Building the Kitty Hawk 1/48 Scale AH-1Z “Viper” Attack Helicopter

In this model video, we build, airbrush paint, detail and weather the 1/48 scale AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter plastic model Kitty Hawk kit #KHM 80125. This is amateur Project #21 and was selected from a random draw of viewer suggested topics.
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Copyrighted Image: “168800 QT-640 AH-1Z HMLAT-303” By Jason Grant (used with his permission).
Checkout Jason Grant’s beautiful aviation photography on his Flickr webpage: www.flickr.com...
Other Photos and video used are Public Domain from U.S. military and other governmental agencies.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Music Credits:
“Wrapped in Dreams - Base Track 02” --- by frankum - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC by 3.0)
“Sad Ambience” by Reg1n0ld -- Creative Commons (CC0)
“At The Edge of Space” by Andrewkn -- Creative Commons (CC0)
“Sphere” by Andrewkn -- Creative Commons (CC0)
"Golly Gee" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons...
Movie clips Public Domain due to lack of or un-renewed copyrights:
“Smart Alecks” (1942)

[@petermoscone3115]

another great build that brings enjoyment & comfort in this difficult time..thanks Tom and stay healthy & safe to you and to all your viewers..

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Peter, thank you and I'm sure your thoughtful comments are appreciated by everyone watching! Be safe 😀

[@cygnusx10]

Fantastic build with an amazing finish. Personally I'd like to see you take on a couple more choppers in the future, no rush though. Great vid thanks for sharing.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you once again cygnusx10, hope you're well 😀

[@typedbyben]

When I was about 10 Dad and I built a CH53 with that exact same little artillery kit you showed on the CH54 box. Memories...

[@diecast_MikeEspo]

Nice to see a different model , Kitty Hawk attack Helicopter, very cool Awesome work. Mike Espo .

[@notthatdonald1385]

Do you have a website I can visit?

[@diecast_MikeEspo]

No sorry , but you can email me at [e-mail]

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Mike, thanks, great to hear from you again 😄

[@noahalgar-hedderson6990]

I wish that I could be as talented at model building as you

[@notthatdonald1385]

IMO the most important skill is detail, and *patience* .

[@JazzJaRa]

All these Miss-takes are so familiar xD and i really don't like etch parts xD But that's a very nice looking Cobra! Even if i like the AH-1F more :D

[@notthatdonald1385]

I've decided mistakes happen no matter what, so I accept them, and grudgingly do what is needed. :)

[@dominickkrahnstoever7362]

I saw time one of your videos that you use the Iwata eclipse airbrush. You used to have the Neo. Is it much of a difference? My neo is broken and I'm not sure if I should get the eclipse or the neo.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Dominick, the Eclipse is nice, but I don't think it's worth the larger ticket price over the NEO.

[@jagwathney]

Really enjoying these videos during these trying times...thanks

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi John, I had some difficulty getting this one uploaded -- long story. But, I kept trying because I knew there would be viewers out there needing some escape from current events. 😐

[@ThePacolicious]

So glad you decided to make more vids

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks ThePacolicious 😃. However, other than the B-52G model build video, I've observed a noticeable decline in number of views the last handful of episodes have reached before leveling off -- a trend of diminishing returns. 😕

[@JeffreyStrader]

Dang, Kitty Hawk dropped the bomb on that kit.............(the fit and finish sucked 100%!)

[@MrAcecombatx]

Nice job! Greetings from Germany

[@MaxAfterburner]

Danke sehr Garuda 1 😊

[@ghosturbx]

Hello, I saw your b52-g and thought that the Tu95 was like the b52 but soviet, Im getting the Tu95 in 1/72 and would think you'll love the model, search for it on ebay, there are the bets prices! BTW, great model, love the paint job

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much Jakub 😃

[@ghosturbx]

@@MaxAfterburner is "viewers choice" where the viewers decide what model you should build? If yes, I'd recommend the Tu95, I also love your b52 and f14, both great models! Nicely done, also how do you capture your building videos, I started a yt channel where I'll build models, and I'm going to build th Tu95 since there aren't many model videos on KZbin, Thanks

[@RedPolarBearRanger]

The Pakistanis didn't get Vipers due to sanctions placed on them by Trump Administration, however some US Marine Vipers were sold to the Czechs in addition to the ones that were built just for them, the Slovakians might also be getting Vipers too, the Nigerians also might be getting some, there was a rumor going around that the Filipinos also might get them along with AH-64E Apache Guardians but that was confirmed as false.

[@boythitipong4790]

I want some strange words in Thai language. Will understand the method of teaching 🇹🇭

[@robbo1068]

Great build and commentary......super paint detailing and weathering. It's always a pleasure watching (and listening to) you build your models as the finished products are a testament to your skills. Although right now times are tough but they too will pass....stay safe and keep modelling everyone!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Robert, thanks so much for all your comments 😃. Be well and safe!

[@dt4629]

Another great build. Just wondering: How come you always preshade with NATO black instead of just black?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi dt4629, the NATO Black can create some realistic shadows in spaces, whereas the flat black would be too stark and that would only occur in extremely well lit environments. 🤔

[@lancet.346]

Nice! This former grunt loves Cobras and their pilots.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Lance T. 🙂

[@michaelevans205]

As always, really enjoyed this one. Not a helicopter fan myself, but a great result and terrific model. My own period is WW2 and the thirties but I still find a lot in your videos to help my technique. Ah, the AIM 9L. In 1982 the Royal Navy had this on order for it's then new Sea Harrier force. Hadn't got it when Argentina invaded the Falklands/Malvinas. It was thanks to the manner in which the US expedited delivery of these missiles, a massive improvement over the old AIM 9G, that the task force was able to deploy them in aerial combat. They provided a decisive edge. They were delivered to the ships en route to the South Atlantic by air drop and still in their USAF crates, suitably embellished with Bitburg lettering. I liked the Bob Ross comment. Very apposite! Keep up the great work. Regards from the UK.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Michael! What an interesting story about the Sidewinder deliveries. Glad and honored that the UK and the US are allies. 😃

[@paulwarren1173]

Very impressive. I build airplanes and scared to death to try helicopters. How do you mix your Tamiya paints for good brushing results? Not airbrushing.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Paul, I usually don't thin my paints for hand brushing. I just keep the amount of paint on the bristles to a minimum. Thanks for watching! 😉

[@Classic8]

More MAGTF! You have the Cobra and the Harrier... Next an Osprey, F-35B, CH-53K and a UH-1Y Venom.

[@cushionbelly2519]

Wow. Feels like more than a month since your last video. Excellent build. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you so much David 😇

[@cushionbelly2519]

@@MaxAfterburner No problem. Your modelling skills are superb, but I love the information you add to your vids. 👍🏻

[@kevinm3751]

Semper-Fi... thank you for your service!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Much thanks Kevin 😃

[@kyawnaing65]

wow, I forget to watch this video I am sorry max_afterburner.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Always plenty of time 😀

[@imdoobie80]

Do you have a Facebook page for your model building? I'd like to learn how to make my own decals and I'd like to figure out how you scale the paint scheme for the aircraft like you did on the raptor a while ago.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Aaron, I do not have a modelling Facebook page. I do go over in more detail how I scale things during my Su-27 Flanker B model build video if you want to check that one out. 😉

[@spookyryder6482]

Shame Kitty Hawk went out of buisness they had good helis hope another company can get the molds

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Spooky Ryder, I guess time will tell if those will be salvaged by someone. 🤔

[@Boeing734]

You should do a model collection video. Great job on the model.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Aidan, I'm thinking about doing a video tour of the collection sometime in the near future 😉

[@flackcat5928]

Just a suggestion, put down a base coat of white wear the red and gold goes. That white undercoat will help that red and gold pop. Great build.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Flack Cat, thanks for the tip. I wanted to keep it a bit subdued so I leaned towards a more "used" look. 😉

[@bhjihhu4703]

I think I saw this somewhere else but you are definitely the bob ross of modeling

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Bhji Hhu, very kind. I'm glad I don't have that hairdo though! 😉

[@stevie65able]

Beautifully done as always. One of my favourite helicopters alongside the Huey.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Stephen, thanks! 🤩

[@stevie65able]

Max_Afterburner You are welcome Tom.

[@robertiams4198]

Thanks Max....well done as usual.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Robert, thanks, much obliged 😊

[@apathtrampledbydeer8446]

That chopper is such a beauty, I think it supassed the Apache on my list, upp there with MI-24.

[@rastkonikolic6380]

I have a suggestion for you, make a patreon page!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Rastko, that’s a very kind sentiment 😃. Because of Patreon’s past behavior of getting involved against their own clients by cancelling their services to the popular KZbin channels and commentators who they disagreed with politically, I feel it is a company I do not want to have any dealings with. I’m against censorship and hypocrisy.

[@michaelnaven213]

Hawaii, lived there surfed there. Great waves just watch out for the Amtracs

[@dokt_ERR]

Please don't end your channel Max

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for the support Erlangga Raditya 😇

[@CMMSFP]

Best weathering EVER!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hey Chris M., thanks!

[@notthatdonald1385]

Awesome build once again! I'm finishing an F-16 HAVE glass, Caracal Decals, "small mouth" by Revell. I even tinted the canopy! Next I'm stepping up to a Tamiya F-15 Eagle, and my skills improve each time!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Donald! Sounds like you're having some fun too, good luck and enjoy 😊

[@mustangbob51]

yet another knock it out of the park build. i hope you have a great way to display these models Max. keep up the great work as always!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, great to hear from you again! 😀

[@echodad7864]

You should do an f35 next

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Windows tech support, I have had a number of requests to do a "Fat Amy" aka the "Pregnant Rat". Maybe soon, I have to see how the channel fares. 🤔

[@norikotakaya14292]

Really liked the build video. You're really good at what you do. I was kind of hoping you were going to build the Academy 1/35 scale AH-1Z Viper which is the kit I bought, but it was cool watching you put this one together. Good job! I just hope I can do as good a job on mine as you did on yours.

[@MaxAfterburner]

You can do it Eddie! 😊

[@robertsalanon2909]

Très beau montage ...Congrest ...

[@MaxAfterburner]

Salut robertsalanon2909, Merci! 😃

[@juliohernandez6856]

Oohrah!!! Love the build as always! First time seeing the commander's bird. Great job, thanks

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Julio 😎

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Very nice build.

[@MaxAfterburner]

I'm glad you like it and great to hear from you again Sprue! 😃

[@lawrencereid9375]

GREAT paint job and build as always including all your facts and performance data for the subject in question.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Lawrence, thanks! I learn more things about the aircraft/ship when I do these too 🤓

[@chopstyx1]

So glad to see another video. I hope this means the copyright issues were resolved and it's business as usual now?

[@MaxAfterburner]

That copyright issue is still in limbo 😒

[@chopstyx1]

@@MaxAfterburner Ah, I'm sorry to hear that dude. I hope it gets worked out for you.

[@guiandelacruz1077]

Hey Max you know that your a amazing KZbinr but also a great man you know my favorite helicopter The Viper so thx Max for this video and I love it

[@MaxAfterburner]

Glad you liked it Guian! 😀

[@robertozanoni5186]

Excellent work....

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Roberto! 😃

[@Nbwest609]

That's a nice looking helicopter. I really like the info you put up as you build, thanks for the video.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Nathan 😀

[@chrisanderson9355]

Another great video! Thanks for making this one. I have this kit in my stash and doing a little test fitting to see how things fit I put it away. The parts fit so poorly yet you still did an amazing job. Stay safe and keep up the good work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Chris, I'm glad you enjoyed this Viper 😀

[@captaincruise8796]

Quite impressive.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you Captain Cruise 😉

[@EdsAttentionToDetail]

It is amazing how many variants exist of the AH-1. Great kit review and build. I might just put this one on my "gotta have" list. Looks superb.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Ed, thanks! If the 1/48 scale happens to be a little too small for any builders out there, I understand Kitty Hawk makes a 1/35 scale of this.

[@EdsAttentionToDetail]

@@MaxAfterburner, I personally prefer 1/48 scale. Most of my aircraft models are in that scale.

[@modeltankguy]

awesome build so happy to see you back to the channel pllz keep them coming

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Gilbert! I'll have to see how this one performs 🤔

[@foabmoab]

Very nice work, Max ^-^

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Foab Moab, hope you're well! 😃

[@foabmoab]

@@MaxAfterburner Doing as well as can be with everything going on, heh. Hope you're okay.

[@cs8862]

Awesome build as always buddy! Stay safe!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Carlos, you too!

[@Miguel-re2hv]

Funny Miss Takes! Good vid! Thank you

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Miguel, glad you enjoyed it! 😃

[@johnk7134]

Hello, nice build-once again! Two questions :) @ How long do you let the putty to cure and after the metal file, do you use another sandpaper? I am asking because this putty tends to breakes(but is non toxic) and the metal file usually leaves a rough surface. Take care!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi John K, I was using the metal file more for the plastic than the putty. I usually use a wet cotton swab to smooth out the putty. If you decide to use a fine grain sanding stick or something like that after the putty dries, I'd wait about 24 hours first.

[@johnk7134]

@@MaxAfterburner Ok i see, many thanks

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Great job .... 🤩🤩🤩

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you, Gianluigi 🤗

[@gianluigimarino8264]

@@MaxAfterburner Great!!!! 🤩

[@borissblinov1181]

👌👌👌👌

[@MaxAfterburner]

👍👍👍

[@Planehazza]

Pop corn and comfy seat at the ready :)

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Harry, thanks! 😊

[@jakeenglish4974]

This is awesome! Keep it up

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Splash One! 😃

[@putuplasts7940]

Excellent, I love that engine!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you very much! 😎

[@JuanGarcia-up2gz]

awesome great work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Juan! 😊

[@butirki77]

Beautiful build, keep up the good work. My question is how often do you service the other models?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Yousif 😃 Service?

[@butirki77]

Max_Afterburner yeah I'm sorry I mean you know after some time some parts fall off, decals also etc

[@MaxAfterburner]

Ah, the biggest problem I have is dust accumulation even if the models are enclosed. I usually don't fiddle with them after they're shelved because I end up damaging them, so they're just kind of left alone to age gracefully.

[@butirki77]

Max_Afterburner yeah the same problem exactly I damage and can't get parts. Thanks keep up the good work

[@bryanjacla1068]

Another great build. And no notif from this appeared on my notifications. Next build " A Story and a Model" II. Is this in the last polls?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Bryan, thanks! I'm not sure if there's a hang up on the notifications, but this video has "bombed" by leveling out already. One of the worst openings for my model videos ever. The subject for #22 was not one of the candidates in the last viewer's election.

[@bryanjacla1068]

@@MaxAfterburner B-17 Memphis Bell?

[@MaxAfterburner]

I'll just say it's a modern era jet that was flown by the USAF and USN 🤭

[@bryanjacla1068]

@@MaxAfterburner is this an attack aircraft or a air superiority? Is this the Phantom II?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Not the Phantom II. I'm not giving you anymore clues Bryan 'cause I know you'll figure it out right away hahaha!

[@lgoldtop1]

I love this channel so much! I would like if you were to do some tutorial vids too on your techniques!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Lgoldtop, thanks! 😃

[@blueline308]

Your bacground sound effects are awful. It really distracts from an otherwise very fine video.