If you want to build a 1/48th AH-1F/S, this is the only game in town (that I know of). First issued by Monogram 1986 this is an older technology kit with raised panel lines. The kit has since been re-boxed under the Revell label as well.
Notable Kit Features:
Low parts count
Nice raised cockpit detail
Seats have seatbelts molded in
Two pilot figures included
Closed canopy
Raised panel lines
Tube launch rocket pods are very nicely designed and fit together well
Weapons include 2.75" (70mm) rocket pods
Decent 20mm canon detail
Build Inspiration:
I built my example as "Sand Shark" of US Army N Troop 4th Sq 2nd Armored Cavalry based in Iraq in 1991 (part of my Gulf War Warriors collection). This is the refined version of the AH-1Cobra. This attack helicopter had a front profile which is shockingly narrow.
Heads-Up Report:
The engine area is missing the inlet screens which should be added, although I forgot to (and once a kit makes it to the shelf, what are the odds that you are going to pull it back to correct a "finished" build issue?)
If you want an open canopy a bit of surgery is required
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Built Out-of-the-Box
End Result:
This is a simple build, perhaps too simple as the engine is only two parts split down the middle which makes clean up a bit challenging. As with the vintage Monogram kits raised panel lines are present and accounted for here (if you care). Desert paint finish was FS 33717 or FS 33711 with weathering added to match the reference photos that I had.
The After-Build Report:
I would still recommend the kit as a good jump-off point for an inexpensive, simple, fast build that gets you a decent kit build or a super-detailers start on a gem kit build (at least until something better is released.)
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers