IAF Panther Helicopter Conversion

Wingman Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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Wingman Models has produced a very nice resin and etched metal conversion set for the Kitty Hawk Dauphin Helicopter to produce an Israeli Air Force Atalef (Panther) Helicopter.  The resin contained in this kit is highly detailed with crisp mouldings and no air bubbles.

The set contains all the interior parts that are unique to the Israeli version.  These parts include the rear cabin operators console and equipment.  These parts are quite large and occupy most of the rear cabin space.  A blanking panel is provided to replace the left hand side forward hinged door while another panel with a smaller window is provided to replace the rear sliding door.  The sliding door rail needs to be filled with plastic card and filler.  The interior conversion is completed with some etched metal parts and decals.

The exterior conversion requires some work that will require some kit surgery such as cutting, filling, sanding and drilling.  Most of this work is reasonably simplistic. An etched metal rear tail rotor blade is supplied to replace the kit’s plastic parts.  The etched metal is much thinner than the plastic part supplied and looks much more realistic.  The etched part just needs some subtle bending to achieve the correct pitch on the blades.  An entire new sensor pack is supplied to be fitted under the chin of the nose.  The exterior is completed with some etched metal panels and antenna bases.  A set of laser cut paper masks are supplied to mask the tail rotor and the squadron markings for the tail fin.  A complete set of laser cut paper masks has been supplied for all the transparencies and wheel hubs.

Finally a very nice set of decals is supplied to round off the conversion.  These cover the instrument panel and sensor operator’s panel along with the external data markings.  The squadron markings and the Israeli Star of David national markings complete the decal sheet.

Overall this is a very nice conversion produced by Wingman Models and allows anyone interested in Israeli Air Force aircraft to add the Atalef to their collection.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Wingman Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2014 by Mick Evans
Page Created 21 November, 2014
Last updated 21 November, 2014

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