Stokesy's ICM 1/32 Sneaky Snakey Cobra

Post by **Stokesy44** » Fri Oct 01, 2021 11:29 am

Here's the next project for the bench. Something entirely different from the recent stuff I have been working on.

Credit to 'Cliftons Curious', I bought the kit there on my first visit for some time since the shop relocated. Based in the East Midlands, only open at weekends and Bank Holidays. Highly recommended as a little oasis for modelers. Great selection of kits and supplies - free coffee too.

So here it is. Just box art to start.

Aftermarket masks and markings

Qiunta Studios 3-D cockpit decals

Sprue shots to follow.....

Post by **digger303** » Fri Oct 01, 2021 1:56 pm

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Oct 01, 2021 2:44 pm

Branching out…very cool

Absolutely love building helicopters, hope you find the same

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Fri Oct 01, 2021 11:01 pm

Nice! I hope you enjoy it and I'm watching along

Post by **digger303** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:33 am

Whats the rotor assembly like ?

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 3:35 am

Good to see someone else building whirly things!! Time to put the feet up.and watch.

I have an added interest in this be cause somewhere between here and Russia is another Cobra kit on its way to me for the 2nd time!!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 10:24 am

Wow, I didnt realize a chopper would cause such a stir.

Guys, I haven't even posted the sprue shots yet!!

digger303 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:33 am Whats the rotor assembly like ?

It looks ok but It will not go on the kit until one nano second before the end of the build.

So here's what's in the box.....

Plastic looks really nice. Crisp detail, no flash. Just hope it fits together!

2 of these, for stores and cockpit parts

There's definitely 2 versions in the box. My kit is an 'early' but ICM have now released a 'late', most of the parts are already in the box. 2 sets of the tail boom kind of gives it away

The clear parts are beautiful and will stay nice and safe in their bag for now

And we're up and running. Instrument detail all removed in prep for the 3D decals. Dry fitted for now but a pleasant start to the build.

Garion77 · Post by **Garion77** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:05 pm

Can't wait to see the build. Always wanted to try my hand on helicopters...but have to many kits already in my stash and waiting for 4 more

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 6:59 pm

Garion77 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:05 pm Can't wait to see the build. Always wanted to try my hand on helicopters...but have to many kits already in my stash and waiting for 4 more

Nearly all my stash IS helicopters!

Hence the interest in this one!!

Post by **digger303** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 1:45 am

How's the plastic ?....the older kits on the fine detailed parts are very brittle.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 8:53 am

digger303 wrote: Sun Oct 03, 2021 1:45 am How's the plastic ?....the older kits on the fine detailed parts are very brittle.

No complaints from me. Crisp detail, not too soft and so far, engineering that makes sense.

The weather closed in on fair Leicester yesterday and any attempts to use my spray booth would have seen the fumes blown back into the den along with the pounding rain.

Rather than waste the day I carried on with the various sub-assemblies. I built the gear box and installed it, then I figured out I could put the fuselage together without the cockpit as it slots in by simply dropping it in.

Its a big SOB. With the tail on its actually longer than the box!

The cockpit is dropped in. Its going to be highly visible when it all goes together.

I plan on having the engine covers closed so the transmission assembly is only there for the rotor to attach to. Also, the bulkheads give the fuselage good solidity.

Nice crisp surface detail

Happy so far. No drama. Just need the weather to behave!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 8:56 am

Garion77 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:05 pm Can't wait to see the build. Always wanted to try my hand on helicopters...but have to many kits already in my stash and waiting for 4 more

Brilliant! I have too many already but I've ordered 4 more just to be sure

Post by **digger303** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:42 am

Stokesy44 wrote: Sun Oct 03, 2021 8:56 am
Garion77 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:05 pm Can't wait to see the build. Always wanted to try my hand on helicopters...but have to many kits already in my stash and waiting for 4 more
Brilliant! I have too many already but I've ordered 4 more just to be sure

I've been looking for a Mash chopper for sometime. They have either been too expensive or I've been too slow..

Other than that I don't have one in the stash at all.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 10:51 pm

digger303 wrote: Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:42 am

I've been looking for a Mash chopper for sometime. They have either been too expensive or I've been too slow..
Other than that I don't have one in the stash at all.

I have to admit, Choppers are not really on my radar. I saw this kit advertised when it came out, like the subject and manufacturer, then I saw it in a model shop a few weeks later. It was fate!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:11 pm

Now the weather has calmed down, I managed to prime to cockpit this morning.

Then it was time for the 3 decals. They work like normal waterslide decals except on application, you use glue.

I started out small thinking if I screwed up it wasn't a disaster.

All very straight forward so I started on the IPs and side consoles. Very pleased with the results.

Gunner's station first

Then the pilot

I need to paint the seat cushions then install the harnesses. A bit more detail painting to do then its time for washes and dirtying up the floor and side walls.

Garion77 · Post by **Garion77** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:24 am

Wow !! the 3D decals are really great ! It's nice to see ones up close like that ! The build is going well and fast !

Post by **digger303** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:52 am

Those 3d decals are brilliant absolutely top of the modeling game in 2021 a huge step up in the quest for realism.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Oct 10, 2021 8:42 pm

digger303 wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:52 am Those 3d decals are brilliant absolutely top of the modeling game in 2021 a huge step up in the quest for realism.

Feels like cheating but I'll take the win!

2 good sessions over the weekend. Finished the bodywork by adding the fins, the skids and the nose. I had to fill the nose turret with coins to get the wait right otherwise the beast was squatting on its arse!

I also did some priming and filling (its an aircraft, not a tank, remember!!

)

The classic Cobra profile

I then applied the 3D decal seat harnesses and added the seats. They still need a wash and drybrush but the cockpit is basically finished.

The skids were a bit of a faff. At first the Cobra had a distinctly lop-sided look so I reset the skids and she seems to be ok now.

Thoughts so far? Its a nice kit, the fit is OK, not perfect but that says as much about me as it does the kit! Enjoying kit immensely and there's no better indicator than that.

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:46 pm

I'm curious - what glue did you use on the 3d decals? PVA or something else?
I've got a few to do on the Hinds when I start back up so any heads up would be appreciated.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Oct 10, 2021 10:03 pm

Fantastic build up so far

Loving the cockpit details

Post by **digger303** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 12:52 am

Stokesy44 wrote: Sun Oct 10, 2021 8:42 pm
digger303 wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:52 am Those 3d decals are brilliant absolutely top of the modeling game in 2021 a huge step up in the quest for realism.

Feels like cheating but I'll take the win!

2 good sessions over the weekend. Finished the bodywork by adding the fins, the skids and the nose. I had to fill the nose turret with coins to get the wait right otherwise the beast was squatting on its arse!

I also did some priming and filling (its an aircraft, not a tank, remember!! )

The classic Cobra profile

I then applied the 3D decal seat harnesses and added the seats. They still need a wash and drybrush but the cockpit is basically finished.

The skids were a bit of a faff. At first the Cobra had a distinctly lop-sided look so I reset the skids and she seems to be ok now.

Thoughts so far? Its a nice kit, the fit is OK, not perfect but that says as much about me as it does the kit! Enjoying kit immensely and there's no better indicator than that.

Definitely not cheating, they are just another part to be used if you so choose. After all the kit is comprised of multiple parts and someone saying it's cheating doesn't carve his chopper blades out of a piece of wood with a blunt razor. In a competition if judging 2 builds side by side and one used extra's and the other didn't then I would say allowances by the judge should be taken into account or a separate section for OTB builds.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 7:45 am

RangerNeil wrote: Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:46 pm I'm curious - what glue did you use on the 3d decals? PVA or something else?
I've got a few to do on the Hinds when I start back up so any heads up would be appreciated.

I used Tamiya glue. Not the Extra Thin, the next one up so it didn't run everywhere. Applied with the end of a cocktail stick.

RangerNeil · Post by **RangerNeil** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 9:23 am

Stokesy44 wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 7:45 am
RangerNeil wrote: Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:46 pm I'm curious - what glue did you use on the 3d decals? PVA or something else?
I've got a few to do on the Hinds when I start back up so any heads up would be appreciated.
I used Tamiya glue. Not the Extra Thin, the next one up so it didn't run everywhere. Applied with the end of a cocktail stick.

Cheers!!

Quinta say use "white adhesive" - I was assuming that to be thinned PVA but the Tamiya solution sounds good.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 1:07 pm

Somehow I've missed to his mate

Looking good mate

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Thu Oct 14, 2021 2:27 am

Very nice! I'm loving those 3D decals!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:26 pm

Only a small update today.

I did a little bit more fettlin' and added some more filler to a few parts that priming had shown up as needing a little TLC.

Then it on to the final build bits. Armor plate installed in the cockpit for crew protection and seats washed with thinned black acrylic.

Then the rotor head (and the nemesis of many a chopper chap!). Fairly straight forward build and not too many parts. Thankfully it can be completed without attaching the blades - much easier for painting.

Blades are done. I test fitted them to the rotor head and thankfully it does take the weight. That's the build section effectively done.

Post by **digger303** » Sun Oct 17, 2021 2:06 am

Beautiful and great to see the rotor head built with some strength.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Oct 20, 2021 11:24 am

Lovely cockpit detail, one of the good things about larger scales access is better, but so is the need to add more detail

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Oct 21, 2021 11:11 am

That's come together really nicely mate.

The cockpit looks superb and those 3d control panels are just a stunning addition - and as Digger already said it's no more cheating than adding any other A/M parts instead of trying to scratch build from raw materials.

Nice work - looking forward to seeing how you paint it all up now.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Nov 14, 2021 12:06 pm

Thanks for the comments gents.

I put the primer on a couple of weeks ago then I did the marble coat this morning. I did look at attaching the canopy before painting but since I plan to have the 2 side panels open it would have been a right old faff to try and do it. I went for the good old masking off the cockpit instead.

I then pre-shaded the panel lines. Now some people frown on pre-shading and to them I say

my kit, my choice.

I've gone for the marbling pre-shade as I want a faded dusty look for the bird. I'm thinking its been in-country for a while so the sun has bleached it a bit and the dust associated with all whirly birds will also have an affect. Hopefully I can lay the base coat down light enough that all the effects work will show through.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:22 am

Cool
How are you ‘marble coating’ technique wise?
It looks really cool like that

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon Nov 15, 2021 11:11 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:22 am Cool
How are you ‘marble coating’ technique wise?
It looks really cool like that

Cheers matey.

I use a 0.2 needle at 20 psi with the trigger guard set so I can pull the trigger hard against the resistor and only spray at about 5-10% of full capacity. I get real close the model and just do crazy random shapes until my arm falls off. I back off a little to add faint color to wider areas and that's about it.

Tamiya white paint with about 1.5x the normal amount of thinner.

I just hope when I spray the base coat I apply it lightly enough that the effect shows through.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:48 am

Lovely basting/marbling and panel highlighting work there mate

Garion77 · Post by **Garion77** » Tue Nov 16, 2021 10:21 am

you did a great job with the marbling. I love that technic but have so much trouble putting on by getting the right thinner/paint/air pressure ratio that I'm moving away from it.
Cant' wait to see the finish paint result !

smokeriderdon · Post by **smokeriderdon** » Tue Nov 16, 2021 7:34 pm

Yeah yeah, pre shading. Whatever.

Looking good man! ICM has done some real turds in the past, so nice to see this one is a good kit.

ForeverPlasticKits · Post by **ForeverPlasticKits** » Tue Nov 16, 2021 9:34 pm

Your build looks wonderful,

!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Wed Nov 17, 2021 8:57 pm

Thanks Guys

I applied the base coat yesterday. Tamiya paint as usual.

I got the rotor blades and rocket pods done too

Overall I think it needs a bit more color because the pre-shade is too prominent in places. The marbling is still showing so I just need to be a bit careful not to destroy the effect

Post by **digger303** » Wed Nov 17, 2021 10:56 pm

Yeah liking it a lot.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Thu Nov 18, 2021 12:40 am

Yep I thought just a touch more colour...but not too much, that is the tricky bit
Looks fabulous

Post by **Tomcat64** » Wed Nov 24, 2021 2:04 pm

Awesome work mate - the marbling & pre-shade are looking good and like you said could probably do with a mist coat over the top to try and blend it all together.

But it really does look superb already

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon Nov 29, 2021 5:37 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 2:04 pm Awesome work mate - the marbling & pre-shade are looking good and like you said could probably do with a mist coat over the top to try and blend it all together.

But it really does look superb already

Thanks mate. Its taken a while but I finally got back to the old whirly thing today. I had a good look over the fuselage and picked out the areas that needed more depth in the paintwork.

Much happier now.

The underside looks much better now, me thinks

She's now ready for the decals and masks, that's a job for next weekend.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 29, 2021 6:12 pm

Yep that’s got it, now your marbling and panel lines work to advantage
Paint work looks great

Post by **digger303** » Mon Nov 29, 2021 11:12 pm

yep paint looks good

Post by **Tomcat64** » Tue Nov 30, 2021 11:18 am

Yep that's brought it all together nicely - great work mate!

Looking forward to seeing her decalled up now

Post by **Stokesy44** » Tue Dec 14, 2021 11:57 am

As Covid curtailed any would be holiday plans I have ended up with some leave to take before year-end. I've been nicely holed up in the den for a couple of days working on old sneaky snakey.

Masking off the canopy and fuselage codes - used a Mondex set

Nice result for the glass

Fuselage and tail codes

Decals added and cockpit unmasked. I will brush paint the decals with matt varnish to seal them in

Mondex did supply a mask for the UNITED STATES ARMY lettering but I went with the decal because the mask was a royal faff in trying to apply it. More on that later

This is NOT a decal, this is the Montex mask. The decal folded up on itself and despite everything I tried it refused to unfurl. So I went back to the mask and cajoled it into position.

Rotor assembly - the blades are properly in and they sit really nicely. Always a worry with a chopper.

Next up is sealing the decals then its oils to finish.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Dec 14, 2021 12:11 pm

The marksing and stencilling has come out a treat mate, as have the decals

BigWall · Post by **BigWall** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 1:20 am

It's looking great! The close up shots really show the subtlety in the paint job.

Post by **digger303** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 1:08 pm

Wow that s nice, I like the way they colour modulation isn't to pronounced. Very subtle and not in your eye, but the eye drifts to it as one searches for the details.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 8:39 am

Great work with the masking & stencilling mate - the canopy sections are really clean & the numerals especially look spot on

ForeverPlasticKits · Post by **ForeverPlasticKits** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 9:05 pm

Your armed chopper is wonderful even if it's not finished!

Really great job!