Airfix Model World – September 2019

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

AS565 PANTHER

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

AS565 PANTHER

36 Airfi x Model World

Fine Transfers AR88001 Small
Rivet/Fastener Heads (www.
archertransfers.com).
One of the kit’s anomalies now
presented itself, as Trumpeter
supplied a superbly detailed
representation of the type’s
twin Turbomeca engines plus
associated rotor-head assembly,
which was built upon a panel
that fitted neatly into a fuselage
recess. However, there was no
provision for displaying the
model with the engine covers
lifted/removed. It was almost
as if there were two separate
designers; one focused on
creating exquisite detail, the
other aiming for an easy-to-
assemble kit.
The completed engine received
MRP-84 Fine Surface Primer,
in case an opportunity arose
later to rework the model, so
the powerplant was exposed.
Exhausts were finished with
blended Alclad ALC-123 Engine
Manifold (www.alclad2.com) over
a base of ALC-104 Pale Burnt
Metal, with ALC-113 Jet Exhaust
to finish, as these are the only
elements that would be visible
once the covers have been fitted.
Rotor-head orientation
markings were added on the
blade holders and swashplate
control rods. Initially this was
attempted by masking and
painting the parts, but this
proved problematic in the space
available, so fine strips of decal
(obtained from the spares box)
proved much easier to use within
the confines of the finished sub-
assembly and gave a neat finish.

Fine Transfers AR88001 Small
Rivet/Fastener Heads (www.
archertransfers.com).
One of the kit’s anomalies now
presented itself, as Trumpeter
supplied a superbly detailed
representation of the type’s
twin Turbomeca engines plus
associated rotor-head assembly,
which was built upon a panel
that fitted neatly into a fuselage
recess. However, there was no
provision for displaying the
model with the engine covers
lifted/removed. It was almost
as if there were two separate
designers; one focused on
creating exquisite detail, the
other aiming for an easy-to-
assemble kit.
The completed engine received
MRP-84 Fine Surface Primer,
in case an opportunity arose
later to rework the model, so
the powerplant was exposed.
Exhausts were finished with
blended Alclad ALC-123 Engine
Manifold (www.alclad2.com) over
a base of ALC-104 Pale Burnt
Metal, with ALC-113 Jet Exhaust
to finish, as these are the only
elements that would be visible
once the covers have been fitted.
Rotor-head orientation
markings were added on the
blade holders and swashplate
control rods. Initially this was
attempted by masking and
painting the parts, but this
proved problematic in the space
available, so fine strips of decal
(obtained from the spares box)
proved much easier to use within
the confines of the finished sub-
assembly and gave a neat finish.

 Additional scratch-built detail was added

to the cabin doors and fuselage, including

air-scoops, hinges and shackle points.

 The fit was such that minimal neatening

was required to the completed engines, and

this was easily achieved with abrasive paper.

 Most of the moulded detail was
appropriate to the scale, but the
rivets on the rotor hub were distinctly
oversized and required attention.

 They were removed with the aid of a

sharp scalpel and abrasive paper, before

more suitable replacements were sourced

from Archer Fine Transfers.

Each of the well-appointed

Turbomeca engines comprised 12

parts, and replicated the basic shape

of the real powerplants faithfully.

The engine/rotor-hub sub-

assembly was a miniature kit in

itself; it was a shame that just

the exhausts would be visible

on the finished model.

“rotor-head orientation markings

were added to the blade holders”