Floyd Werner has come to the rescue with a correction to the Kitty Hawk 1/48 AH-1Z Viper kit by issuing a resin linkless ammo box for the right (starboard) side. Now, this is not an absolute must have, as you can always leave the ammo door closed, but it is necessary if you are going to open the door. Floyd Werner provides great instructions showing exactly what to modify on the kit along with color photos of the linkless ammo box being installed in an AH-1Z. A re-sealable zip lock bag holds the part and the instructions. This part can also be used in any AH-1W kit as well since many AH-1Ws have been retrofitted with the linkless ammo box. If you happen to have the Italeri 1/48 AH-1Z, the linkless ammo box can also be used there, but the Italeri kit does not have an ammo bay so you would be creating the bay on your own.

Werner’s Wings has molded the linkless ammo box perfectly in light grey resin with no apparent bubbles. The linkless ammo box is supplied as a single resin part with minimal flash that is easy to cleanup. On the right (starboard) fuselage ammo bay, you will need to remove a small box. No need to be fancy as the replacing part will completely cover the resulting hole. The linkless ammo box should butt up to the back and lower walls of the bay. The ammo chute does not need to touch the front wall of the ammo bay.

Although most paints will adhere to resin alone, I would recommend that you wash the part to remove any remaining mold release and prime it first. It will need to be installed with your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin.

Floyd Werner’s linkless ammo box is an easy part to install, in fact you will spend much more time painting it. The instructions provided are top notch and should be a model for all aftermarket producers.

Highly recommended!

Thanks to Werner Wings and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.