Back in August 2021, a new outfit going by the name of “MARS Industries” launched a Kickstarter campaign for an iconic vehicle in 1:18 scale – None other than the Air Wolf Helicopter! Here’s the scoop direct from the campaign page –
Announcing the 1:18 Scale AIRWOLF™!
….Can you hear it?
This all started as personal project to bring life to a childhood dream of owning a toy Airwolf that could go on adventures with GI Joe. This toy was never to be… until today!
While in development, we have strived to pack in as many practical features, accurate details and durability into this product as possible.
The Concept: To build a scale version of Airwolf that would accommodate the popular scale figures of our childhood….and make it AWESOME!
Materials used:
The finished product will be a combination of:
– Durable Resin (Body)
– Vacuumed formed plastic (Canopy Windows)
– Steel
– Neodymium Magnets
Airwolf will accommodate 3-3/4″ inch as well as 4″ inch action figures.
Interior Details
Front seats are adjustable to accommodate nearly all 3-3/4 and 4″ action figures
Rear seat is can be positioned in a wide range in the rear cockpit and also rotates.
Available Models of Airwolf being currently offered through this Kickstarter are:
DIY Edition:
Standard Edition molded in color:
Airwolf Masterpiece Edition fully painted:
Exterior Details
All landing gear retracts and locks into place with magnets, limiting wear & tear
Airwolf comes in at 29 inches long with the tail attached.
Size comparison to two widely known GI Joe toys:
…Wait…. Did they say “With the tail attached” ???
Did we forget to mention that the rotors, weapons pods, engine AND tail detach for playability, easy display and a smaller footprint ??
BAZINGA!!!
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Well, it sure did to 159 backers, as they pledged a total of over $70,000 to bring this project to life back in September of 2021.
As time marched on, this campaign fell victim to the most common of Kickstarter headaches – delays. There’s also rumblings within the community of not-so-pleasant commentary from the creator(s) when asked on delivery status, timelines, et al. I personally haven’t read them (nor did I dig deep enough find these comments, so your mileage may vary).
With a year and a half now gone, backers have begun receiving their product. For those that opted with the DYI kit, it’s unfortunate to say that a complete mess is heading their way, as illustrated by Kessel Run Collecting.
KRC has 17+ years of experience as a prop & model builder, so this kit should have been an absolute breeze. Thankfully, he’s posted videos of his experience, showing that the last thing this project has been is enjoyable. The worst rub? No refund is being offered. Ouch.
Check out the videos below and if you picked up an Air Wolf for yourself, let me know in the comments if you’ve experienced the same.
SURVEILLANCE PORT 
well I received my airwolf kit version, my first thing was to unbox and inventory. Well the canopy was molded opaque and not clear, there are tons of flash but I kinda expected that, it did not have an inventory list or an assembly guide, the decals could be more vivid and clear, a painting guide would have been nice but I can research that with a little internet magic. It did not come with the magnets or a placement guide for the magnets. This kit will need plenty of sanding and trimming. It will be a bit of a challenge as a kit and it is by no means a toy, more of an adult collectable. I can see where some enterprising 3d modelers could fill a nitch making better detailed parts for this kit. All in all it is not a complete disappointment but it will take some work to build it.
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Thank you so much for your feedback, Starfighter! Although disappointing to hear the condition yours was received in, at least it’s somewhat reassuring to know that it was received none-the-less.
I’d love to see pics of your progress (if you don’t mind that is, of course!)
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What I can give a glowing review to is the products done by 2nd Dynasty. Their 28mm science fiction ships are just plain amazing 3d prints. These ships have intense interior detailing, tight down to multiple decks, coffee machine and cups and the most important things on a spaceship, the bathroom. Check out their products.
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WOW! Thanks so much for the recommendation, those are EPIC! I’m really digging the Beta and Chimera designs. UGH, now I need these. >.<
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If you do a review of the 2nd Dynasty builds I can say that their designer made these models insanely detailed, easy to build (literally you can snap it together, i used glue though for better durability)and just plain fun to display. The paint by the way was all rattlecan rustoleum and acrylic paint pens. While I am a pretty good modeler I do wish Mars industries had done a better modeling job, included a parts list as well as a build guide, which they do have as a pdf( i would have included a card at least with the pdf link) but i had to request it.
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