Accurate Armour | 1/35 Westland Lynx AH-7/ AH-7 (IRCM & Filters)

Reviewed by Jay Laverty

Not being a Helicopter nut, I wasn't anxiously awaiting the release of these kits, and when they arrived recently, I have to admit to having a look at them purely from a modelling viewpoint, and on the merit of the modelling itself these are two truly amazing models.

I have long been a fan of Accurate Armours quality, having nearly a dozen of their kits in my collection. I have always appreciated the accuracy, and attention to detail as well as the high quality casting, which has always been among the best in the world.

Being that in real life the Helicopter exists in that strange "no mans land" between Aircraft and Tank, it is not surprising that his uncertainty carries over into the modelling world. even when you look at Modelling Magazines, they seem to exist in purgatory, with aviation magazines seeming to avoid them as 2tankie" subjects, and armour mags reluctant about them as "things with wings!" subject matter. However, I think the choice of 35th for Helicopters is a logical one and I am also very glad Accurate Armour chose to cover this subject.

As is the norm for Accurate Armour products, this kit comprises photo etched details as well as resin and there are also clear resin parts included for the windscreens etc. Mastered by David Jane and Rob Tearle, both versions of the Lynx include complete interior and exterior detail as well as a comprehensive decal sheet offering plenty of options for a variety of markings.

The detail of each of the components is very impressive, with a stunning cockpit included, I particularly liked the detail paid to TOW missile systems as well as the rotor and tail rotor.

There is allot to this kit and the construction is involved and accurately represents the detail of the real thing. Of course there are some points of the model that could further be enhanced with the addition of some fuse wire, but this is to be expected on any model, and personally I wouldn't feel right simply building a model "straight out of the box" regardless of what format it is.

There are two options of Lynx on offer from Accurate Armour at the moment and while they are both AH-7's one also comes with the IRCM and fitters necessary top make necessary to make an Operation Telic version (that's Gulf War II for our North American friends).

Now here's the hard part...

This kit isn't cheap.

H3501 Westland Lynx AH-7 £ 127.66 if you live outside of the EU.If you live inside the EU: £ 150.00

H3502 Westland Lynx AH-7 (IRCM & Filters) £ 148.94 if you live outside of the EU.If you live inside the EU: £ 175.00

However, I think it is well worth it myself. when you consider the price of the Trumpeter 35th scale Helicopters, then add in the extra detail and photo etched detail included here it balances out. Plus add in the fact that this is a unique subject, covered with amazing attention to detail it maintains a great value. Perhaps one of the greatest factors, is that in this large and impressive scale, the completed model really captures the look and feel of the Lynx, this will be a great value for both fans of the Helicopter as well as fans of building model helicopters in general.

I think Accurate Armour deserve to be commended for a job well done on a subject well worth covering, and the efforts of David and Rob in the mastering department are impressive, and all of this combines to make two very worthwhile models. While I wouldn't recommend these as your first full resin kit, as the work is fairly involved, if you have a decent level of experience working with resin these kits will be a very rewarding and enjoyable challenge.

H3501 Westland Lynx AH-7

H3502 Westland Lynx AH-7 (IRCM & Filters)

Accurate Armour | 1/35 Westland Lynx AH-7/ AH-7 (IRCM & Filters)

Reviewed by Jay Laverty

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