Dave Roof

Very Nice Harold!

Gentlemen, This sheet is off to print and is expected to be released toward the end of May. Sheet is 8.5 x 11 inches and includes markings for six F/A-18D's from VMFA(AW)-121, VMFA(AW)-332 and VMFA(AW)-533 during operations over Bosnia and Iraq. Full color instructions with ordnance load sheets and complete modeling notes for each airframe will be included. It will retail for $20.00 (which includes shipping to all US addresses) and pre-orders will be taken starting tomorrow (Monday, 6 April). Markings are obviously scaled to fit the Academy F/A-18D. Thanks for looking, Dave

Matt, Just found this, absolutely beautiful work. As an FYI in case you decide to build another (or for anyone that is going to build one). The correct colors for the Zulu are FS 35237 on the top and FS 36375 on the bottom. All of the colors called for in the instructions are wrong.

HARM and Rockeye on an A-6E? I'm well aware is it only a model, but I don't think that's a legal load. Are you going for accuracy or the 'cool' factor? Let me know and I'll dig out the weapons stores loading manual for the Intruder to double check.

I would wait a bit to see if Eduard scales up their HARM missiles. Their 1/48 versions are fantastic and much less expensive than the same produced by CMK.

Gentlemen, Has anyone ever tried to graft the separate forward fuselage/nose section of the Tamiya F-4E onto the Revell kit? If so, does it fit or are the differences between the two kits too great? Thanks, Dave

Actually, their GBU-12's aren't accurate. They have details specific to the GBU-49, which is a dual GPS/Laser guided 500lb bomb. I'm really hoping Eduard starts scaling up their ordnance as they have the upper hand in price and accuracy.

AGM-88 HARM: http://store.spruebrothers.com/product_p/cmk5092.htm AS-34 Kormoran: http://store.spruebrothers.com/product_p/cmk5091.htm

You think it's that high of a percentage? I'm thinking more like 5% or less. Just read on ARC that a member picked up the F-4G at his local Hobby Lobby for $35 with the 40% off coupon! Going to our local HL tomorrow to see if they have it!

Another thing to consider is the fact that for every one of 'us' (that meaning those that are concerned about the accuracy of kits), there are probably a dozen or more of 'them' (that meaning they're not all that concerned) and will be happy building the kit just as it comes out of the box. Both sides will be happy with their 1/32 F-4G, regardless of how they build it or what they correct.........or don't.

That is not what I said Gary. Harold, the missiles in your photo are HARM. The AGM-78 was simply ARM (Anti-Radiation Missile).

Would I assume that kit 32001 would be the better of the two to get if I wanted an SNJ?

First of all, I didn't complain, nor am I unhappy about anything. I stated that in my opinion the AGM-88 HARM that is included in the Academy F/A-18 and F-16 kits is a more accurate representation of the missile than all other options and you appeared to take offense to that. I still stand by that statement. I have not purchased your set for the simple reason that I will not pay $32.00 for two resin items that don't really improve on what is already included in the above kits. Again, this is a personal opinion and my choice. Having 10 32nd Hornets in the stash, I have enough HARM missiles for numerous projects. What actually could have avoided all of this were better pictures, a more detailed description (I see the listing has been edited) and more accurately depicted castings of your products on Ebay. While these would not have changed my opinion of the Academy parts, I would not have pointed out issues I saw with your items. Respectfully, Dave

Gentlemen, My knowledge of both the aircraft and the KH kits are a bit lacking. How difficult would it be to convert either of the two T-6 kits released by KH into an SNJ-3? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Dave

Gary, I simply pointed out that the nose cone of your missile is rounded off. It does not come to a point as it should. I stand by my statement as it is my opinion based on personal first hand experience in handling the weapon. Photos of the real missile below (the second image to really good effect) show the faceted nose cone as it comes to a point. Again, it is my personal opinion that the Academy AGM-88 HARM captures the 'look' of the missile more accurately. Respectfully, Dave

From the photos you have of your HARM on Ebay, the tip of the nose is round. On the actual missile, the forward portion of the radome is faceted and comes to a point. The rear of the missile is flat and has a black rubber weather seal that protects the rocket motor. This seal is burned off when the missile is fired. The aft end of your missile appears to be open, or have an 'indention'. However, the Academy HARM also has this issue. Regarding the faceted nose radome, Academy has captured it more accurately. The diameter of the missile is 10.00 inches. The Academy HARM scales out to 10.25 inches. The length is 164.00 +/- inches and Academy scales out to 161.00 inches. 3 scale inches, or 3/32 of an inch short. The fin span is dead on at 24 inches and the wing span is 1 inch short at 43 inches, with the actual wing span being 44 inches. Overall though, the Academy HARM more accurately depicts the shape of the missile as a whole when compared to all other options.

Not quite. The HARM included in the Academy Hornet and F-16 kits are more accurate than any others out there, including all current aftermarket resin items. Having spent almost my entire Marine Corps career as an ordnanceman, I'm pretty confident with that assessment. Nice to know they corrected the nose radome though. Definitely going to get one.

If you have an Academy F/A-18, you have excellent HARM missiles to load up the F-4G. With any luck, Eduard will start releasing their ordnance items in 32nd scale!

I'm almost done with the artwork for the first of two sheets covering USMC Intruders. The first will have markings for VMA(AW)-224 and VMA(AW)-533 during Desert Storm. Squadron markings and stencils for two aircraft (one from each squadron) and the Modex/BuNo/Crew Name/Aircraft Name/Mission markings for all 20 A-6E's at Sheik Isa AB during ODS. The second sheet will cover a single A-6A/E aircraft from each of the six ACDU USMC Intruder squadrons......VMA(AW)-121, 224, 225, 242, 332 and 533. Planning on a Fall release for both. Dave

The seats included with the Avionix A-6A cockpit, which are the one's sold separately in the links above, do not accurately represent any seat! They are a mix of GRU-7 and GRU-5 and many of the details are completely wrong for either seat.

Wasn't aware of that Mike.

No ATARS yet. Rhino Model Works produces the best (and currently the only) set. Ebay is the only source for Rhino products and they are not listed at the moment.

Keep in mind that the GBU-12, as marketed by CMK are not GBU-12's. The CMK items more closely match the GBU-49, which is based on the BLU-133 (similar to the MK-82). The -49 is both GPS and Laser guided. The 'knobs', for lack of a better term, on the foward end of the guidance and control section are the GPS domes. The most accurate GBU-12 (basic system used throughout OIF and OEF) can be found in the Academy F-16 kits.

I'm not MAW Decals.........I own/operate Flying Leathernecks Decals. Creighton Henthorn was MAW and he is no longer in the hobby business. I do in fact have sheets coming in 32nd scale for Marine Corps A-6E Intruders. Desert Storm will be covered first with multiple options for VMA(AW)-224 and VMA(AW)-533. The second sheet will cover 121 and 242. The third sheet will cover 332 and VMAT(AW)-202. VMA(AW)-225, flying the A-6A in Vietnam, was deactivated in 72 and never received the A-6E. Steve did an awesome job covering the A-6A's in Vietnam, so that art work has been shelved. Can't help with the EA-18G markings.

Gentlemen, The LAU-10 5.00" Zuni rocket pods provided in the Kittyhawk OV-10D are close to two scale feet too short. Go with Paul Fisher's if you plan to load these pods on your kit. Still going over the rest of the ordnance provided, but it isn't looking too good for those either.