1:35 AH-64 Apache (A, D, E Early, AH Mk.I, DI Saraf) folded main rotor, early blades & fold restraint systems, MUMT, AN/APG-78 Longbow/ADSS for Takom/Snowman kit

The real subject

The AH-64 Apache is an American attack helicopter with a tandem cockpit, a four-blade main rotor and stub wings with pylons. The main rotor blades can be folded back along the fuselage so that the machine takes up less room in transport and when parked in tight spaces; in the folded position they are held by special restraints. The name of the set lists the builds it suits: the early A version, the D version, the early E build, British AH Mk.1 machines and the Israeli Apaches known as the Saraf.

What the set contains

According to the name it is a group of parts around the rotor head and the external equipment of the machine:

• the main rotor in the folded position with early blades
• the restraints for the folded blades
• parts marked MUMT
• the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar and parts listed under the ADSS designation

The set is prepared for the Takom and Snowman kits in 1:35 scale and is an accessory for a model under construction, not a kit in its own right.

Building and painting tips

Before work, wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water and let them dry. Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder. A folded rotor will take very little inaccuracy: the blades have to lie symmetrically and parallel, so assemble them dry, check them from a distance and only then glue them. The suitable glue is given in the manufacturer instructions. When painting, allow for the fact that on real machines the leading edges of the blades are protected by a metal strip that quickly wears down to bright metal.

Who the set is for

For builders of modern helicopters in 1:35 scale who want to build the model with a folded rotor or to add equipment beyond the contents of the box. The package contains accessory parts. The kit, paints and glue are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.