Monogram 1/72 Huey Cobra Team By Al Superczynski

First released as a blue box (BB) kit in 1968 as PA191 this example is the 1973 Mattel reissue, apparently the second and last time Monogram's Huey Cobra was released as a double kit. The only other release I'm aware of was the 1977 boxing (kit #5000) which only contained parts for one helicopter without the nifty stand.

Each model consists of 38 cleanly-molded olive drab parts and two clear parts for the canopy and nose. There's also a nice two-piece clear stand to display the two helicopters in formation, along with a fairly comprehensive decal sheet.

In tune with the times, there's not much in the way of cockpit detail despite the large and relatively thin canopy - a couple of bulkheads, two identical crew figures, decal instrument panels, a gunsight, and two seats with molded-on harness detail; no sidewall detail at all, and no controls. On the plus side, exterior detail is very well done with finely raised panel lines and petite rivets appropriate to the type. The model's outline is very accurate but it's unfortunately patterned after an early production aircraft, having the tail rotor mounted on the port side. After about the 38th aircraft AH-1Gs were built with the tail rotor on the starboard side, changing from a 'pusher' to a 'tractor' to provide increased control authority. Swapping it to the other side on the kit would entail the loss of some surface detail and some tricky work on (or replacement of) the rotor blades.

Another big plus is the armament - a well-done chin turret with a 40mm grenade launcher and .30cal minigun. The stub wings each carry a pair of SUU-11 rocket pods, nicely done if a bit simplified and a rarely-seen bit of ordnance in 1/72 scale.

The decals in my kit are a bit yellowed and somewhat thick but are probably still usable; oddly the white areas aren't discolored and the yellowed clear film probably wouldn't be noticeable over dark-colored paint. Assembly instructions are adequate, with good detail painting tips, and decal placement diagrams consisting of photos of a completed model.

Since the only other 1/72 scale AH-1G was the later and somewhat crude Matchbox kit this Snake is highly desirable and would seem to be a prime reissue candidate, not having seen the light of day in nearly 30 years. How about it, Revell-Monogram? And, if it does ever get reissued, how about a resin cockpit set, Cobra Company? ;) In the meantime, either of the double kits should easily be available on the second- hand market for no more than $20, with the single kit release going for somewhat less.

Until next month, "Build what YOU like, the way YOU want to", above all have fun, and be sure to visit Al's Place while you're surfing the 'Net!