AH-1W Super Cobra Build Log

1
March 31, 2025
2
March 31, 2025
✅ Step 1/5 done
3
March 31, 2025
Fixed screws with Super Glue under the cockpit for balance.
4
March 31, 2025
Painted the gatling gun with dark iron and masked it off until the end.
5
March 31, 2025
Fuselage assembled without problems.
Step 2/5 done.
6
April 1, 2025
Filling the gaps
7
April 1, 2025
All assembled and ready for priming

Step 4/5 ✅
8
April 2, 2025
Primer down - Mr. Surfacer 1500 Gray and it was the first time I have ever used my riveting tool, I hope the result will be visible enough.
9
April 4, 2025
Preshading done, the sanding the primer and afterwards painted the MRP-091 gray
10
April 4, 2025
I masked all the antennas after painting them black to make it easier for me.
11
April 4, 2025
This is my main reference photo, I'm so glad I found such a detailed photo of the Super Cobra.
12
April 4, 2025
The darker blue-gray has been applied as well on top to match the reference photos.
13
April 4, 2025
The blue-gray is Humbrol 145 enamel. Enamels are much more difficult to control with the airbrush for fine lines compared to lacquers but the result satisfies me.
14
April 4, 2025
It's a very slick helicopter.
15
April 6, 2025
Next up is the wash. I’m pretty sure the rivets I’ve done will start appearing with the wash.
16
April 6, 2025
The other day I discovered a really good technique for placing decals from Scaling Slav on Instagram and it worked wonders. I use Decal Fixing and then apply Decal Setting Solution with a brush instead of earbuds which were always giving me problems, residues and silvering. It's super easy just with a brush!
17
April 6, 2025
The kit has just a few decals, it’s such a pleasure to build such an easy kit after the Mi-8 beast in 1/48 scale.
18
April 7, 2025
Cobra getting its well deserved wash.
19
April 8, 2025
The wash has been cleaned with a cotton bud, I’m very glad to see that the rivets have showed up.
20
April 13, 2025
Step 3/5 ✅
Decals ✅
Weathering ✅
21
April 13, 2025
Step 5/5 ✅
Project completed!
22
April 13, 2025
23
April 13, 2025
24
April 13, 2025
25
April 13, 2025
26
April 13, 2025

Comments

36 31 March, 15:16

Finn
I'm in

31 March, 20:45

Cristian A Author
Thanks Finn, welcome 👍

31 March, 21:44

Neil
Me too! Looking good.

4 April, 09:55

Cristian A Author
Thanks Neil, welcome!

1 4 April, 15:12

Maksim Kurmaz
This Italeri kit is as old as mammoth s*t. I've built it twice in my early ages, and in my opinion, it is not worth your time. But you have it in your stash, so what would you do?

While it is painful a bit, currently I trash old kits and buy a replacement when it is available. Yeah, prices are much higher nowadays, but the result is much more rewarding.

1 7 April, 09:27

Cristian A Author
Hi Maksim, I actually really enjoyed building this old kit. It's not so bad in my opinion and as I've built it when I was a kid, it really brought back some nice memories and a feeling you get when meeting "an old friend". If you have old kits, instead of throwing them to the trash maybe I can save some that interest me and pay for their shipping 🙂

8 April, 09:12

Maksim Kurmaz
Well, I don't have kits from old days, I have some badly detailed from old molds, but probably they were not available in our childhood. I'll check.

8 April, 15:58

Cristian A Author
She's done! Promise to post better pictures as soon as I organize the needed things for that 😊 great project, about one week of easy work.

1 13 April, 16:35

Project info

AH-1W SuperCobra

26 images

1:72

Completed

1:72 AH-1T/W Super Cobra painting mask (KV Models 72266)

No Micro Cutting Pliers (Master Tools 09968)

Bell AH-1W Super Cobra

US Marine Corps Aviation (1912-now)
162532
FS36375 FS37038 FS34102

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