installed over the Kits already moulded "A" model sponsons, which were much smaller, elongated teardrop shaped affairs.

 

Unfortunately, the MSIP Apache, whilst carrying the FCR, did not have the mahoosive Environmental Conditioning System (ECS) which is essentially two refrigeration systems (One each side of the aircraft)  designed to keep the much enhanced Avionics suite (and incidentally, crew stations) cool, especially when operating in hot and sandy climes.  This means that the Academy "D" model EFABS end at a point, aft of the stub wings, whilst the production standard EFAB ends in a blunt fairing that holds the large Heat exchangers and exhaust fans for the ECS system.

 

 

Above is one of Gary Steadman's excellent UK Apache  photographs from the BM Walkround section showing the aft end of the Stbd EFAB. The UK AH Mk1 has the same EFABS as a US AH64D . You can see the two exhaust fans on the aft end in a rough figure 8, plus the large Heat Exchanger (Think car Radiator) on the side of the EFAB, just forward of the exhausts.  Note also, the light green unit with 5 black dots, mounted just under the FCR Radome. This is separate Avionics system from the FCR, called the RFI, and is  reproduced rather poorly in the academy kit and not at all on the box art.

 

Below is a shot of the Academy Kit which illustrates the "Pointy" aft ends of the EFABS, lacking the ECS installation, aft of the stub wing trailing edge,  as tooled. 

 

 

 

The Academy kit was also re-issued as a limited edition by AFV Club, with etched details and new decals, unfortunately this edition of the kit did not address the fundamental issues with the base kit, with the etched fret for the cockpit still representing an Analogue "A" Model cockpit. Opportunity missed.

 

The Italeri kit is better, in that it's new EFABS are the correct configuration for a D model, but again the cockpit retains the anologue A model instrument suite.  After market sets from Eduard and Aires are available to correct this issue, but cost as much as the kits in question.

 

In short, in my opinion, you have already built the one of the  best two AH64D, that from Revell, which is the only kit (to my knowledge) that contains the UK HIDAS Defensive aids suite on an additional sprue.  Even though it too is based on the old Monogram kit, It has a D model cockpit out of the Box, as does the Hasegawa kit, which is considered by most to be the best example of this venerable gunship.

 

Hope that helps,

 

any questions, please post or PM if you prefer.

 

Cheers,

 

Troffa