Eurocopter HAP Tiger

 

 

 

 

 

Pilot's seat 

Surgery needed - it turns out that the figures were too tall for the cockpit unless I lowered the floor. So the guides for the cockpit floor panels went the way of the excess stabilizer. The crew figures also needed some surgery to fit properly - probably should've taken the figures from Monogram's AH-1S Cobra gunship since they're identical to the Apache crew but smaller. 

Had some issues dry brushing the instrument panels because the paint was very tacky.
 

 

Dry brushing the red buttons on the cyclics was more successful. 

 

Pilot. Surgery was needed to change the angle of his legs so he fit. If you look closely you can see where I accidentally amputated his left leg. 

Weapons Systems Officer 

Surgery needed - the rear stabilizer does not stick out beyond the twin rudders. 

Side view of the stabilizer overhang. 

Rotor blade painting issues. Pre-sanded with 2000 grit sandpaper, then brush painted with Model Master Acrylic FS34087 properly thinned, but this was the result after 3 coats of paint. In some places the paint immediately became tacky and rubbed off; in other places it went on without issue; yet other places it was very gloppy and/or bubbly. Hopefully I can salvage them by sanding down the paint rather than having to strip and start again 

Another view. If you have any suggestions on how to fix or avoid this in the future, I'd love to hear them. 

 

Gonna use some UH-60A photoetch to improve the tail rotor detail. 

The Apache pilots were too tall, so the cockpit doesn’t sit flush. Slight panel gap to fill… 

Looks better on the right side. Not sure how I’ll fix the front though. Then again, this kit isn’t the most faithful representation of a Tiger to begin with. 

Finally getting close to finished!  

Right side.  

Finished!!! 

Not sure "Tire Black" was the best color to use for the tires, ironically. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You'd never know it but there is a layer of flat clearcoat on the tail rotor. 

Close-up on the main rotor assembly. 

It may be silly, but I'm very pleased with how well this wing light turned out. 

 

 

Rear view.