I modified the blades to include the tapered chord that the original kit lacks, and also added the blade balancing weights near the root (these tend to vary in size from blade to blade).
Also added various placards on the blades and hub, colour coding markers sometimes visible in reference photos.
Jeez; there’s model-making and then there’s model-making! A truly impressive model - puts my efforts on grubby AFVs to shame.
A superb piece of work; well done!
Simply stunning workmanship and fantastic attention to detail and scratch building skills. Totally agree re the beautiful looking Chech camo scheme.
this project has got to the point i can’t tell the difference between the model and the real thing.
Thanks so much for the kind words everyone!
Main rotor head is making progress. Still need to do wiring, washes, matt coat, weathering, but the main bits are largely there now.
Continuing to move forward on the last few items before final assembly.
I finished the rotor head detailing, blade weathering, chin bay doors, and inlet/exhaust FOD covers on the AH-1Z. I also added more contrast via airbrushed grime along panel lines, exhaust stains, oil streaking effects on panels where fresh grease tends to “run”, and oil leaks on the underside (not pictured here).
Fantastic!
Some more progress!
Got the wings, doors, door struts (scratched), and fuselage plugs by the nose (scratched, used to plug the holes for the blade fold rack) on. Also did underside leaks (oil paints) and exhaust streaks (ammo mig shaders).
Finally able to call her done, about 18 months from when the project kicked off. Some quick shots today, more to follow once I figure out how to actually fit the thing in the Photo Booth properly!
It is a masterpiece, simply put. From painting to detailing it is stunning in every way- I’m just in awe looking at it.
Awesome. It came out looking amazing.
Absolutely fantastic work!
Congrats for this great model. The extra work is very fine !
Let me know what Shows you go to so that I know not to waste my time entering the Helo catagory.!!!
Outstanding work!!! 
—mike 
