Apache AH-64E - Takom

[GCB]

Started the assembly with the rotor.
Quite tricky due to lack of instructions and the need to look at pictures or other modelers who completed same or similar kit...
Very detailed :25 pieces to assemble this small sub-assembly, which will not even be visible.

 

[wjbrandel]

Nice job

 

[GCB]

Thanks.

 

[GCB]

A bit of progress...
Cockpit ready and dry fitting fuselage.

 

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Another view of the cockpit

 

[wjbrandel]

Darn good paint job

 

[athabascamaverick]

I think you could download instructions from scalemates.com

 

[GCB]

Thanks.
Scalemates provide a copy of the Takom instructions, that I have. But they are very vague and for some parts, no real precisions where to install.
But going slowly and making some research, will get me there eventually...

 

[blakeh1]

control panels look perfect, also love those seats/seat belts

 

[GCB]

Merci!
3d decal are from Red Fox and seat belts from Eduard.

 

[GCB]

Moving ahead: rotor head (69 parts!) and tail completed and painted, only missing some weathering.
Also, while working on the main fuselage, I did the chain gun and radar (longbow).
Next steps will be adding all the little parts on the fuselage, installing canopy and start painting.

 

[GCB]

Rotor head: before and after painting

 

[GCB]

Tail rotor

 

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Chain gun

 

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And the radar

 

[GCB]

Gents,
Got a major issue while finishing the Takom Apache kit..
After painting and light weathering, I applied a coat of VMS Matt varnish.... and got the decals pealing and white marks appearing....

I used:
Primer: Mr Hobby, finishing surfacer 1500 black
Paint: AK real color Halo green thinned with AK thinner
Gloss varnish: Mr Hobby Super Clear (spray)
Decals: Caracal decals applied with Micro set and Micro Sol
Weathering: oil (Abteilung)

Final varnish: VMS Matt applied directly from the bottle (no thinner)

Any idea what happened??

 

[GCB]

Here after primer and pre shading

 

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Here after final paint and VMS varnish (problems on following pics). looking "ok" from far

 

[GCB]

And the problems after the VMS varnish.
White marks and decal issues (there was not silvering before applying the VMS varnish)

 

[GCB]

Forgot to add that after I applied the decals, I waited 2 days before doing the light weathering and then wait again 3 days before applying the varnish...