AZ Models AH-1Gs are the first new Vietnam-era Cobras to hit the market in quite some time. While a nice model, there are some limitations that plastic can’t replicate as well as I would hope. This has to be overcome by photo etch, and Brengun has just what the doctor ordered.

Packaged on card stock to protect the PE, the Brengun single fret of nickel plated metal includes some really nice additions to the kit and replaces things that should be replaced. Brengun includes a lot of things to dress up the cockpit: seatbelts, shoulder harnesses, instrument panels, side consoles, handles and gun sights to name just a few. The armor side panel for the XM-35 20mm weapon system is included as well. Sway braces, ejector racks, and rocket pod front and rears round out the upgrades for the armament.

The instrument panels also come with a clear acetate sheet with the instruments printed on them. You will need to add some white paint to the rear of the acetate, and then a typical sandwich would be formed with the plastic part, acetate and photo etch panel.

The instructions are simple enough to understand. They are printed on a small single sided sheet of paper in black and white. Some references might be needed for smaller details, but the instructions are adequate for the job.

The photo etch is used where it makes sense. The quality of the photo etch pieces is as good as you have come to expect from the likes of Eduard and others. The upgraded parts are going to add a lot to your Vietnam-era Cobra. Brengun is to be commended on this release.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Brengun and IPMS/USA for the review copy.