Dave Roof

There will be a VMSB-231 SBD-5 on either sheet 32003 or 32004

Chuck, The sheet wasn't necessarily named for Chesty. David Telles, who submitted the name is a Marine and former M60A1 crew member. During the 80's, they would call the aircraft called in for CAS 'Chesty P's Iron Fists'. I liked it and will stick with it. Mike, All four aircraft are on one 8.5 x 11 inch sheet. The Academy F/A-18A and F/A-18D, as well as the Zoukei-Mura A-1H kits all include the stencils needed to complete the markings. The instructions for each option will point out which ones to use from the kit decal sheets. Here is an image of the sheet itself:

Yes, LtGen Lewis B 'Chesty' Puller. There will be a short introduction to him, as well as a brief description on how the name of the sheet came to be what it is. Thank you! Really looking forward to getting this printed and I've already started working on part II

Chuck, It's being emailed to the printer on Monday the 14th. Based on their quoted turnaround time, it will be back to me in 6 to 8 weeks. In that time, I plan to have the last of the instruction sheet artwork done and the bags packed. Shipping envelopes have already been ordered and the pre-order link is up on my site. Distributors and retailers have been notified as well. I'll write down all of the name suggestions and choose a winner on Sunday the 13th.

Gentlemen, A submission by David Telles of New Mexico just stuck and I knew the name of the sheet had been found as soon as I opened and read David's email! Thanks to all of you that submitted names. There were some really good ones. However, the above is it. It just sounds right. So, with the name selected and a look through Dafont.com, here is the new cover sheet for my next decal sheet:

This is as messy as my work bench ever gets, regardless of what I'm working on. There are three reasons for that. First, I'm a neat freak and can't stand things to be out of place. Second, my job in the Marine Corps required us to have a clean work bench to prevent FOD in the gear we repaired.....it was ingrained into our brain housing groups to work in a clean environment and it stuck. Third, I don't work on as many models as I'd like to and couldn't make a mess if I tried because of that!

If you look closely at the sprues for the upcoming Trumpeter A-1H, there is a toilet included......two of them in fact! Regarding other modern ordnance. I have several masters done, as well as in work that I hope to release within the next year. Not concerned if I get beat to punch either, nor can I provide a solid date. Too many other fires going that take priority at the moment. My primary MOS in the Marine Corps was Aviation Ordnance and I documented, measured and photographed damn near every piece of ordnance I worked with over a 22 year career.

Yeah, as much as I would like to see some of those subjects in 32nd scale, I prefer WNW to stick with what they do best. If I were to suggest anything, it would be more Marine Corps aircraft from the WWI, 20/30's era.

The model is absolutely beautifully done and one of the most detailed I've ever seen. However, the setting it's placed in completely takes the focus away from the model. I know, artistic license, your model and my opinion probably won't mean much. As a viewer though, the 'runway' base with taxiway lights and sign simply doesn't work with an aircraft that deep in maintenance. Sorry

I have never seen his S-3 intakes, so can't comment first hand. However, I have had or do currently own all of his F-4 intakes (in both 32nd and 48th), his F/A-18 intakes (again in both scales) and his 32nd F-8E intakes. I can tell you with 100% certainty that these are NOT copies of any other sets. Unless you or anyone else that has made accusations of piracy can back those claims with indisputable proof, I would refrain from making them.

I now have a II Plus kit in the stash and have plans to do a full review on it as well. Just trying to find the time right now is the issue. Most of the discrepencies noted in the afore mentioned review still apply though. Hopefully I'll have something solid posted this fall.

Mike, I have that sheet as well, but I am looking for the actual dimensions in inches for the real aircraft. I am drawing up a decal sheet for Marine Corsairs, Crusaders, Skyhawks and Skyraiders in 1/32 scale and need to know what the real dimensions were.

Gentlemen, Does anyone know what size national insignia (star and bar) were used on the F4U-4 and AD Skyraiders during the Korean War era? I think it was a 45" star, but I want to be 100% certain. Also looking for the size of the MARINES service identifier on the fuselage and bottom wing for both aircraft. My guess is 12 inch high letters (or possibly 18), but again want to be certain. While I'm at it, does anyone know where I can find information on the data stencils carried by both airframes? Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide. Dave

Gentlemen, Over the next few months, I will slowly be getting a space in the garage set up for casting resin. I know what equipment I need, but I'm not 100% sure how to set it up exactly. While I have worked for a resin caster in the past, that was more than 20 years ago and I don't quite remember how he had it. For any of you that have a set up in place, would you mind sharing photos and/or diagrams on how you have your pressure pot, compressor, vacuum chamber and pump hooked up? I have an 8 x 11 foot space and this would also help with determining the best layout for the equipment. Please post here or send info to my email address: flyingleathernecks@att.net Thank you, Dave

I have that book. I am trying to find out if the 'Ultimate Look' book has any coverage of the PBJ's...........I am really sorry for sounding ungrateful, but can't anyone just answer the specific question that is asked?

Dan, I would stick with the kit cockpit tub and get the Legend SJU-17's as they are currently the most accurate available in 1/32 scale. The BB/Avionix pit has a bunch of fictitious details on the aft bulkheads of each cockpit tub and the details on the instrument panels aren't any better than what's supplied in the kit. Dave

For anyone here that has this book: North American B-25 Mitchell The Ultimate Look Can you please look through it and let me know if there is good coverage of the details for the PBJ's used by the USMC?

How about underwing bomb racks and rocket launchers? I'm building mine as a PBJ-1J and will build the rader pod from scratch. However, rader pods for both the nose and wingtip would be nice as well.

Smiley faces man, I put smiley faces! My point was that aftermarket wheel wells for the kit are retailing for $50.00.......Harolds A-4 ejection seat is close to $20.00, the A-4E cockpit from Aires is about $40.00 and one for the A-4M will be about the same. While these aren't 'needed', the prices indicate that corrections for the A-4M will be close to $100.00, if not more. Of course not everyone cares about correcting the kit, but for those that do, it is going to be an expensive venture when it shouldn't need to be. For what it's worth, the canopy and windscreen are incorrect, as is the surrounding fuselage section where the aft end of the canopy attaches to it. For a 'correct' correction, all of this will need to be replaced. Oh well, back to my Hasegawa kit!

The retail on this set is $50.00........for wheel wells. Half the price of the kit.....anyone still think my comment about the A-4M needing about $100.00 worth of resin to correct it is off base?

Seriously? Does anyone not know what an opinion is? It isn't based on fact, it doesn't need to be shared by all, and there is no 'right' or 'wrong' when one is expressed. In MY opinion, the Trumpeter A-4M is a POS plain and simple. If the rest of you think it is fine as is, then so be it. Buy it, build it and be happy with it. Correct it or don't, it is entirely up to you. Sorry, but simply because I feel a kit is a POS doesn't obligate me to describe exactly why I feel that way, or to provide constructive feedback on that kit. I've looked at the sprue shots, I've seen close up shots of parts that were sent via email......I don't like it and prefer to stick with the Hasegawa kit. Like I said earlier though, if I get the opportunity to borrow a kit, I will write a review and point out what needs to be corrected and how to correct it.

Based on current retail prices for aftermarket items, I can gaurantee that any parts made to correct the Trumpeter kit will push the $100.00 mark when all is said and done. We already have intakes and scoops from Harold (no prices yet, but I'm sure they'll retail for more than $20.00) As you stated, the cockpit is very sparse and will more than likely be addressed by Aires (another $40.00 at least) A corrected canopy and windscreen? Depending on the medium used, there is another $20.00 +/- That is a conservative guestimate and we're already looking at $80.00 in aftermarket. Now, as I said earlier, the cockpit is somewhat understandable as any aftermarket cockpit is usually to improve what comes in the kit. The canopy/windscreen, intakes and scoops shouldn't even have to be considered. Trumpeter isn't a new company, so there is no excuse. Trumpeter catches crap because they don't listen (and the perception is that they don't care). Look at Kinetic for an example of a company that does care. Their first efforts with the F-16 were awful and they caught a lot of flak on the forums. However, they listened to the criticism, contacted modelers that knew the subjects they wanted to release and have improved with each model they release. While there are still mistakes being made, they are less frequent and minor when all things are considered. The fact is they are listening and trying their level best to improve. Trumpeter? Not so much. Oh, and as far as my comments about the Hasegawa A-4E being a better option to convert. I said that I would prefer to convert the Hasegawa kit than to correct the Trumpeter kit. That is MY preference and MY opinion. I never said it was the best option for anyone else and no one has to agree with my opinion. If you want to drop $100 on the Trumpeter kit, then another wad on resin to correct it, you are more than welcome to do so. Me? I'll pick up Hasegawa A-4E's in the $40 range and convert them. In the end, I would bet that my converted Hasegawa A-4E would give a corrected Trumpeter A-4M a run for its money. With the money saved I would buy a case of Sam Adam's Coastal Wheat and a couple of steaks to celebrate! If the opportunity to borrow a kit presents itself, I promise to provide the same level of review I did for the Harrier.

That right there is the problem. Why on God's green earth should we have to buy corrections for a new kit!? Conversions or more detailed items like cockpits I can understand, but not corrections. Sorry Harold, I'm just using you as an example here: Harold makes great stuff and he is in business to make money. However, I shouldn't have to give him money in order to get something that should have been in the kit to begin with! When all is said and done, that $100.00 A-4M is going to cost you close to $200.00 just to accurately build it as an A-4M. That should not have to happen.

'Praise' was the wrong word to use. We're all adults and are able to form and have our own opinions. In my opinion, the Trumpeter A-4M is a POS and a waste of $100.00 as lots of corrections still need to be made to get an accurate A-4M. You don't have to agree with or share my opinion. I never offered to help on the A-4M and was never asked, so my 'vitriol' toward it has absolutely nothing to do with them ignoring my help. They don't seek help knowing full well that there are dozens of modelers out there willing to lend a hand whenever necessary. The Hasegawa A-4E is not closer to an A-4M than the Trumpeter A-4M. I just said that I would rather spend $45.00 on a new Hasegawa kit and convert it, then spend $100.00 on the Trumpeter kit and correct it. You know, they screwed the pooch on the AV-8B series as well. However, I'll buy them and correct them as they are the only options for 1/32 Harriers. Their A-4's are not the only option, so I won't waste my money on them. For what it's worth, I would absolutely love to provide a detailed break down of the A-4M kit, just like I did for the AV-8B here a few years ago. Unfortunately, I cannot justify the expense to make that happen.

I do not own the kit and have no intention of buying it, so being able to provide a list of corrections isn't going to happen unless someone loaned me a kit. Which is also more than likely not going to happen.