1:48 AH-1T Sea Cobra

Bell AH-1T Sea Cobra 1:48 (Italeri)

A plastic kit of the American attack helicopter Bell AH-1T Sea Cobra in 1:48 scale from the Italian brand Italeri. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted, and glue and paints are not included in the package. With helicopters the 1:48 scale is a pleasant compromise: the model is large enough for detail in the cockpit, yet it still fits into an ordinary display case.

The real subject

The AH-1 Cobra was the first production attack helicopter in the world, built on the dynamic components of the Huey. The US Marine Corps insisted on two engines for safety over the sea, and that is how the naval branch of the type came about. The AH-1T version received a more powerful coupled powerplant, a lengthened fuselage and tail boom and a strengthened transmission, so it could carry more armament than the older machines. It was the direct forerunner of the later Super Cobra version.

Building and painting tips

Glue the plastic parts with a thin cement for plastic, which melts the joint, and apply a thin layer into the seam with a fine brush. Fill and sand the seams, then spray the whole model with a primer, which will reveal any remaining grooves. Decals hold best over a gloss intermediate coat, and a matte clear coat pulls the result together. The cleanest color transitions come from an airbrush; when spraying by hand, apply the paint in several thin coats rather than one heavy one.

Who the model is for

• builders of military helicopters in 1:48 scale
• anyone interested in US Marine Corps equipment
• modelers who want a machine with plenty of armament on its stub wings
• builders with basic experience of plastic kits

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.