This is the first sheet from WernersWings and they have started with a good one. As you may know, the owner, Floyd Werner flew these helos during Desert Storm and after so it is a natural that this would be their first sheet. The AH-1F (which was the AH-1S before the Army started running out of suffixes for it) has been kitted by Monogram and Fujimi in this scale, with most probably choosing the Monogram kit. The sheet covers no fewer than 13 helos, most of them with a shark mouth.

The predominant color for these is Army Helo Drab, though some are in a sand scheme of FS 3371 for which I'm not sure if there is a ready mixed paint. The vast majority of these schemes is from Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in early 1991, so I'll only note those that are not part of the first Gulf War. As to the decals themselves, the printing is done by Cartograf, ensuring that you have the best available. Forgive me for not showing all 13 profiles, but you can see them at the manufacturers web site if so inclined.

First up is Floyd Werner's white shark mouth painted 'Vicious Vonnie' from C troop, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry division.

Second is 'Betsy' also from the same unit at the same time.

In sand is 'Sand Shark' from the 2nd Aviation Brigade, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

'Wild Thing' is in a two tone sand scheme with no shark mouth from N Troop, 2nd Aviation Brigade, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

The fifth option is also sand colored with no shark mouth named 'Jack Daniels Brand Old #7' from the 2nd Aviation Brigade, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Moving to Bosnia in 1996 is the last AH-1F to fly in Europe and also piloted by Floyd Werner with IFOR, E troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division.

Next is another aircraft flown by Floyd Werner when with E troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division. This was the last Cobra to be crashed in Europe and it carried a nice red and white shark mouth.

Other shark mouth and OD helos include two options for 'Venom'; another nice red and white  shark mouthed version in Germany; 'The Road Warrior from 10th Mountain division in Somalia; one painted with a sand slurry; another with a three tone scheme photographed at Fort Rucker; and finally another sand colored and unnamed helo from Desert Storm.

Needless to say, there are enough options to make just about anyone happy. An additional sheet includes a variety of stencils and other data markings as well as a run of serials in case you wish to model something not on the sheet. From the looks of it, you can do at least three of the options with this sheet alone.

The set comes with four pages of full color painting and placement guides. There is also a separate data and stencil guide along with a CD that includes photos of all of the markings options in the set. This CD has detail images as well that makes this an excellent set of markings and if you are a helo fan, then you should seriously consider getting this one.

March 2010

Review copy courtesy of www.wernerswings.com. Get yours direct or at your local shop or on-line retailer. 

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.