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Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 4:51 pm
by Stikpusher
The most complicated stuff on the Apache is fed into the pilot and gunners helmet monocles.

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Each one has a cued in sighting system that traverses and elevates into whichever direction each aircrew member is looking. I’m pretty sure that the gun is cued to the gunners helmet, but the pilot can also employ it as well if need be.

Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 6:13 pm
by Stuart
Cool!

The pilots in the kit have those moulded in!

Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 6:43 pm
by Medicman71
Yeah it's a big difference to the current Apache Guardians. Pretty much everything has been replaced by CRT's.

Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 10:29 pm
by Stikpusher
Yes, I imagine they are going to “glass” IPs with all touch screen controls.

This is what the pilot and gunner see thru their monocles. It’s a HUD view. The IR can be switch to white hot or black hot where the hottest items in view are those colors respectively. The stuff of sci fi books and movies is pretty close to reality...

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Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 2:22 am
by Stuart
That is pretty blooming cool!

Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 8:03 am
by Stuart
So here are some photo's of the kit - all in all it doesn't look too bad. This kit is one of the few I remember building in my youth that I've always fancied having another stab at - the original came to a smelly end when it was almost finished...

...lets just say I learnt never to leave a half built kit in it's open box on the floor when there are cats in the house.... :bag:

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The cockpit will need a bit of work, ok so the real thing is a bit plain but the kit could do with a bit more detail.
Alas the PE set I bought was for a AH-64D so not a lot of help here.

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And here are it's old style instructions and decals. I'm still trying to source some spare but I might be able to use these without the YAH-64 markings and just make a 'generic' Apache as Carlos suggested.

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This is going to be pretty big when build - it'll probably take up more space than my Mirage 2000.

Cheers!

Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 10:35 am
by Stikpusher
Yes, the Apache is a tad bit longer than the Mirage 2000. But the rotor span in much wider.

I found somebody selling off some of the Monogram Apache kit decals on eBay. Pretty generic...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Decal-Sheet-Fo ... Sw9EleBMK3

Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 10:41 am
by Stikpusher
Oh and even on a generic Apache, you can really have fun with the paint. That Helo Drab weathers big time, and touch up paint can make it look quite blotchy.

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Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2020 5:30 am
by Stuart
Stikpusher wrote:Yes, the Apache is a tad bit longer than the Mirage 2000. But the rotor span in much wider.

I found somebody selling off some of the Monogram Apache kit decals on eBay. Pretty generic...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Decal-Sheet-Fo ... Sw9EleBMK3
I saw that but it doesn't look like the guy ships to the UK - I'll have to drop him a PM.

Thanks Carlos!

Re: Portman Productions 2020

Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2020 5:30 am
by Stuart
Stikpusher wrote:Oh and even on a generic Apache, you can really have fun with the paint. That Helo Drab weathers big time, and touch up paint can make it look quite blotchy.
:grin: Might be a bit beyond me but as I have two kits it might be worth a go.