"This is the Italeri (ex-DML) OH-6A Cayuse, or more commonly known as the Loach.  The Loach was used in Vietnam in hunter killer or "Pink" teams in combination withe the AH-1 Cobra to find the Viet Cong.  Once the Loach found something the AH-1 Cobra would roll in and do its stuff.

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I love this kit (I have five more of them waiting to be built).  However, it is a bit tricky, with the main canopy being difficult to fit. I used the Eduard detail set which is really essential, giving you extra details such as seat belts and other cabin details.  I added a bit of clutter normally found on Loaches, such as an M60, grenades, helicopter helmet and of course a Cav hat.  I also added an FM wire antenna along the bottom of the helicopter.

I'd like to thank Dave Campbell and Hugh Mills for their help.  Dave gave me some useful modelling tips on fitting the canopy and Hugh provided me with some great photos of the Loach from his days in Vietnam."

Simon